Omanghana
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has directed that all Rural Telephony Project sites across the country be upgraded to provide a minimum of 4G connectivity.
The directive is intended to improve internet access in underserved communities and narrow the digital divide between rural and urban areas.
George announced the decision during an inspection tour of rural telephony installations in the Eastern Region, where residents raised concerns about poor network coverage and unreliable telecommunications services.
The minister said providing only 2G and 3G services to rural communities was no longer adequate at a time when global telecommunications development was rapidly advancing towards 5G and 6G technology.
He stressed that people living in rural areas must have access to reliable and modern connectivity to participate fully in Ghana’s expanding digital economy.
Upgrading the existing rural telephony infrastructure to 4G is expected to provide faster mobile internet, reduce network congestion and improve access to digital services such as online education, mobile banking, telemedicine and electronic government platforms.
George argued that telecommunications infrastructure must receive the same level of investment and urgency as roads, hospitals and other essential public facilities. He noted that reliable connectivity had become critical to national development, economic inclusion and the delivery of essential services.
According to the minister, establishing 4G as the minimum standard will also prepare rural telephony sites for the future integration of 5G technology.
The Rural Telephony Project was introduced to extend mobile services to communities where conventional network expansion is considered commercially unattractive. The latest directive signals a shift from providing basic coverage to ensuring that underserved areas receive internet services capable of supporting modern digital activities.
The ministry is expected to work with telecommunications operators and relevant agencies to implement the upgrades nationwide.
Source: Omanghana
