The government has indicated that the proposed Dig Once policy has the potential to decrease the expenses associated with the rollout of fibre infrastructure in Ghana by up to 60 percent. This initiative is designed to expedite broadband expansion and enhance access to affordable data services.
During the soft launch commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, remarked that the policy is anticipated to significantly reduce deployment costs for telecom operators while bolstering Ghana’s digital infrastructure efforts.
The Minister explained that the policy aims to incorporate fibre infrastructure into ongoing government road construction projects as part of the Big Push programme.
Under the proposed framework, contractors engaged in the construction of new roads will be mandated to integrate fibre chambers into their road designs. This will enable telecom companies to install fibre cables without the need for separate excavation activities.
Mr. George elaborated that telecom operators will only need to obtain right-of-way access and can lay fibre through the already constructed chambers, thereby eliminating redundancy in civil works and minimizing capital expenditures related to network expansion.
He stated, “The Dig Once policy could, by some estimates, reduce the cost of rolling out fibre in Ghana by nearly 60 percent.”
He further pointed out that both road contractors and telecom operators currently perform separate excavation tasks, which unnecessarily inflate infrastructure costs. He asserted that integrating fibre chambers into road construction would foster a more efficient and cost-effective method for infrastructure development.
The Minister revealed that the Ministry has finalized the draft policy framework after incorporating feedback from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, acknowledging the cross-sector implications of this initiative.
As per his statement, the final draft was obtained this week and is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet for approval, with the government aiming for implementation approval by the third quarter of this year.
Mr. George characterized the initiative as potentially revolutionary for Ghana’s digital economy, contending that reduced fibre deployment costs should facilitate broader network expansion, enhance internet connectivity, and ultimately lower data costs for consumers.
He further mentioned that the government expects the policy to foster long-term efficiencies within the telecommunications sector while bolstering Ghana’s wider digitalisation agenda and economic competitiveness.
