Copyright ghanaguardian
Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has expressed deep frustration over the persistent destruction of its fibre-optic cables across the country, describing the situation as the company’s biggest operational challenge. Despite repeated warnings and appeals, road contractors continue to damage the cables during construction works, causing major disruptions to communication and business activities, as well as posing security risks. Speaking at the 2025 MTN Media and Stakeholder Forum for the Central Region, Magnus Coffie, General Manager of Network Operations, said the company spends an average of GH¢20 million annually on fibre relocation alone, in addition to several millions used to replace damaged lines. “Anytime there’s a road construction and our fibre is cut, communication is affected, businesses suffer, and it even becomes a security concern,” Coffie lamented. He emphasized the need for road and construction companies to collaborate with the Chamber of Telecommunications and network operators to properly relocate cables before undertaking any excavation works. Coffie revealed that the Chamber and its members are preparing a petition to the Minister of Communications to seek a lasting solution to the recurring problem. Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to providing quality and reliable services. According to him, the company continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, with US$240 million spent this year to improve its network capacity, expand coverage, and introduce new innovations in artificial intelligence and other digital technologies. Michael Gbewonyo, General Manager for Internal Audit and Forensics, highlighted MTN’s focus on enhancing connectivity and advancing digital platforms to integrate Ghana more effectively into the global digital economy. He also outlined several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives under the MTN Ghana Foundation, including scholarships for tertiary students under the Bright Scholarship project, and health facility upgrades such as the Bawjiase Polyclinic, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital blood bank, and the Twifo Praso Hospital children’s ward. In line with environmental sustainability efforts, Gbewonyo announced MTN’s upcoming Embedded SIM (E-SIM) rollout—a digital version of the traditional SIM card designed to provide a seamless mobile experience. He encouraged the public to adopt the technology. Janet Quarshie, General Manager for Retail Experience, said MTN plans to establish community service touchpoints nationwide to bring customer care closer to consumers. These centres will handle services such as SIM sales, registration, and replacement, reducing the need for customers to travel long distances. David Woasey, Area Sales Manager for Central and Western Regions, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to strengthening relations with the media and promoting transparency through open dialogue. Commending MTN for its engagement efforts, Nurudeen Issah, Deputy Central Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urged the company to use its communication platforms to support environmental sustainability campaigns. Kingsley Nana Buadu, Central Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), lauded MTN’s collaboration with the media and appealed for a support scheme for journalists in the region to promote professional development.
