{
  "id": 15570609,
  "title": "Rural telecom projects must deliver",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/rural-telecom-projects-must-deliver",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T06:13:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/rural-telecom-projects-must-deliver/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In today's interconnected world, access to reliable telecommunications services is fundamental, extending far beyond mere convenience and into the realms of education, commerce, healthcare, governance and overall national progress. Yet, in many rural regions of Ghana, spotty network coverage persists, obstructing access to pertinent information, digital tools, and economic possibilities. Hence, the government's renewed dedication to augmenting telecommunications infrastructure, especially in areas that have been neglected, assumes significant importance. Nonetheless, the true yardstick of success will not be gauged by the number of project sites toured or the declarations made, but by the eventual provision of dependable and economical connectivity to residents.\n\nDuring a two-day visit to the Volta Region, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, toured rural telephony projects and digital education hubs under the One Million Coders initiative. His tour underscored both the advancements and the ongoing challenges. According to the minister, 800 new cell sites were erected across Ghana in 2026, alongside an improvement of 2,000 existing sites. He noted that this year's investment in telecommunications infrastructure surpassed the total provision over the previous five years, suggesting a notable expansion.\n\nYet, the expansion must be matched by concrete improvements in people's lives. For a farmer in Adaklu, enhanced connectivity could expedite market price and weather updates. For a small business, it could enable mobile money transactions, virtual marketing, and customer communication. For students, consistent internet access could unlock digital learning resources otherwise inaccessible. Therefore, the government must ensure that these rural telephony projects are completed on time, properly equipped, and well-maintained. Infrastructure failures due to poor upkeep, insufficient power supply, or inadequate coordination among responsible bodies should be avoided.\n\nThe minister's firm five-day deadline for the contractor overseeing the Akoefe-Kpodzi project emphasizes that delays are not acceptable. Should public funds have been disbursed and contractual duties outstanding, accountability must follow. Authorities should monitor the deadline, assess the completion of work, and take necessary actions if the contractor falls short. Similarly, the minister's concern about fibre-optic cables being damaged during road construction is equally critical. Such damage can affect businesses, schools, hospitals, and households beyond the immediate construction zone. Consequently, collaboration between the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Roads must progress from mere assurances to a consistent operational partnership. Infrastructure planning should factor in existing utility networks prior to excavation, with clear responsibilities for safeguarding and repairing any damaged cables. The digital divide, however, cannot be tackled solely through telecommunications infrastructure. The One Million Coders programme offers another avenue to equip Ghanaians with practical skills for a progressively digital economy. The provision of 200 laptops to the University of Health and Allied Sciences is a valuable contribution. However, the university's request for additional computers for its 11,000 students and a central computer library warrants serious attention. Digital training becomes more impactful when learners have adequate equipment, dependable internet access, and ample opportunities to hone their skills.\n\nThe Ghanaian Times calls upon the government, telecommunications providers, contractors, and local authorities to collaborate and ensure that rural communities reap the full benefits of these investments. Success should be measured by completed projects, broadened coverage, fewer service disruptions, and expanded access to digital opportunities.",
  "summary": "Reliable telecommunications services are no longer a luxury. They are essential to education, business, healthcare, public administration and national development. Yet, for many rural communities in Ghana, poor network coverage remains a daily frustration, limiting access to information, digital services and economic opportunities. The government’s renewed commitment to improving…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}