Keta: Residents of the Keta Municipality in the Volta Region have expressed concerns over poor mobile network connectivity, which they say is adversely affecting business activities and overall productivity in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the local population, including traders, mobile money vendors, and other service providers, have reported frequent call failures, wasted airtime, and slow transaction processes that impede their operations. Mr. Gabriel Sokpoli, a resident of Vui, a suburb of Keta, emphasized the daily challenges faced by those reliant on mobile phones for communication with customers and relatives.
Mr. Sokpoli highlighted that many business operators are troubled by the unreliable network, which disrupts sales and delays transactions. Call failures, slow messaging, and delayed mobile money confirmations lead to customer frustration and collapsed deals. As a mobile money vendor, he noted that poor network connectivity has reduced productivity and negatively impacted daily income, often resulting in wasted airtime and missed business opportunities.
The problem escalates during peak business hours when high call volumes and money transfer attempts overwhelm the network. This instability hampers customer service efficiency, especially in busy market centers and commercial areas. Mr. Sokpoli shared that repeated network failures complicate transaction reconciliation and create confusion between customers and agents.
Ms. Perpetual Ekua Doku, another resident, pointed out that the poor connectivity also affects social and emergency communication. Call failures during urgent situations cause anxiety and inconvenience for families and institutions. The ongoing Municipal National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration exercise is particularly hindered by the unstable internet, leading to extended waiting times and service interruptions. Similarly, the National Identification Authority (NIA) struggles with network disruptions during biometric registration processes, resulting in delays and repeated visits from applicants.
The connectivity issues strain service points, causing backlogs in public registration exercises. Some officials caution that without urgent intervention, residents may be discouraged from completing essential administrative processes. University and nursing training students also face difficulties registering for courses and checking results due to the unreliable internet. They urge relevant authorities to address the issue promptly.
Residents and business operators have called on the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation to enhance network service quality in Keta and surrounding communities. Improved network coverage, they believe, would bolster local businesses, enhance digital public services, and mitigate financial losses. Despite these appeals, many residents continue to experience frustrations with dropped calls, failed transactions, and sluggish internet connectivity, which they regard as a widespread national concern.