Ghana: Illegal mining accounts for 25% of fibre cuts affecting telecom networks- Sam George

Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, accounts for about 25% of fibre cuts affecting Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel  George has disclosed.

According to the Minister, galamsey operators frequently cut underground fibre cables while excavating, disrupting telecom services across affected areas.

He said the telecom industry is particularly vulnerable because, unlike road contractors who may report accidental fibre cuts, illegal miners often do not report the damage caused to telecom infrastructure.

“Illegal miners (Galamseyers) won’t report anything to you. So it’s a real challenge that the sector is facing,” Mr George said during the Government Accountability Series on Monday(7 September) in Accra.

He said the damage caused by illegal mining is one of several factors contributing to network degradation across the country, alongside fibre cuts linked to road construction and private developments.

Mr George said road construction accounts for about 49% of fibre cuts, while private developers and other activities account for approximately 26%.

The Minister stressed the need to address the various causes of fibre cuts to improve the quality and reliability of telecommunications services in Ghana.