Sam George, NPP clash over Koforidua mast project

The controversy surrounding the construction of telecommunication masts in Koforidua has taken a new turn, with the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, engaging regional authorities and other stakeholders, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in New Juaben South has challenged him to produce evidence for a claim involving the constituency’s Member of Parliament, Michael Baafi Okyere.

The Minister’s engagement with stakeholders at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) formed part of efforts to address concerns over the siting and construction of telecommunication masts at various locations in the Eastern Region, particularly the controversial project at the Koforidua-Kumasi Lorry Station.

However, the political dimension of the controversy intensified after the Minister reportedly claimed that Mr Baafi Okyere had written to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communications, requesting the construction of telecommunication masts to improve network connectivity in the constituency.

The MP has denied making such a request and has challenged the Minister to produce the alleged letter. The New Juaben South NPP Constituency has now joined the call, demanding that Mr George publish the document to substantiate his claim.

NPP DEMANDS PROOF

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the First Vice Chairman of the New Juaben South NPP, Eugene Bempong, called on the Minister to make the alleged correspondence public. He said producing the letter would help settle the controversy and establish whether the MP indeed requested the construction of a mast at the Koforidua-Kumasi Station.

The constituency’s Communications Director, Peter Kwadwo Asare Duah, also challenged the Minister to provide the document, arguing that claims involving the MP should be supported by evidence.

The NPP’s demand follows growing public interest in the mast project, which has generated concerns among some traders, transport operators and residents over its location and potential safety implications.

The party maintains that the production of the alleged letter would provide clarity on the circumstances that led to the selection of the location.

SAM GEORGE ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS

Meanwhile, Mr George has moved to engage key stakeholders as part of efforts to address concerns surrounding the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure in the Eastern Region.

The Minister held discussions with regional authorities and other relevant stakeholders at the RCC, following engagements in Akuapem North, New Juaben South and other municipalities.

The discussions focused on the government’s plans to expand telecommunications infrastructure, improve network coverage and bridge gaps in access to digital services.

Mr George explained that the government intended to construct additional telecommunication masts at strategic locations across the region to improve connectivity.

Among the locations mentioned were the Kumasi Lorry Station, Nyamekrom and the Nursing Training area, in addition to other communities expected to benefit from the programme.

CONNECTIVITY VERSUS PUBLIC CONCERNS

The Minister acknowledged the importance of stakeholder participation in the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly where projects are located close to populated areas.

Concerns surrounding the safety of masts, land use, environmental considerations and regulatory compliance have become central to the debate in Koforidua.

The stakeholder engagement was, therefore, aimed at finding common ground between the government’s need to expand digital infrastructure and concerns raised by communities and other affected parties.

Regional authorities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders are expected to collaborate with the Ministry to identify suitable locations and ensure that the necessary technical and regulatory requirements are met.

The government’s planned expansion is part of efforts to improve telecommunications connectivity and support the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.

Reliable network coverage has become increasingly important for education, businesses, mobile banking, e-commerce, public services and everyday communication.

The Ministry believes that additional infrastructure will help address connectivity gaps, particularly in underserved communities across the Eastern Region.

However, the controversy at the Koforidua-Kumasi Station has highlighted the importance of transparency and consultation in the implementation of such projects.

For residents and other stakeholders in New Juaben South, the immediate issue remains the circumstances surrounding the selection of the lorry station as a mast location and the disputed claim involving the constituency’s MP.

The demand by the NPP for the alleged letter has consequently placed the Minister under pressure to produce the document, while his stakeholder engagements signal an attempt to ease tensions and secure broader support for the government’s telecommunications expansion programme.

Until the alleged correspondence is made public, the conflicting claims between the Minister and the MP are likely to remain a major point of contention in the Koforidua mast controversy.

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