Minister Samuel Nartey George Inspects Rural Telecom Sites in Ashanti Region, Announces New Connectivity Projects

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George toured four rural telephony sites in the Sekyere Afram Plains District of Ghana's Ashanti Region to assess progress and discuss challenges with contractors and community members.

The sites – Nyameama 1, Nyameama 2, Abenua and Dawia – were inspected as part of the government's effort to monitor projects inherited from the previous administration. George said the Dawia site was expected to be operational by the close of the day, while the other three were slated for activation by the end of the week.

Government actions and GIFEC audit

Working with District Chief Executive Hon Abubakar Issaka, the minister identified three additional communities requiring urgent telecom equipment. He instructed the administrator of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) to fast‑track installations and announced that GIFEC would audit the 2016 rural telephony contract to verify which sites are built, operational or facing obstacles.

The minister highlighted battery theft, unreliable electricity supply and technical faults as key factors limiting service delivery. He appealed to traditional authorities, community leaders and youth to safeguard solar‑powered infrastructure, warning that battery theft could disrupt networks.

“Today across the country, electricity is important to people. Roads are important to people. Water is important to people. But a real challenge that people want is connectivity,” George said.

George stressed that the rural connectivity strategy aims to bring network services to small communities that are not commercially attractive to private operators, making GIFEC‑supported infrastructure essential.

Private sector involvement

George disclosed that MTN Ghana plans to establish 800 new physical sites nationwide, with Ayunofi in the Sekyere Afram Plains District earmarked for improved coverage. The Ayunofi project is expected to be completed before the end of 2026, and other district communities will be considered for operator investment in 2027.

The minister warned that expanding 4G and future 5G services in urban areas without parallel rural upgrades could widen the digital divide. He affirmed the government's commitment to work with GIFEC, telecom operators, district authorities and local communities to extend digital connectivity across Ghana.