For many Ghanaians, a dropped call or slow internet has become frustratingly common. Now, MTN Ghana’s CEO Stephen Blewett has publicly identified the main culprit: deliberate damage to fibre-optic cables. In a recent statement, Blewett described the problem as the company’s “primary operational hurdle” and revealed that 157 network sites have been disrupted due to cable cuts.
The scale of the problem
Fibre-optic cables are the backbone of modern telecommunications. They carry huge amounts of data that make mobile money, video calls, and internet browsing possible. When these cables are cut — often by construction work, road digging, or vandalism — entire communities can lose connectivity.
According to Blewett, the 157 affected sites represent a significant portion of MTN’s infrastructure. Each cut not only disrupts service for thousands of users but also requires costly repairs and rerouting of traffic. The CEO stressed that this is not a minor issue but a crisis that is “actively degrading the digital lives of millions of Ghanaians.”
Who is affected and why it matters
MTN Ghana is the country’s largest mobile network operator, serving millions of subscribers. When its fibre network is damaged, the impact is felt across the economy. Businesses that rely on stable internet for transactions, students attending online classes, and families using mobile money all experience interruptions.
Fibre cuts also affect the reliability of services like MoMo (Mobile Money), which has become essential for daily payments and savings. For many Ghanaians without bank accounts, a disrupted network means they cannot send or receive money when they need to.
The problem is not unique to MTN. Other operators face similar challenges, but as the market leader, MTN’s struggles have the widest consequences.
What is being done
Blewett did not announce new solutions in detail, but he made it clear that MTN is treating the issue as a top priority. The company is likely increasing patrols of fibre routes, working with local authorities to prevent accidental cuts, and investing in backup systems to reroute traffic when cuts occur.
However, the CEO’s public statement suggests that current efforts are not enough. The 157 disrupted sites indicate that the problem is widespread and persistent. For customers, this means that until a more permanent solution is found, intermittent service issues may continue.
What customers can do
While the responsibility for protecting fibre cables lies mainly with network operators and government agencies, users can take some steps to minimise the impact on their own connectivity:
- Report cuts promptly: If you notice a damaged cable or ongoing construction near fibre lines, report it to MTN’s customer service. Quick reporting can speed up repairs.
- Use multiple networks: If your work or business depends on reliable internet, consider having a backup SIM from another operator. This can help you stay connected when MTN’s network is down.
- Stay informed: Follow MTN Ghana’s official social media channels for updates on outages. The company sometimes provides estimated restoration times.
Looking ahead
The fibre cable crisis is a reminder that Ghana’s digital infrastructure is still vulnerable. As more people come online and demand for data grows, the need for robust, protected networks becomes even more urgent. Blewett’s frank admission may push for greater collaboration between telecom companies, city authorities, and the public to safeguard the cables that keep the country connected.
For now, MTN users should expect that service disruptions may happen from time to time — but knowing the cause can help manage expectations and encourage everyone to play a part in protecting the network.
