The government says its proposed “Dig Once” policy could reduce the cost of fibre optic infrastructure deployment in Ghana by as much as 60 per cent, a move expected to accelerate broadband expansion and improve internet accessibility across the country.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed this during the 15th anniversary soft launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
According to the Minister, the initiative is intended to reduce the financial burden on telecom operators while strengthening Ghana’s digital infrastructure base.
Mr. George explained that the policy will integrate fibre optic installations into ongoing road construction works under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
Under the proposed arrangement, road contractors will be required to include fibre chambers in road designs, enabling telecom operators to install fibre cables without undertaking separate excavation works.
According to him, the policy will eliminate repeated digging of roads by both contractors and telecommunications companies, allowing operators to access pre-built underground infrastructure through approved right-of-way arrangements.
“The ‘Dig Once’ policy could, by some estimates, reduce the cost of rolling out fibre in Ghana by almost 60 per cent,” he stated.
Mr. George further disclosed that the Ministry has completed the draft policy framework after consultations with the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
He said the proposal is expected to be presented to Cabinet for approval in the coming weeks, with implementation targeted for the third quarter of the year.
The Minister described the initiative as a potentially transformative intervention for Ghana’s digital economy, noting that it could improve connectivity, strengthen service quality, and eventually reduce data costs for consumers.
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