Illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, accounts for about a quarter of fibre-optic cable cuts recorded across Ghana, Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George has disclosed.

He said the growing destruction of underground fibre infrastructure by illegal miners is posing a serious threat to the stability of Ghana’s telecommunications network.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 7, Mr George said galamsey had emerged as one of the major causes of disruptions to the country’s fibre network, alongside road construction and activities by private developers.

According to him, illegal miners frequently damage fibre cables while excavating the ground, often without notifying telecommunications companies or the relevant authorities.

“25 percent of fibre cuts are a result of galamsey. The telecom industry is one of the worst hit by the activities of galamsey operators,” he said.

He explained that while road contractors generally report instances where their work damages fibre infrastructure, illegal miners often fail to do so, making it difficult for telecom operators to respond promptly.

Mr George said the situation was particularly concerning because fibre-optic networks form the backbone of Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure, carrying substantial volumes of voice and data traffic.

Any damage to the network, he noted, could interrupt internet and other communication services, especially in areas where alternative fibre routes are unavailable.

The Minister further pointed out that repeated fibre cuts place an additional financial burden on telecommunications companies, which have to deploy personnel and specialised equipment to trace damaged cables, carry out repairs and restore services.

He warned that the continued destruction of telecommunications infrastructure by illegal mining could undermine the reliability of digital services and deepen network disruptions across the country.