W/R: Lack of telecommunication network driving teachers, other essential workers away from Gwira

Communities in the Gwira area of the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira Constituency of the Western Region do not have access to telecommunication network. The situation has caused teachers and other essential workers to desert the area.

At Gwira Wiawso, only two teachers are left at the basic school.

Adamu Fahal, one of the remaining teachers who spoke to 3News.com said he was still in the community only because his transfer applications have not been successful, stressing how his inability to connect to his family back home in Wa in the Upper West Region is a major worry for him.

“In fact, my experience here in this community is very worrying because I am a teacher and was posted here in 2022 from Upper West, Wa. The first day I got to this community, I was very confused because to have network for calls is a struggle. So, I’ve tried all that I can to be transferred to a different school. As at now we have only two teaching staff, myself and another colleague. All the rest have either taken transfer or completely abandoned their posts,” said Adamu.

The lack of telecommunication connectivity is adversely impacting his work since “as a teacher I have to get access to network to research and to also keep informed. We are always behind in the news.”

While waiting until a telecommunication network infrastructure is installed in the area, residents are relying on improvised Wi-Fi networks built by some individuals.

But getting connected to this network comes at unimaginable rates.

Evans Adu, a unit committee chairman for Sikaneasem Electoral Area, spends not less than GHC100.00 to be able to access information and communicate with others.

He “journeys from” his “community, Sikaneasem to Kutukrom by motorbike which costs GHC40.00” and “staying on the Wi-Fi for an hour costs GHC100.00”

The Wi-Fi network attracts both the young and old to their spots giving rise to irresponsible behaviors among adolescents.

“Several concerns have been raised at PTA meetings about how these children stay around the network zones sometimes until as late as 2:00am. They are exposed to irresponsible conduct and dangers especially the girls, but there’s no other option,” said a troubled Chief of Gwira Nsuaem, Nana Kojo Pompoi III.

According to the Chief, several steps taken to have telecommunication issues addressed in Kotukrom, Sikaneasem, Gwira Wiawso and other 17 communities have not yielded any results.

He said “during the campaign, President Mahama came to Kotukrom and pledged to have this issue addressed for us. That is my only hope and only praying that the President comes to our aid.

The post W/R: Lack of telecommunication network driving teachers, other essential workers away from Gwira first appeared on 3News.

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