The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has successfully trained about 80 telecommunications contractors on fibre optic standards & specifications.
The comprehensive training workshop, which came off on March 28, 2024, at the Shipper's House at Ridge in Accra, gathered industry professionals to explore effective ways of dealing with the phenomenon of fibre optic cable cuts plaguing the nation's telecommunications industry.
The workshop, facilitated by industry experts, was designed to equip telecommunication contractors with the minimum industry specifications and standards when it comes to fiber optic cable deployment. Stakeholders at the workshop emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the said minimum standards and specifications in their operations. This initiative comes in response to the increasing incidents of fibre optic cable cuts, which have been causing disruptions in communication services across the country.
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, highlighted the alarming statistics in relation to fibre optic cable cuts in 2023. According to the data shared by Dr. Ashigbey, 6,232 cuts were recorded during the year under review, resulting in substantial financial losses. The cost of repairs amounted to USD 6,443,115.18, or GHS 84,087,990.44, with an average repair cost of USD 29,276.42 or GHS 382,492.61.
"Telecommunications infrastructure plays a pivotal role in driving socio-economic development. It's imperative that we address the issue of fibre optic cable cuts to ensure uninterrupted communication services for all” Ing. Dr. Ashigbey remarked.
Several factors were identified as major causes of cable cuts in Ghana in 2023. These were road construction, theft, vandalism, drainage construction, private developer activities, and natural disasters. Additionally, operational works by other utility companies, such as Ghana Water and the Electricity Company of Ghana, were identified as key contributors to fibre cuts across the country.
The training workshop was structured into seven modules covering various aspects of fibre optic installation and maintenance. These modules included underground fibre installation, overhead fibre installation, cable installation, and stakeholder engagement.
One of the many presenters, Ms. Sophia Tandoh, emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring project success. She stressed the need for telecommunication contractors to align with all stakeholders before project deployment, to ensure smooth execution.
"Stakeholder engagement is not just a formality; it's a cornerstone of project success. By involving all relevant parties from the outset, we can proactively address challenges and ensure seamless project execution."
"Remember, securing permits is just the first step. True project success hinges on the support and alignment of all stakeholders throughout the entire project lifecycle," Ms. Tandoh remarked
On his part, the Acquisition & Utility Coordinator at the Department of Urban Roads (DUR), Ing. Alex Asamoah, highlighted the significance of adhering to the road reservation policy. He provided insights into the National Engineering Coordinating Teams (NECT) policy manual, urging contractors and clients to comply with the regulations to mitigate cable damage during road construction activities.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from the telecommunication contractors to uphold industry standards and collaborate with stakeholders to protect Ghana's growing fibre optic cable network from incessant cuts. This, according to stakeholders, would enhance reliability and resilience in communication services nationwide.
Source: Chamber News Desk
