The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Wa, Alhaji Nurah Issah Danwana, has called on MTN Ghana to expand its network infrastructure to underserved communities in the Wa Municipality to improve connectivity, boost economic activity and promote digital inclusion.
He identified Nyagali, Chegli, Jonga, Seiyiri, Chansa, Kagu, Kpankole, Sagu and Tabiesi among the communities requiring improved network coverage, urging the telecommunications company to extend its services to areas where residents and businesses continue to face connectivity challenges.
The MCE also appealed to MTN to upgrade the power supply serving its solar-powered telecommunications tower at Boli to ensure more reliable network services.
Alhaji Danwana made the appeal at MTN Ghana’s media and stakeholder forum held at the Delagio Hotel in Wa as part of activities marking the company’s 30th anniversary under the theme, “MTN Ghana @30: Connecting Ghana, Shaping the Digital Future.”
He said reliable telecommunications infrastructure had become essential to local economic development, particularly as mobile services increasingly supported financial transactions, access to markets and the exchange of information.
He commended MTN for helping transform mobile telephony from a luxury into an everyday necessity, noting its importance to farmers, small businesses and other economic actors who depend on connectivity to conduct their activities.
The MCE stressed that extending reliable network coverage to underserved communities would help bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for more residents to participate in the digital economy.
Beyond expanding coverage, he urged MTN to improve data quality and affordability, particularly in rural communities where access to reliable and reasonably priced internet services remains important for education, business and access to information.
Digital connectivity and local economic growth
Alhaji Danwana said stronger collaboration between the Wa Metropolitan Assembly and MTN could unlock further opportunities for economic development through digital skills training for young people, support for women-led businesses and the expansion of digital financial services.
He also proposed greater use of technology in local governance and revenue mobilisation, arguing that digital solutions could strengthen public service delivery and improve the Assembly’s ability to mobilise revenue.
The proposals, he indicated, required sustained engagement between the telecommunications company and local authorities to ensure that technology investments responded to the needs of communities.
He assured MTN of the Assembly’s support in facilitating telecommunications investments and protecting infrastructure, recognising the importance of a supportive local environment for network expansion and service delivery.
MTN’s contribution to Wa
The MCE also acknowledged MTN Ghana’s contribution to the local economy through employment opportunities, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
He cited the company’s sponsorship of the construction of the U-drain in front of the Wa office and its support for previous national sanitation clean-up exercises undertaken in collaboration with the Assembly.
He said such interventions demonstrated the potential for partnerships between private companies and local authorities to address community needs beyond commercial telecommunications services.
However, his call for additional network infrastructure and better service quality highlighted the need for continued investment to ensure that communities outside major commercial centres also benefit from the country’s digital transformation.
Media urged to demand better services
Alhaji Danwana urged the media to engage MTN frankly on service-related concerns and ensure that discussions at the stakeholder forum translated into practical improvements for consumers.
He said the engagement should go beyond anniversary celebrations to produce concrete actions that address connectivity gaps, data affordability and the broader digital needs of residents.
MTN Ghana is marking 30 years of operations in the country, a period during which mobile telecommunications and digital financial services have become increasingly important to households, businesses and public institutions.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
