By Ashiadey Dotse
An initiative to integrate fibre optic installation into ongoing government road construction projects, is being pushed by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. Under the proposed Dig Once Policy, road contractors will be required to include fibre chambers in road designs to enable telecom companies to lay cables without the need to excavate even long after roads have been constructed.
According to the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George the Dig Once Policy could reduce the cost of fibre optic infrastructure rollout in Ghana by up to 60%, as the government intensifies efforts to expand broadband access and improve internet connectivity nationwide.
Speaking at the 15th anniversary launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Minister explained that the policy is designed to significantly lower deployment costs for telecom operators, while strengthening Ghana’s digital infrastructure drive. The initiative will also help reduce the damage done to roads when utility installations are required to be done across or near roads.
Sam George says, the initiative will integrate fibre optic installation into ongoing government road construction projects under the Big Push programme. Under this arrangement, roads to be constructed will be required to include fibre chambers in road designs, enabling telecom companies to lay cables without the need for separate excavation works for such installations.
According to him, this will allow telecom operators to simply access pre-installed ducts to deploy fibre, thereby eliminating repeated digging, reducing civil works, and cutting down capital expenditure on network expansion. Mr. George stated that, the policy could reduce fibre rollout costs, describing it as a more efficient and cost-saving approach to infrastructure development.
He noted that, at present, both road construction and telecom fibre projects involve separate digging activities, which significantly increases costs. He said integrating fibre infrastructure into road projects will improve coordination between sectors and eliminate unnecessary duplication.
The Minister further disclosed that the draft policy framework has been completed following consultations with the Ministry of Roads and Highways, due to the cross-sector impact of the initiative. He added that the final draft has been received and will soon be submitted to Cabinet for approval, with the government targeting implementation approval by the third quarter of the year.
Samuel Nartey George described the Dig Once policy as a transformative step for Ghana’s digital economy, saying it will expand broadband coverage, improve internet quality, and potentially reduce data costs for consumers.
He expressed confidence that the policy will create long-term efficiencies within the telecommunications sector while supporting Ghana’s broader digitalization agenda and economic competitiveness.
