Mobile operators in Ghana urged to invest in Network Infrastructure

A latest report on Digital Inclusion and Mobile Sector taxation in Ghana has recommended additional investment in network infrastructure by mobile operators to ease or address the challenge in the quality of services commonly faced by subscribers. This has become necessary due to the astounding growth rate in the usage of mobile telephony in the country.

According to the report, the mobile sector in Ghana has enabled 12.6 million Ghanaians about 50 per cent of the population to have access to the benefits of mobile communication. It noted that Mobile and Broadband service, promote digital inclusion, enabling millions to benefit from exchange of ideas and information reduced communication costs and improved access to healthcare, education and financial.

The report which was discussed with stakeholders in the telecommunication industry at a day’s forum by a team from GSMA Africa led by Mr. Mortimer Hope in Accra. It revealed that improving the availability of information and reducing transaction costs of mobile services increases productivity and enables businesses and markets to operate more efficiently.

It believed that these services also support investment and innovation in the wider economy citing an example in the provision of network equipment and the creation of business services and applications.

While the report points to the enormous opportunities and solution that the mobile sector presents to the Ghanaian populace it also mentioned the benefit the economy of Ghana gains from the sector. “The mobile sector also contributes to Ghana’s long-run economic and fiscal stability, both through its own contribution to the economy and the government revenues, and through the contribution of the associated ecosystem of industries," it stated.

Currently Ghana is ranked 8th with 120% overall mobile penetration and 20% Mobile and 3G penetration among countries in Africa; but placed first within the West Africa Sub-region as a country with a high mobile and 3G penetration rate followed by Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Burkina Faso.