Dr Abednego A. Lamangin Bandim, Member of Parliament for Bunkpurugu Constituency, has urged telecommunication operators to strengthen their response to network disruptions in Northern Ghana. He also called on the National Communications Authority (NCA) to monitor the frequency and duration of such disruptions and ensure that service providers met their obligations to consumers. This appeal was made in a statement issued in Accra on September 30, 2026.
Dr Bandim, who chairs Parliament’s Information and Communications Committee, expressed concerns about the implications of prolonged network disruptions on healthcare, education, businesses, emergency response, and public safety. He noted that these concerns are heightened by the lack of timely communication to consumers during major disruptions. The MP's statement followed his personal experience of a major MTN network disruption while traveling from Salaga to Tamale on September 26, 2026.
The network disruption occurred at about 1100 hours and was not restored until 1800 hours, according to Dr Bandim. He also received reports of similar disruptions in several communities in the Northern sector, including parts of Damongo and Bunkpurugu. While acknowledging that telecommunication operators may encounter unforeseen technical challenges, Dr Bandim emphasized the need for operators to provide timely information to affected consumers.
Dr Bandim noted that although some faults may not allow for advance notice, operators should use available platforms to inform the public about disruptions. He stated that it is not sufficient for operators to communicate only with relevant authorities while leaving affected consumers uninformed. Consumers who pay for and depend on telecommunication services deserve to know about significant disruptions, their causes, and the measures being taken to restore service.
The MP urged MTN Ghana to strengthen its communication protocols and promptly inform consumers of major network disruptions. He also appealed to the NCA to monitor the frequency and duration of network disruptions, particularly in Northern Ghana, and ensure that telecommunication service providers meet their obligations to consumers. Dr Bandim emphasized that reliable telecommunication services are essential to healthcare, education, commerce, emergency response, and everyday life.
Dr Bandim announced that he would continue to monitor the situation and engage relevant stakeholders to understand the causes of recurring disruptions and measures being taken to prevent them. He stressed that network disruptions should be treated with urgency to ensure that consumers in Northern Ghana receive reliable services and timely information. The MP's statement highlights the need for improved communication and response from telecommunication operators during service disruptions.
The issue of network disruptions in Northern Ghana has significant implications for the region's development and access to essential services. Dr Bandim's call to action underscores the importance of reliable telecommunication services in modern life. Key stakeholders, including telecommunication operators and regulatory bodies, are expected to take steps to address these concerns and improve the quality of service for consumers in Northern Ghana.
Key points
- Dr Abednego A. Lamangin Bandim urges telecommunication operators to strengthen their response to network disruptions in Northern Ghana.
- The MP calls on the NCA to monitor the frequency and duration of network disruptions and ensure that service providers meet their obligations to consumers.
- Reliable telecommunication services are essential to healthcare, education, commerce, emergency response, and everyday life in Northern Ghana.
