The Government of Ghana has announced plans to expand the country’s telecommunications infrastructure through the construction of 800 new mobile network sites and the upgrading of 2,000 existing facilities nationwide before the end of the year.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George Esq., disclosed the initiative during a two-day working visit to the Volta Region, where he highlighted ongoing efforts to improve mobile network coverage, internet connectivity and access to digital services across the country.
The Minister made the announcement during a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of Akoefe, Togbega Drake Tsigbe IV, at Akoefe Kpodzi in the Ho Central Constituency.
As part of his visit, Hon. George also inspected a newly constructed Rural Telephony Project (RTP) facility at Akoefe Gadza to assess progress in extending telecommunications services to residents in the community.
Government Intensifies Investment in Telecommunications Infrastructure
Hon. Samuel Nartey George explained that the planned deployment and upgrading of 2,800 telecom sites represents a major investment in Ghana’s digital infrastructure, surpassing the scale of similar developments undertaken over the previous five years.
The project will involve the construction of new cell towers and the modernisation of existing network facilities operated by major telecommunications companies, including MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
According to the Minister, the expansion is expected to improve network reliability, strengthen mobile connectivity and increase access to high-speed internet services, particularly in communities that have experienced poor network coverage.
He also revealed that the additional telecommunications spectrum released over the past two years exceeded the total allocation made during the preceding two decades.
Telecommunications spectrum is essential for transmitting voice calls and mobile data. The increased availability of spectrum is expected to improve network capacity, support faster internet speeds and enhance the quality of mobile services for consumers and businesses.
Rural Telephony Project to Improve Internet Access in Underserved Communities
The Rural Telephony Project remains a key component of the government’s efforts to bridge Ghana’s digital divide by extending mobile network services to rural and underserved areas.
The inspection of the new facility at Akoefe Gadza forms part of efforts to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure projects are progressing towards completion and delivering the intended benefits to local communities.
Improved rural connectivity is expected to create new opportunities for digital education, mobile banking, online business, electronic payments and access to essential information.
The expansion could also support small businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs who increasingly depend on reliable mobile internet services to communicate with customers, access markets and conduct business transactions.
Government Strengthens Collaboration to Prevent Fibre-Optic Cable Damage
During the visit, the Communications Minister praised traditional authorities and community members for their cooperation with engineers and technical teams working on telecommunications projects throughout the Volta Region.
He noted that the support of traditional leaders and Members of Parliament had helped draw attention to communities with limited access to reliable telecommunications services.
Hon. George further disclosed that relevant government ministries were working together to coordinate telecommunications cable installation with road construction projects.
The collaboration is intended to reduce damage to fibre-optic cables during roadworks, a recurring challenge that can disrupt internet connectivity and mobile communication services.
Protecting fibre-optic infrastructure is crucial to maintaining stable broadband internet connections, improving telecommunications network performance and reducing service interruptions for households and businesses.
Improved Mobile Network Coverage Expected Nationwide
The government is optimistic that the planned telecommunications expansion will significantly improve mobile network coverage and internet accessibility across Ghana.
As the new facilities become operational towards the end of the year and into early next year, residents in underserved communities are expected to benefit from more reliable mobile services and better access to digital opportunities.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s digital economy, improve telecommunications infrastructure and ensure that more citizens can participate in the growing online marketplace.
For mobile phone users, businesses and internet-dependent service providers, the expansion could translate into improved connectivity, enhanced communication and greater opportunities for economic growth.
The successful implementation of the 2,800-site programme is expected to support Ghana’s digital transformation agenda by strengthening the infrastructure needed for modern communication, broadband internet access and technology-driven development.
Source: newsthemegh.com