Power outages could drive up cost of digital services — NITA

The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has cautioned that frequent power outages could lead to an increase in the expenses associated with internet and digital services in Ghana. According to NITA, frequent and unexpected disruptions to the electricity supply are placing additional strain on data centres and other crucial digital infrastructure. In response, operators are compelled to invest in multiple layers of backup systems to maintain operational continuity.

During the fourth and concluding day of National ICT Week 2026, NITA's Board Chairperson, Estelle Akofio-Sowah, highlighted the potential consequences of the power outages on the affordability of digital services. "Just this morning we had a fairly major power outage across the country, and that again affects critical infrastructure like data centres where we’re hosting our equipment and our information, our data," she explained.

NITA's Chairperson emphasized that service providers and infrastructure operators need extensive redundancy to ensure that critical systems remain operational amidst power disruptions. "You have to have layers and layers of redundancy. All of that puts pressure on affordability and the access that we’re all aspiring to, that every Ghanaian should have affordable access."

The concerns were underscored by the rising demands from consumers for more affordable data and enhanced access to digital connectivity. NITA also revealed that over 8,000 fibre cuts have been recorded this year, further escalating the costs associated with maintaining and repairing telecommunications infrastructure. Among the factors contributing to the damage of fibre infrastructure, NITA identified vandalism as a significant issue.

Meanwhile, during National ICT Week, stakeholders discussed the burgeoning economic potential of Ghana's gaming and Esports industry. The Vice President of the Esports Association Ghana, Maximus Ametorgoh, reported that US$121 million was spent on video game downloads and subscriptions in Ghana in 2025. He pointed out that this figure represents a growing sector with opportunities for young people to generate income through the creation and sale of digital products and virtual items.

Mr. Ametorgoh encouraged Ghanaians to shift their focus from merely consuming emerging technologies to developing the skills to become creators, developers, and innovators.

National ICT Week 2026 concluded on August 20, with stakeholders advocating for increased investment in reliable electricity and digital infrastructure. They also called for greater support for emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, gaming, and Esports, asserting that reliable power and connectivity will be crucial for Ghana to fully exploit the opportunities presented by the digital economy.

NITA stressed that the reliability and affordability of digital services will continue to be closely tied to the resilience of the infrastructure that supports them.