Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Director General of the National Communications Authority, has called on contractors, communities, and local authorities to work closely with telecom operators to protect Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure and improve network quality across the country.
Speaking on the challenges facing the telecommunications sector at the 2026 World Telecommunications and Information Society Day, Rev. Ing. Fianko urged contractors undertaking road and construction projects to consult network operators and the NCA before beginning work to avoid damaging underground fiber cables.
According to him, accidental cuts to fiber infrastructure continue to disrupt communication services, stressing that telecom operators are prepared to relocate cables where necessary if proper coordination is done ahead of projects.
He also appealed to the public to help curb vandalism at communication sites, particularly the theft of batteries and other critical equipment used to keep telecom towers operational during power outages.
Rev. Ing. Fianko explained that telecom systems are designed to remain functional even when electricity supply is interrupted, but acts of vandalism often cause network failures and poor service delivery.
Addressing concerns about poor network coverage in some areas, he revealed that telecom operators have developed plans to expand coverage this year by constructing new telecom sites in underserved communities.
However, he noted that delays in obtaining permits from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continue to slow infrastructure expansion.
He further expressed concern over resistance from some communities against the construction of telecom towers due to fears that radio signals may cause cancer.
Rev. Ing. Fianko dismissed such concerns as unfounded, stating that there is currently no scientific evidence linking radio waves from telecom towers to cancer. He explained that radiation levels from telecom infrastructure in Ghana remain far below internationally accepted safety thresholds, according to measurements conducted by the Radiation Protection Institute.
He clarified that while radio waves can generate heat in body tissue — similar to how microwave ovens function — there is no proven evidence that telecom radio signals cause cancer.
Rev. Ing. Fianko added that living closer to a telecom tower can actually improve service quality while reducing the amount of power mobile devices use to maintain network connections.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
