Residents of Kananto, Kabampe, Gurupe, and Sayiri in the Apilso Electoral Area of the West Gonja Municipality have called on mobile network providers and the government to urgently extend reliable mobile coverage to their communities.
For decades, these communities have endured persistent network challenges. The only consistent signal is located at a single spot along the main road, where residents must gather to make or receive calls.
Speaking to Channel One News on Saturday, May 17, frustrated residents expressed dismay over the situation, particularly in an era defined by rapid technological advancement. They say the lack of a reliable network forces them to leave their homes and walk to the roadside just to access basic communication services, a routine they say puts their safety at risk.
“The lack of network is affecting teaching and learning. Businesses are also suffering. People can’t do online work or get updates in real time.”
Beyond personal inconvenience, the poor connectivity significantly impacts daily life. Residents say the lack of service delays access to critical information and hampers local business operations.
Mumuni Mohammed, Assemblyman for the Apilso Electoral Area, emphasised the severe impact of the poor network on the community, explaining that residents have no choice but to walk to the roadside to access basic telecommunication services, which limits their access to timely and vital information.
He added that the connectivity gap disrupts online businesses, hampers academic research, and undermines effective teaching and learning.
“The poor network here is affecting us. People have to walk to the roadside just to make a call or receive information. It’s not safe, and it wastes a lot of time.
“It’s also affecting our youth and students, who can’t do proper research or access online learning. Even small businesses that rely on the internet are struggling. We’re being left behind,”he added.