Residents of Takoradi are voicing their frustration over continued disruptions in internet services, which have been affecting businesses, government, and private organizations in the area. The disruption, caused by damage to submarine cables, has left online users uncertain about the timeline for restoration despite a five-week estimate provided by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
Communications Minister Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful attributed the disruptions to a force majeure, possibly caused by undersea landslides in the Ivory Coast and Senegal. This has particularly affected mobile networks like MTN and Telecel.
Residents interviewed by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) expressed dissatisfaction with the situation. Mr. Ashish Kumar, Branch Manager of Intercom Programming and Manufacturing Company Limited (IPMC) Takoradi, highlighted the company's dependency on Internet for its operations, including examinations and student communications.
Similarly, Mr. Alfred Owusu, Senior Librarian at Takoradi Library, hoped for a swift resolution to ensure effective internet connectivity for all networks. Mr Patrick Asare, a driver, lamented difficulties in purchasing credit for his smart meter online due to the disruption.
Mr. Emmanuel Quansah, an online business marketer, expressed concern over his inability to advertise and update clients on goods. He hoped that the estimated five-week restoration period would be adhered to, allowing life to return to normal.
Meanwhile, the NCA has urged local Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet service providers, and stakeholders to participate in the operations of the Ghana Internet Exchange (GIX) to ensure efficient local content delivery and seamless Internet traffic.