Mansie Residents Lament Persistent Poor Mobile Network Connectivity Despite Rural Telephony Projects
Residents of Mansie in the Kintampo South District have voiced growing frustration over chronic poor mobile network coverage, which they say continues to hinder daily life, business, education, and emergency communication despite national efforts to expand rural telecommunications infrastructure.
According to community members, unreliable signals from major networks disrupt access to mobile money services (such as MTN MoMo and Vodafone Cash), online transactions, social communication, and even basic voice calls. Many residents report having to climb hills, walk long distances to nearby communities, or search for “network spots” just to make or receive calls and access the internet.
Traders, students, and farmers are among the hardest hit. Business owners complain of lost sales opportunities due to failed mobile money transfers, students struggle with online learning and research, and farmers face difficulties coordinating market prices, weather updates, or emergency assistance.
Several affected residents described the situation as “frustrating and restrictive,” noting that the lack of reliable connectivity places Mansie at a significant disadvantage compared to other parts of the district and region.
The concerns come despite previous government initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide. Residents pointed out that the former administration began constructing rural telephony infrastructure in parts of Kintampo South, including towers and related facilities, to improve coverage in underserved areas. However, they say Mansie has yet to see any tangible improvement from these projects.
In response, the District Chief Executive for Kintampo South, Hon. Wilfred Zuuri, acknowledged the ongoing network challenges and assured residents that authorities are actively working to resolve the issue.
“The network problems in Mansie and other parts of the district have not gone unnoticed,” Hon. Zuuri stated. “We are engaging with the relevant telecom operators, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and other stakeholders to ensure that the necessary interventions are made. Steps are being taken, and we will continue to push until meaningful improvement is achieved.”
The NCA has in recent years prioritized rural connectivity through the Ghana Rural Telephony Project and Universal Service Fund initiatives, including the deployment of shared towers and incentives for operators to extend services to underserved communities. However, implementation delays, terrain challenges, and funding constraints have slowed progress in some areas.
The situation in Mansie highlights broader digital inclusion gaps in rural Ghana, where inconsistent mobile coverage continues to limit economic opportunities, access to financial services, health information, and emergency response. Community leaders and residents are calling for accelerated action, including the siting of additional masts, improved signal strength, and greater accountability from telecom providers
