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

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has directed the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of 2,016 rural telephony and community network sites across the country. The directive was announced during the Minister's visit to the Sekyere Afram Plains District, where he inaugurated four new network sites. The audit is designed to verify the construction status, active operational status, and traffic capacity of each site involved in the national project.

Minister George emphasized that the assessment is necessary to clarify the performance of contractors and determine the amount of outstanding work remaining on the inherited sites. By evaluating the operational functionality of the infrastructure, the government aims to ensure that the project effectively serves its purpose of connecting underserved areas. This process will provide the Ministry with a clear overview of the national network's health and the current status of facilities that have already been deployed.

A primary objective of this audit is to facilitate a technological transition from 3G to 4G connectivity across the network to improve digital access for residents. To address the challenge of reaching communities that lack access to the national electricity grid, the government is utilizing solar-powered solutions. This approach ensures that internet and telephony services can be extended to remote regions without being hindered by power infrastructure limitations.

Following the audit's commencement, the Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the project contractor for next week to evaluate current progress and address any gaps identified in the project's execution. This initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to enhance digital inclusion and provide reliable communication services to rural and marginalized communities throughout Ghana.