Under the mango tree, Chakori residents struggle for a mobile signal

Under the shade of a mango tree in Chakori, young people raise their phones toward the sky. They are searching for a mobile signal, not taking photographs or recording videos.

The tree stands in the compound of Chakori D/A Primary School and has become an unofficial communications centre for residents of Chakori, Bombare, Nanjuro and Konjado in Ghana’s Kpandai District. A weak signal sometimes appears there, allowing people to make calls, send messages or access the internet.

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We gather here because this is the only place where we can sometimes get a signal.

Residents say poor or nonexistent coverage has become a daily struggle. Making a call can require a long walk, waiting for a particular time of day or gathering at a place where a signal might appear. At times, scores of people meet under the tree to contact relatives, conduct business or receive important information.

“We gather here because this is the only place where we can sometimes get a signal,” said Krah Yaw James, the Assembly Member for the Nanjuro Electoral Area. “Even then, the connection is unstable. Calls drop frequently, and internet access is almost impossible.”

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Even then, the connection is unstable. Calls drop frequently, and internet access is almost impossible.

The problem has affected students and job seekers who rely on digital platforms for admissions, examinations, recruitment and information. Community elder John Katrapor said young people had missed interview invitations and recruitment messages, while others lost admission opportunities after failing to complete online registrations before deadlines.

Ezekiel Dei said he could not complete applications to tertiary institutions after finishing secondary school in 2022 because notifications arrived too late. He turned to mobile money, but delayed transaction alerts and missing transfers caused disputes with customers, forcing him to quit. Residents also say the lack of reliable coverage has increased danger during emergencies. They reported at least 10 snakebite cases over the past two years.

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Since I could not gain admission, I ventured into the mobile money business. However, delayed transaction alerts and unreceived transfers often created disputes with customers. Eventually, I had to quit the business.