As of February 2024, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has declared the establishment of 1000 rural telephony sites.

This initiative, aligned with the NPP's commitment to advancing digitalization, aims to extend mobile telephony nationwide, with a particular focus on areas lacking internet access.

During a press conference themed 'Digital Infrastructure to Bridge the Digital Divide,' she announced that 618 of the completed sites are already operational.

The project is expected to benefit around four million citizens, with current beneficiaries residing in approximately 1002 rural communities.

This effort has played a crucial role in providing seamless internet access to Ghanaians, regardless of their location or network provider.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful underscored that the remaining telephony sites are scheduled for completion by the end of the year, ensuring widespread access to reliable, affordable, and secure broadband services.

Emphasizing the significance of the project, she highlighted its role in narrowing the digital divide and reiterated the government's determination to include all citizens in the digital transformation journey.

"As of February 2024, 1010 out of the planned 2016 rural telephony sites have been successfully established, with 618 of them already operational, delivering essential voice and data services to residents in approximately 1002 rural communities. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing social connectivity and digital access in these areas," she added.

Mobile communication, including cellphones, internet access and wireless telecommunications in rural communities are essential to private and public sectors.

Residents, businesses, governmental agencies and emergency service personnel need access to reliable connectivity to promote safety and streamline operations.

A reliable connection can also promote better business practices, enable digital learning and foster a stronger community in developing countries such as Ghana.

Source:Patrick Nudzi (GNA)

Vodafone Ghana is expanding its retail presence nationwide with the ‘Vodafone Community Shops’ project. The telecom giant has set its sights on launching over 100 Vodafone Community Shops by March 31, 2024.

The initiative is not just about numbers, says Mercy Akude, Vodafone Ghana’s Head of Retail & Partner Support. “It is about bringing our services closer to customers. The Vodafone Community Shop strategy shows our dedication to efficiency and convenience,” she explained. “Every region across Ghana will benefit, ensuring a consistent customer experience.”

The project, which began on June 1, 2023, has already seen the successful launch of 43 Vodafone Community Shops. Another 72 are in the pipeline, showing steadfast progress toward the end goal.
Feedback from the initial launches, especially in the Ashanti Region, has been overwhelmingly positive. “Customers appreciate how near the Vodafone Community Shops are to them. They no longer have to travel long distances to access our services,” said Mercy. According to her, customers have shown great enthusiasm for services like Vodafone Cash in these new outlets.

David Umoh, Consumer Business Unit Director at Vodafone Ghana, added: “We have always been committed to providing excellent services to our customers. Now, it is easier to connect with us online; and we want to provide the same convenience to walk-in customers through Vodafone Community Shops”.

The list of targeted locations is extensive, ensuring that customers feel the benefits of the project across the country. From La

MTN Ghana, a titan in African telecom, prepares for its annual earnings report amidst economic turbulence. With devaluation affecting financial health, the company's resilience is put to the test. Outgoing CEO, Selorm Adadevoh, emphasizes unity and strategic investments to overcome challenges and ensure connectivity.

MTN Ghana Braces for Annual Earnings Report Amidst Economic Turbulence
MTN Ghana Braces for Annual Earnings Report Amidst Economic Turbulence

In the ever-evolving landscape of African telecommunications, MTN Ghana stands at a pivotal juncture. The company, a giant in the mobile operator sector and a beacon of connectivity for millions is bracing for its annual earnings report amidst economic turbulence. With the shadow of currency devaluation in Nigeria affecting its financial health, MTN Ghana navigates these challenges under the watchful eyes of its outgoing CEO, Selorm Adadevoh. As of September 2023, MTN boasts 77.6 million customers in Nigeria alone, making up a third of its earnings despite past and present hurdles, including a notable $5.2 billion tax matter in 2015.

Strategic Navigation Through Economic Uncertainty
The anticipated earnings report is not just a matter of numbers; it is a testament to MTN Ghana's resilience in the face of economic adversity. The devaluation of the Nigerian naira has not been kind, erasing billions of rand in earnings and cash flow for the largest mobile operator in Africa. This fiscal rollercoaster underscores the volatile nature of operating within the continent's diverse economic climates. Yet, amidst these financial oscillations, MTN's commitment to its Nigerian customer base remains unwavering, with the company continuing to dominate as the preferred mobile provider.

Collective Efforts Toward Enhanced Service Delivery

The tenure of Selorm Adadevoh has been marked by significant investments in network infrastructure, yet the outgoing CEO emphasizes a holistic approach to overcoming operational challenges. Adadevoh's clarion call for unity among telecommunications entities in Ghana highlights an industry-wide acknowledgment that no single company can navigate the complexities of service delivery alone. The trifecta of fiber cuts, power outages, and inadequate road infrastructure presents a formidable barrier to seamless connectivity, urging a collective strategy that includes governmental intervention and industry cooperation.

Infrastructure Sharing: A Path to Cost Efficiency
In a move that could redefine operational efficiencies, Adadevoh advocates for telecommunications companies to embrace infrastructure sharing. This approach, aimed at reducing operational costs, is not just about financial prudence but also about ensuring that the benefits of connectivity reach wider demographics.

By urging the government to safeguard fiber lines and encouraging telcos to pool their resources, Adadevoh envisions a future where service delivery hurdles are mitigated through strategic collaboration. This vision aligns with MTN Ghana's overarching goal of not just weathering economic storms but thriving through innovation and unity.

As MTN Ghana prepares to unveil its annual earnings report, the narrative extends beyond the figures. It is a story of resilience, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to connectivity. Under the stewardship of Selorm Adadevoh, MTN Ghana not only faced down the specter of economic uncertainty but also laid down the gauntlet for a more cooperative future in telecommunications.

Source: Ebenezer Mensah(bnn)

MTN Ghana has collected over 5909 units of blood at its 2024 Save-a-Life campaign. The annual campaign organized to augment shortfalls at blood banks in Ghana, saw thousands of people participating at designated bleeding centres in all 16 regions across the country.

Adwoa Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, in her remarks at the opening ceremony in Accra said, “We have all heard, at least in the media, some of the harrowing stories of unfortunate incidents that could easily have been avoided if blood was within easy reach. That is why, we, at the MTN Ghana Foundation together with MTN Employees have taken it upon ourselves to organize this life saving event every Valentine’s Day since 2011 not only to donate blood but also to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donations and show our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community”.

Dr. Steve Paintsil, Medical Officer, National Blood Service, Korle Bu congratulated MTN for the blood donation drive. He said, “the National Blood Service (NBS) sincerely congratulates the MTN Ghana Foundation for organizing yet another nationwide blood donation drive to help stock the nation's blood banks. In most emergency cases, blood must be readily available for transfusion to avert untimely deaths. It is in light of the above, that the National Blood Bank wishes MTN well”.

The following breakdown illustrates the success of the blood donation drive across the various regions.

REGION

UNITS COLLECTED

Greater Accra

531

Western

1058

Western North

198

Eastern

460

Volta

165

Oti

95

Central

532

Northern

621

Savannah

164

Upper East

268

Upper west

260

North East

191

Bono

278

Bono East

271

Ahafo

154

Ashanti

663

TOTAL

5909

Voluntary blood donations form only 28.6% of the national blood supply. Maternal health is a leading casualty of the lack of blood. With low levels of blood, healthcare delivery will continue to suffer. Through the Save-a-Life campaign, MTN has provided the much-needed support to the National Blood Bank to help alleviate some of the challenges they face.

With the completion of this year’s blood exercise, MTN Ghana through the Save-a-Life campaign has collected over 31,909 units of blood.