MTN Ghana CEO Addresses Infrastructure Sabotage and Data Depletion Concerns

Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, has raised urgent concerns regarding the massive scale of fibre-optic cable sabotage and growing subscriber complaints about data depletion during the Accra Media and Stakeholder Forum. Highlighting the fragility of Ghana's digital backbone, Blewett revealed that recent disruptions have knocked 157 network sites offline, severely impacting connectivity for millions of users. These interruptions not only affect daily communication but also threaten the country’s broader digital agenda and investment in next-generation technologies.

The CEO detailed how uncoordinated road construction and deliberate acts of theft have created a persistent crisis for telecommunications infrastructure. Because of the interconnected nature of fibre-optic networks, a single cut can trigger widespread outages across multiple regions, undermining MTN’s significant investments in 4G and 5G infrastructure. Blewett emphasized that these disruptions pose substantial risks to essential services, including emergency response systems and business operations. To combat this, he is advocating for fibre-optic cables to be legally classified as "Critical National Infrastructure," a status that would impose stricter penalties for damage and mandate better coordination among construction stakeholders.

On the consumer front, Blewett addressed persistent allegations from subscribers regarding the rapid depletion of mobile data. He categorically denied claims that the company misuses or "steals" customer data, noting that such actions would be counterproductive and damaging to MTN’s reputation. Instead, he attributed the perception of faster data consumption to modern smartphone usage patterns, specifically pointing to increased background activity from apps and the rising demand for high-definition video streaming. He urged customers to take a more proactive role in managing their data by monitoring app settings and restricting background data usage.

Looking ahead, the CEO emphasized that resolving these challenges requires a collaborative effort between the private sector, the government, and the public. By securing infrastructure through stronger legal protections and educating consumers on data management, MTN aims to stabilize network reliability and improve the customer experience. The push for legal reforms remains a priority to ensure that Ghana’s digital transformation is not hindered by avoidable physical damage or uncoordinated urban development.