News · Peter Amaane

New Juaben South MCE reacts to concerns over telecommunications mast to be erected at Koforifua-Kumasi lorry station

The New Juaben South Municipal Chief Executive, MCE, Ransford Owusu Boakye, has clarified the construction of the telecommunications mast at the Koforidua -Kumasi lorry station which led to a misunderstanding between the market women, drivers and the telecommunications officials.

According to the MCE, the project has received the necessary approval from the Ministry of Communication.

He added that the Environmental Protection Authority, EPA, has granted permission for the construction of the project after an assessment and concluded that it poses no environmental and health risks. 

Speaking to the media, in Koforidua, Mr. Boakye said, the project aims to enhance internet connectivity, improve telecommunications coverage, and facilitate digital services to support residents and businesses within the New Juaben South Municipality.

The MCE revealed that the contract has been awarded to African Towers, a privately held neutral-host infrastructure provider that develops and manages shared telecommunications infrastructure for network operators.

"Let me use the opportunity to say that anyone who says the mast will kill people is a deceiver. It doesn't kill. Also from how it is being built it will  be strong and will not collapse. They are spreading all these falsehoods to cause disaffection towards the government. We shall build the mast. If we have to build it to enhance internet connectivity to benefit you and me we will do it" he asserted.

The clarification follows concerns by traders, transport operators and residents who raised concerns of health risks associated with telecommunications masts.