Residents of Ataso, a farming community in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, are grappling with severe mobile network challenges that have made communication a daily struggle. The poor connectivity has forced many residents to climb trees, rooftops, and uncompleted buildings just to make or receive phone calls.
The situation, which has persisted for several years, is now affecting economic activities, education, emergency response, and social interaction in the community. For many, the dream of digital inclusion remains out of reach as they continue to live without access to reliable network service.
In an interview with the media, some frustrated residents shared their experiences, describing the situation as both “embarrassing and heartbreaking.” One resident lamented, “The network here is our major problem. We sometimes have to climb trees or walk far into the bush before we can make a simple call. It is affecting our business and even our safety.”
Another resident, who operates a mobile money business, expressed worry over the negative impact on local commerce. “It’s difficult transacting business here. Mobile money doesn’t work, and we can’t call our suppliers or customers. Sometimes, when you need to confirm a transaction or reach someone urgently, you have to climb a tree or go to another village where the network is a bit better,” she complained.
Students in the community are also feeling the brunt of the poor network. Many of them say the lack of connectivity makes it difficult to access online study materials or communicate with teachers and colleagues. “When our teachers send assignments or information online, we struggle to receive them. Sometimes, we have to walk long distances just to get a message,” a student revealed.
The situation, according to residents, has also hindered emergency communication. In cases of medical or security emergencies, reaching out for help becomes nearly impossible due to the weak or total lack of mobile signal.
The residents are therefore appealing to the government, particularly the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, and telecommunication companies such as MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana, and Telecel, to extend their network infrastructure to the Ataso community and its adjoining areas.
They believe that reliable mobile connectivity would not only improve communication but also enhance education, healthcare delivery, business operations, and access to government services.
An opinion leader in the community noted that the people of Ataso have long felt neglected in terms of digital infrastructure development. He emphasized that with Ghana’s ongoing efforts to promote digital inclusion, rural communities like Ataso should not be left behind.
“We are part of Ghana too, and we deserve to communicate easily just like everyone else. The government and the telecom companies must come to our aid. We can’t continue to climb trees before making calls — this is unacceptable in this modern age,” he stressed.
Residents are hopeful that their appeal will attract immediate attention from authorities and stakeholders to help improve mobile connectivity in the area. For now, however, many continue to rely on precarious tree climbs and rooftop ventures just to stay connected with the outside world.
