The Acting Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, has announced a proposal to impose a triple cost punishment on individuals or entities that recklessly damage fiber optic cables or other communication infrastructure in Ghana.
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana disclosed that between January and November last year, there were a total of 10,233 fibre optic cable cuts across the country, costing them $17.4 million to repair.
He was speaking at the launch of a new industry manual on fiber optic cable laying standards, ‘Telecommunications industry optic fibre minimum specifications and standards manual’ designed by the Telecommunications Chamber.
The NCA boss stressed the urgent need for stricter enforcement and deterrent measures to protect the country’s critical digital infrastructure.
He revealed that the NCA has submitted a formal recommendation to the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, seeking an amendment to Section 77 of the Electronic Communications Act (Act 775).
“Our recommendation is that anyone who damages a fiber cable should be fined three times the cost of repair,” he stated.
“This is intended to make people extra careful when working around areas where we have these cables laid.”
He further explained that in addition to the proposed administrative fine, offenders who fail to pay may face criminal prosecution.
Ing Fianko added that upon conviction, they could be liable to a penalty of not less than 10,000 penalty units or a minimum of five years imprisonment, or both.
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