Wednesday, 27 May

Agotime-Ziope set for major telecom boost as government plans new mobile mast

News
Samuel N. George (Pic):

Residents of the Agotime-Ziope District in the Volta Region are expected to experience a significant improvement in mobile connectivity and digital access following government plans to construct a new telecommunications mast in Kpetoe and assess underserved communities for possible network upgrades under a broader nationwide telecom expansion programme.

The intervention, which forms part of a national telecommunications infrastructure expansion initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication, is expected to improve call quality, internet access, and communication services across several hard-to-reach communities within the constituency.

The Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope, Charles Agbeve, disclosed the development after participating in a high-level engagement organised by the Ministry of Communication, where Members of Parliament were briefed on government’s strategic roadmap for strengthening telecommunications infrastructure across constituencies nationwide.

According to the MP, Agotime-Ziope has been earmarked for key interventions under the programme, with Kpetoe expected to host a brand-new mobile network mast designed to improve network reliability, enhance call quality, and expand internet access for residents, businesses, educational institutions, and public service providers.

Mr Agbeve stated that during engagements with officials of the Ministry, he strongly advocated for urgent telecommunications interventions in several underserved communities, particularly those located along border corridors where weak network coverage continues to affect communication, economic activity, and access to essential services.

He identified communities such as Afegame, Batume Junction, Akpokope, Agodeke, Obemla, Mangoase, and Honugo No. 2 as priority areas requiring immediate attention due to persistent connectivity challenges experienced by residents and local businesses.

The legislator particularly highlighted Batoume Junction as a strategic economic enclave, noting that activities linked to the Ghana Revenue Authority in the area contribute significantly to national revenue despite the communication difficulties faced by businesses and residents.

As part of the intervention, the Ministry is expected to undertake a comprehensive assessment of existing RTI telecommunications facilities in communities including Akpokope, Obemla, Atsrulume, Keyime, Wudzedeke, and surrounding settlements to determine their operational effectiveness.

Mr Agbeve stated that the assessment would establish whether some affected communities could be upgraded from RTI systems to fully operational MTN network masts capable of providing stronger and more reliable telecommunications services.

He further disclosed that the Minister for Communication had assured him of a special intervention package targeting border communities across the country, with Agotime-Ziope expected to benefit during the implementation phase.

According to the MP, improved telecommunications infrastructure would not only enhance communication services but also strengthen education, healthcare delivery, security operations, business growth, digital inclusion, and overall socio-economic development in the district.

The planned intervention aligns with government’s broader national agenda to bridge connectivity gaps and expand access to digital services across the country. Under the programme, government is expected to deploy 300 new cell sites in 2026, another 300 in 2027, and an additional 400 in 2028 to strengthen telecommunications coverage nationwide.

For residents of Agotime-Ziope, the anticipated benefits include the construction of the new telecommunications mast in Kpetoe, the strengthening of existing telecommunications infrastructure, possible upgrades of RTI facilities in underserved communities, and inclusion in the forthcoming border-community connectivity enhancement programme.

Expressing appreciation to the Minister for Communication, Mr Agbeve described the initiative as a forward-looking intervention and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring equitable digital access across the constituency.

“We remain committed to ensuring that no community in Agotime-Ziope is left behind in the march toward digital transformation and inclusive development,” he stated.

Source: classfmonline.com/Solomon Mensah-Ahiable