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August 20, 2026
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Fibre repairs drain millions Ghana needs for digital expansion
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth
Key Points
- Ghana's digital economy is plagued by escalating costs due to fibre optic cable damage from construction, with operators spending millions annually on repairs.
- Fibre cuts surged from 3,900 ($7.5M) in 2021 to 10,034 ($17.4M) in 2022, reaching $20M in 2025, and are on pace to exceed 8,000 in 2026 if no action is taken.
- Beyond direct repair costs, these incidents cause significant service disruptions for businesses, consumers, and public institutions, undermining economic productivity.
- The industry proposes solutions like the "Dig Once" principle (integrating fibre ducts into new road projects) and improved coordination, mapping, and protection of existing infrastructure.
- There is a strong call for greater accountability for negligent or deliberate damage, emphasizing that fibre protection is a critical infrastructure and economic policy issue for Ghana's digital future.
Why This Matters
This issue is critical for Ghana as it directly undermines the country's investments in digital infrastructure and impedes its economic development goals. Frequent fibre cuts disrupt essential services, increase operational costs for telecommunication companies, and hinder the growth of Ghana's digital economy, including financial services and AI ambitions. Addressing this problem is crucial for ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure and maximizing the return on national investments.
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August 24, 2026
GoldBod denies GH¢1bn BoG overdraft claim, demands retraction and apology from Boako
- The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has vehemently denied claims by MP Dr. Gideon Boako that it owes the Bank of Ghana (BoG) a GH¢1 billion overdraft.
- Dr. Boako, a Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, questioned GoldBod's reported GH¢907 million profit, stating an outstanding overdraft would reflect a loss.
- GoldBod labeled Dr. Boako’s claim as “totally false,” a “deliberate and malicious smear campaign,” and demanded a retraction and apology.
- This dispute is set against a broader political and economic debate concerning GoldBod’s financial performance and the accounting treatment of GH¢22 billion losses from the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
- GoldBod asserts it has never taken any loan, overdraft, or debt instrument from the Bank of Ghana or any financial institution since its establishment.
August 24, 2026
GoldBod losses remain key on Minority agenda as Parliament reconvenes – Afenyo-Markin
- The NPP Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, reaffirmed the caucus's commitment to investigate a reported US$1.7 billion loss linked to the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
- This commitment was reiterated after Afenyo-Markin met with NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in Accra.
- Dr Bawumia commended the Minority Caucus for its accountability efforts and encouraged their continued work.
- The reported loss, equivalent to about 1.5% of Ghana’s GDP, will be a key issue for the Minority as Parliament reconvenes.
- The Minority is resolute in pursuing the matter to get answers for the Ghanaian public regarding the circumstances of the loss.
August 23, 2026
Why celebrate $2.62bn FDI while losing $1.7bn under the Domestic Gold Programme? IERPP asks
- The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) welcomes Ghana's US$2.62 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a sign of investor confidence.
- However, IERPP tempers this optimism with concern over an estimated GH¢22 billion (US$1.7 billion) loss from the Domestic Gold Purchase Program (DGPP).
- The DGPP loss is significant, equating to about 65 cents for every US$1 of FDI attracted, highlighting a major resource management issue.
- IERPP emphasizes that while FDI is crucial, it cannot substitute for prudent management and protection of existing public resources.
- The Institute calls for greater transparency, a clear breakdown of DGPP losses, and intense scrutiny from accountability institutions, Parliament, and civil society.