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The government has indicated that the proposed “Dig Once” policy could reduce the cost of fibre infrastructure rollout in Ghana by as much as 60 percent, in a major step aimed at expanding broadband access and improving affordability of data services.
Speaking at the 15th anniversary soft launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the policy is designed to significantly cut deployment costs for telecom operators while strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.
He explained that the initiative will integrate fibre optic infrastructure into ongoing road construction projects under the government’s “Big Push” programme.
Under the proposal, road contractors working on new projects will be required to include fibre chambers in road designs, enabling telecom operators to install fibre cables without the need for separate excavation works.
According to him, telecom companies will only need to secure right-of-way access and deploy cables through pre-installed ducts, eliminating repeated digging and reducing capital expenditure on network expansion.
“The Dig Once policy could, by some estimates, reduce the cost of rolling out fibre in Ghana by almost 60 percent,” he stated.
Mr. George noted that both road contractors and telecom operators currently carry out separate excavation works, a situation that increases infrastructure costs unnecessarily. He said integrating fibre ducts into road projects would create a more efficient and cost-effective approach to infrastructure development.
He disclosed that the Ministry has completed a draft policy framework following consultations with the Ministry of Roads and Highways, given the cross-sector nature of the initiative.
According to him, the final draft has been received and is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for approval, with government targeting implementation clearance by the third quarter of the year.
The Minister described the policy as potentially transformative for Ghana’s digital economy, arguing that reduced fibre deployment costs could support wider network expansion, improve connectivity, and eventually lower data prices for consumers.
He added that the initiative is expected to create long-term efficiencies in the telecommunications sector while supporting Ghana’s broader digitalisation agenda and economic competitiveness.
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