Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has inaugurated Rural Telephony Networks in three communities in the Kumbungu and Tolon Districts of Northern Ghana. The solar-powered masts have been installed to provide high-speed voice and data services within a 20-kilometer radius, benefiting not only the directly connected communities but also the adjoining areas.
The beneficiary communities of Tibung in the Kumbungu District and Nagbligu and Jagriguyili in the Tolon District can now access improved communication services. The Minister also inaugurated a Community Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Tolon, aimed at equipping students and residents with digital skills as part of the country’s digital revolution.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the government’s commitment to connect all parts of the country to telephone networks, as communication is essential for the country’s overall development. The expansion of communication services to underserved communities enables children to utilize their ICT skills and residents to enhance their business operations and access various useful services.
The Tolon Community ICT Centre is one of 30 such centers established nationwide in the past two years. Equipped with 15 computers and trained managers, the center aims to provide digital training to students and residents. A 10-member Sustainability Management Committee has been formed to ensure the proper upkeep of the facility and its continued service to the community.
Mr. Habib Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tolon, expressed his belief that the ICT Centre, combined with a library he established in the area, would greatly benefit the students. Tolon-Naa (Major Retired) Abubakar Sulemana expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications for their efforts in constructing the facility, stating that it would boost business activities in the area.
With the inauguration of the Rural Telephony Networks and the Community ICT Centre, Northern Ghana is taking significant steps towards bridging the digital divide and empowering its communities with essential digital skills and services.
