By Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA
Adaklu-Abuadi, Oct 19, GNA- Togbe Gbogbi Atsa V, Paramount Chief of Adaklu has described Adaklu as the centre of development in the Volta Region, citing its strategic location, vast arable land and youthful population ready to drive growth.
Adaklu-Waya, the district capital, is 29km from Ho, Volta Region’s capital. The district covers 810 sq km, has over 90 communities, and a 2026 projected population of 40,108. Its people are predominantly farmers (crop and animal) and beekeepers, with huge potential in agriculture, tourism and real estate among others.
Togbe Atsa said poor telecommunication network had for years been the district’s major setback, making life difficult for everyone – farmers, students, saying the ongoing rural telephony intervention would unlock the district’s economic potential.
Togbe Agbobada IV, Chief of Adaklu-Anfoe made the remarks for the Paramount Chief when Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, led a delegation from the Ministry and its agencies to pay a courtesy call the Paramount Chief.
The visit formed part of a two-day monitoring tour of rural telephony projects and One Million Coders Programme in the region.
“… When you talk of land, Adaklu has very vast land – arable land, human resources. Mention all…”
Mr George, the sector Minister disclosed that Adaklu alone was benefiting from 13 new rural telephony sites, with one already up and running, saying “I can assure you that within the next 30 days, all these sites will be completed.”
He said the area’s plight was constantly brought to his attention by the Member of Parliament of the area, Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, who told him the Paramount Chief sometimes had to go into the bush to access network.
Mr George disclosed the Ministry’s intention to engage MTN and other major telcos to expand their coverage to Adaklu, saying under President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda, rural areas like Adaklu would see a real difference in connectivity.
The Minister announced he would issue a 30-day ultimatum to the contractor to complete all outstanding sites nationwide after a crucial meeting in Accra on October 20, warning that surcharges would apply after the deadline.
He said out of the 2,016 sites nationally, over 1,600 have been completed, and about 1,400 were active, but close to 5,000 more communities remained unconnected.
Mr Jerry Yaw Ameko, District Chief Executive, Adaklu said the intervention would lift the district out of isolation and connect it to the global village, noting being in the remote part of the country, and limited connectivity retarded their progress and “With this, we are sure we will be taken to the next level.”
Mr Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, Administrator, Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications said all 18 districts in Volta Region were benefiting from the current rural telephony deployment, disclosing that Volta was disadvantaged during previous rollouts.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA