Ghana’s National Information Technology Agency (NITA) warns that persistent power outages could increase the cost of digital services. This includes internet access and other online platforms. Operators must spend more on backup systems to keep critical infrastructure running.
Frequent electricity disruptions place additional pressure on data centres and telecommunications infrastructure. NITA Board Chairperson Estelle Akofio-Sowah highlighted this issue. Operators need to invest in multiple layers of backup power and redundancy. This directly increases the cost of providing digital services to consumers.
This situation fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of infrastructure challenges. Reliable power supply is crucial for digital economy growth. The country aims to expand broadband connectivity and accelerate digital transformation. However, unreliable electricity hinders these efforts. This affects both businesses and individual users across the nation.
Estelle Akofio-Sowah stated that operators cannot rely solely on the national power supply. She explained that disruptions affect the availability and reliability of digital services. “You have to have layers and layers of redundancy,” she said. This adds pressure on the affordability and access that all Ghanaians aspire to have for digital services.
The implications are significant for Ghana’s digital future and economic development. Higher operational costs for service providers could translate into increased prices for consumers. This would make internet and other digital services less affordable. It could also slow down the adoption of digital technologies. Decision-makers must address power reliability to support the digital economy.
NITA also revealed that Ghana recorded over 8,000 fibre cuts this year alone. These cuts further increase the cost of maintaining telecommunications infrastructure. Vandalism is a major factor contributing to this damage. Repeated fibre cuts disrupt internet and telecommunications services. Operators incur additional costs for repairs, replacement materials, and field operations.
The combination of unreliable electricity and damaged fibre infrastructure creates significant challenges. It impacts Ghana’s efforts to expand broadband connectivity. It also slows the nation's digital transformation agenda. These issues directly affect the quality and cost of digital services for millions of Ghanaians. Businesses also face higher operational costs due to these infrastructure problems.
Stakeholders at National ICT Week 2026 emphasized the need for resilient digital infrastructure. They also called for reliable electricity and affordable connectivity. These are essential for Ghana to expand participation in the digital economy. Addressing these foundational issues is critical for future growth. It will ensure that digital services remain accessible and affordable for everyone.
The gaming and Esports industry presents new economic opportunities for Ghana. Vice President of the Esports Association Ghana, Maximus Ametorgoh, noted significant spending in this sector. About US$121 million was spent in Ghana in 2025 on video game downloads and subscriptions. This highlights a growing sector with potential for job creation and income generation.
Ametorgoh suggested that the expanding gaming market could create opportunities for young people. They could earn income by developing and selling digital products and virtual items. “You can make a lot of money, and I think that is the next generation when it comes to entertainment,” he said. This potential can only be fully realized with robust and affordable digital infrastructure.
Ghanaian citizens are urged to move beyond consuming emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and gaming. They should develop skills to become creators, developers, and innovators. This shift requires a stable and affordable digital environment. Without reliable power and infrastructure, this ambition becomes much harder to achieve. The government and private sector must collaborate to resolve these pressing issues.