‘Dig Once’ Plan Could Slash Fibre Rollout Costs by 60% — Sam George

Government is projecting major cost savings in Ghana’s digital infrastructure expansion, with the proposed “Dig Once” policy expected to reduce fibre deployment expenses by up to 60 percent.

Speaking at the 15th anniversary soft launch of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, outlined how the initiative could reshape broadband development across the country.

According to him, the policy is designed to cut down operational costs for telecom operators while accelerating efforts to expand reliable and affordable internet access nationwide.

At the core of the proposal is the integration of fibre infrastructure into ongoing road construction projects under the government’s Big Push agenda. This approach would require contractors to embed fibre ducts or chambers directly into road designs during construction.

With this system in place, telecommunications companies would no longer need to excavate roads independently to lay cables. Instead, they would gain access to pre-installed pathways, significantly reducing duplication of civil works and lowering capital investment requirements.

Mr. George emphasized that the current model—where both road builders and telecom providers dig separately—drives up costs unnecessarily. Aligning these processes, he noted, offers a more efficient and economically sound approach to infrastructure delivery.

“The Dig Once policy could, by some estimates, reduce the cost of rolling out fibre in Ghana by almost 60 percent,” he stated.

He further revealed that a draft framework for the policy has already been completed, incorporating input from the Ministry of Roads and Highways due to the cross-sector nature of the initiative.

The final document, received earlier this week, is expected to be submitted to Cabinet for consideration, with approval targeted before the third quarter of the year.

Describing the policy as a potential game-changer, the Minister said reduced deployment costs would enable broader network coverage, improved connectivity, and more competitive data pricing for consumers.

He added that beyond immediate savings, the initiative is expected to drive long-term efficiency within the telecom sector while reinforcing Ghana’s wider digital transformation and economic growth strategy.