Communication Minister Sam George Advocates for Nationwide 4G Upgrade of Rural Telephony Sites

Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has issued a strong call for the comprehensive upgrade of all rural telephony sites across Ghana to a minimum of 4G capability. Speaking during a recent inspection of rural telephony projects in the Eastern Region, the Minister underscored the government's commitment to ensuring that digital connectivity in rural communities keeps pace with modern technological standards. He argued that as the global landscape shifts toward 5G and even 6G, leaving rural areas restricted to 2G and 3G services is no longer a viable option for a developing digital economy.

The Minister’s push for high-speed connectivity is rooted in the need to alleviate network congestion and drastically improve the quality of mobile services nationwide. By upgrading these sites, the government aims to provide a more reliable and faster customer experience for citizens living outside major urban centers. Minister George drew a parallel between digital infrastructure and traditional physical infrastructure, stating, "We’re investing in roads, hospitals; we must invest in telecom." This perspective frames telecommunications as a basic public utility and a fundamental pillar of national development that requires consistent capital injection.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bridge the digital divide and prepare Ghana’s rural infrastructure for future technological advancements. The Minister stressed that a collective commitment is required to transition these sites to 4G, which will serve as a foundational layer for the eventual deployment of 5G technologies. By prioritizing these upgrades, the ministry hopes to foster economic growth in rural areas, enabling residents to access digital government services, educational resources, and e-commerce platforms with the same efficiency as those in the capital, ensuring no Ghanaian is left behind in the digital age.