Communications Ministry constructs 1,010 telecommunications sites to serve rural communities
By Selorm GBORBIDZI, Accra
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced the completion of approximately 1,010 rural telecommunications sites across Ghana.
These sites are part of the Rural Telephony Project, aimed at extending mobile connectivity to underserved communities nationwide.
Of the 2,016 planned rural telephony sites, 1,010 have been constructed under this project, with 618 already operational. These sites are providing enhanced Voice and Data services to approximately 1,620 communities across the country.
Funded by a €155 million grant from the China EXIM Bank, the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project seeks to ensure reliable, affordable, and secure broadband infrastructure throughout the nation.
The remaining 1,006 sites are set to be constructed and integrated for voice and data services.
Minister Owusu-Ekuful highlighted that the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Telecommunication (GIFEC) is spearheading the extension of mobile telephony services into areas lacking adequate access.
The project employs Rural Star Technology, developed by project partner Huawei, which offers a cost-saving solution, resulting in a 70% reduction in expenses compared to traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
Upon completion, an estimated 4 million residents in selected communities will benefit from improved network services. Notably, the project imposes no financial burden on telecommunications companies, which are not obligated to serve these underserved communities due to economic constraints.
Currently, the Northern and Oti regions have 58 constructed sites each, while the Savannah region has 50.
The Upper East boasts 77 sites, the Volta region 63, and the Western and Western North regions have 91 and 87 sites respectively.
