Africanews
Africa Telephone services in general do not enjoy a good reputation. In Ghana a stiff competetion among mobile phone companies has improved the chances of making a reliable telephone connection any time of the day. But it is still a luxury for the wealthy. |
An emerging trend in the Ghanaian business and affluent class is the growing use of mobile and cellular phones in the two major cities of the country, Accra and Kumasi. Anywhere one goes in these major cities, one can be sure of seeing people with mobile phones glued to their ears - either in their car, or in a eating place or even in the middle of a side-walk - speaking with a distant partner.
It is the new craze in town. Business executives, lawyers, ministers of state and most people who matter in the society, have grabbed the opportunity to own mobile phones. The reason, according to 34-year-old businessman Joe Akompong, is not far-fetched. "It is a status-symbol. Anybody who sees you with a mobile phone knows you're a man of substance. You are accorded a certain kind of respect wherever you go. Hence the desire by some people to get the mobile phone even if its cost is considerable."
Akompong himself cannot be described as a rich man, but he says he went for a mobile phone primarily because he wanted to give a boost to his business connections. "If you have a mobile phone people feel secure transacting business with you because of the reputation that only the wealthy can own it."
Mobile phones appeared in Ghana just within the last five years. Since the government liberalised the sector, private firms such as Millicom and Celltel have started operations, providing mobile phone services in the urban parts of the country. Another firm, Seel Company, has also introduced a phone card which could be used both for local and international calls.
Millicom is well-entrenched and has an expansion programme. It now has 5,300 subscribers in Accra and Kumasi, the second largest city in the country. Plans are also afoot to include a third city. Scancom, a Scandinavian mobile cellular network, has obtained a licence and may start operating very soon. There are also indications that more telecommunications operators will begin providing services in the country before the end of the year.
Although only a few people comparatively are able to afford these services due to the relatively high connection and service charges some experts think that these companies do offer an important contribution towards the growth of Ghana's developing economy. "They have changed the profile of the corporate Ghanaian," notes Sam Nelson, a banker. "Major business transactions can be done safely and on time on mobile phones. It is good for investment in the country."
The ministry for communications has also embarked on a massive programme to provide access to telephone putting up phone booths all over the country. The ministry has also announced that it would put on offer 30 per cent of Ghana Telecom. The Minister for Transport and Communications, Albert Salia, explains that "privatisation will lead to expansion of services and profitability arising from competition."
But just in case you come to Ghana, do not be surprised by the high visibility of mobile phones users. It is the sign of things to come - Ghana's quest for 'hello'.
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