The Government of Ghana says a proposed “Dig Once” policy could reduce the cost of deploying fibre infrastructure by nearly 60 per cent as part of efforts to expand broadband access and strengthen the country’s digital economy.
The initiative, being spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, seeks to integrate fibre-optic infrastructure into major road construction projects under the government’s Big Push agenda.
Speaking at the 15th anniversary soft launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the policy is designed to eliminate duplication in infrastructure development and lower network expansion costs for telecom operators.
Under the proposed framework, contractors building new roads will be required to incorporate fibre chambers into road designs during construction. Telecommunications companies would then be able to install fibre cables through the pre-built chambers rather than carrying out separate excavation work.
According to the Minister, the current system forces both road contractors and telecom operators to independently dig up roads for separate infrastructure works, significantly increasing costs and creating avoidable inefficiencies.
He explained that the new approach would allow telecom operators to focus mainly on securing right-of-way access and laying fibre cables, reducing civil works expenses that typically account for a large portion of network deployment costs.
Sam George described the policy as a potentially transformative step for Ghana’s digital infrastructure strategy, noting that lower deployment costs could support wider broadband coverage, improve internet connectivity and contribute to more affordable data services for consumers.
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry has completed the draft policy framework after incorporating recommendations from the Ministry of Roads and Highways because of the policy’s impact on road infrastructure development.
According to him, the revised draft was received this week and is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. Government is targeting implementation approval by the third quarter of 2026.
The Dig Once policy forms part of broader efforts to accelerate Ghana’s digitalisation agenda, improve national connectivity and enhance the competitiveness of the telecommunications sector.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
