Samuel Nartey George orders audit of 2,016 rural telephony sites

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has directed an immediate national audit of 2,016 rural telephony sites across Ghana. The audit, which will be overseen by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), is designed to verify the construction and operational status of each site. This move aims to ensure that taxpayers receive value for money on infrastructure inherited from the previous administration, while confirming that these remote facilities are delivering the services intended for rural populations.

Speaking during a media briefing in the Sekyere Afram Plains District, the Minister emphasized the Mahama administration's commitment to bridging the digital divide between rural and urban areas. The verification process will scrutinize the physical state of the telephony sites and address persistent technical challenges. Mr. George noted that while expanding connectivity is a priority, it is essential to first establish the true functionality of the existing network to ensure transparency and efficiency in the management of public funds.

The audit will also investigate operational hurdles that have plagued the project, specifically the frequent theft of solar batteries at remote, solar-powered locations. The Minister called for increased community support to safeguard this critical infrastructure, noting that local vigilance is necessary to protect the equipment that enables digital access for underserved residents. In response to immediate needs, the Ministry has already initiated network activations in several remote communities to provide relief to areas currently lacking reliable service.

Looking toward future expansion, the Minister revealed that MTN Ghana is set to construct 800 new telecommunications sites to further enhance national connectivity. This development follows requests from local leaders, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, for improved services in newly developing communities. The government maintains that securing the necessary financial resources to maintain and expand these networks remains a cornerstone of its digital transformation agenda, ensuring no citizen is left behind due to their geographic location.