Ghana’s Telecom Sector Struggles with Poor Reception and Slow Internet

A recent report by CUTS International, a consumer advocacy group, has raised alarm over ongoing challenges in Ghana’s telecommunications sector. The findings were shared during the World Consumer Rights Day event on March 18, 2025, in Accra. The report highlights key consumer concerns, including poor reception, frequent call drops, slow internet speeds, and data loss. These persistent issues are negatively impacting users’ daily communications and work efficiency.

During the launch of the State of the Ghana Consumer Report 2025, Lawyer Appiah Kusi Adomako, West African Regional Director for CUTS, discussed these issues and compared Ghana’s internet speed to the unreliable operation of “trotros”—public minibuses notorious for frequent stops. Nearly 60% of survey respondents pointed to poor reception as a significant challenge in the telecom industry, indicating widespread dissatisfaction.

In addition to connectivity issues, the report reveals that around 28% of consumers experience call drops regularly, which further frustrates users. The report also sheds light on the unpredictable nature of data consumption, with many consumers unaware of where their data is being used. These findings suggest a significant gap between consumer expectations and the services provided by telecom companies in Ghana.

The event, which brought these concerns to the forefront, emphasized the need for improvements in the telecom sector. It also highlighted that around 25% of consumers spend less than GHC50 monthly on data and voice calls, indicating that affordability might play a role in the quality of service they receive. As consumer dissatisfaction continues to grow, stakeholders are urged to address these critical issues promptly.

source: citi newsroom