By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, May 6, GNA – Mr Sam Nartey George, the Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, has underscored the critical importance of standardised specifications in protecting Ghana’s fibre optic infrastructure.
The Minister said just as essential utilities like water and electricity were catered for during roadworks, digital infrastructure such as fibre optic cables must be treated as a vital lifeline.
The Minister made these remarks virtually at the 24th edition of the Chamber of Telecommunications Knowledge Forum in Accra, which was attended by the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and representatives from various telecommunications companies in Ghana.
The forum, on the theme, “Leveraging Fibre for Accelerated Development”, also saw the unveiling of the Telecommunication Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual.
This document is aimed at guiding and harmonising the deployment of fibre optic infrastructure across Ghana.
The document is an industry-developed manual which sets the benchmark for fibre optic deployment in Ghana and our collective journey toward resilient and future-ready infrastructure.
He revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to ensure better coordination and protection of these crucial communication lines during infrastructure development projects.
Mr Nartey George expressed strong support for the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications’ initiative in developing industry-wide fibre optic minimum specifications and standards.
This is not merely a technical document but a vital regulatory and governance tool that will ensure uniformity, safety, and interoperability across all fibre deployments, both underground and aerial, he said.
The minister cautioned that without those standardised specifications, Ghana risked fragmentation, continued destruction of infrastructure, inefficiency, and high maintenance costs.
The Minister stressed that those standards, covering aspects from trenching depth to splicing procedures, were essential as the nation pushes towards increased broadband coverage, especially in rural communities.
The Minister stated that the protection of fibre infrastructure is non-negotiable and called for a collective effort from all stakeholders, including communication operators, infrastructure providers, municipalities, and contractors.
He urged them to actively participate in shaping Ghana’s fibre future by adhering to and refining standards.
A solid and resilient fibre infrastructure is paramount to achieving this goal and positioning Ghana as a digital hub in West Africa, he emphasized.
He commended the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the technical team, and all stakeholders for their contribution to the significant milestone and supported the regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), in its move to convert these industry standards into national standards.
GNA
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