The media in the Volta Region were taken through some lessons in the evolution of technology in the telecommunications industry during an editor’s forum organised by MTN at Sky plus Hotel in Ho. In attendance at the forum were media from Adidome, Akatsi, Aflao, Denu, Hohoe, Ho and Dodze. 

The forum was aimed at briefing journalists on the new trends in telecommunications, the drive towards convergence, MTN’s CSR initiatives, commercial activities as well as network coverage expansion projects currently under way in the region. MTN used the opportunity to express its gratitude to the media in the region for the diverse ways in which they have supported the organization in disseminating information on its activities to the public.

Briefing the media at the forum, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Mrs. Cynthia Lumor mentioned that the telecommunication industry is moving toward the era of convergence where one can, through his mobile device, access information on the internet, connect with friends and loved ones who are miles away, conduct bank transactions and many more at their own convenience. She also shared with the media some of the research engines such as dogpile.com etc., where they can access information to aid their work.

The Commercial Manager for South East Business District of MTN, Mr. Sam Adjei Sah, gave the media some highlights of MTN’s commercial activities in the region. He mentioned that there was 56% 3G data space available in the commercial towns of Volta region which was not being used, an indication of low data usage in the region. He therefore encouraged the media to take advantage of the facility to enhance their work.

Mr. Adjei Sah also highlighted the benefits of the MTN Mobile Money Service which he said provided a lot of convenience to subscribers. He said “the media as well as the public are encouraged to embrace the Mobile Money Service especially when we are just about entering the rainy season where it will be difficult to go out to purchase airtime, pay electricity and DSTV bills, send remittance to your kids in the boarding houses as well as pay school fees and also transfer money to business partners”.
He mentioned that subscribers who patronise domestic air travel can now purchase their air tickets on Star Bow Airline through MTN Mobile Money.

The Electromechanical And R&T Manager in charge of the South East Business District of MTN, Mr. Nicholas Frimpong, demonstrated how call from one subscriber to the other is completed on the MTN system and also made a Video Call, a feature on the 3G service, with the phone of a participant at the forum to the appreciation of all present. He also highlighted on some of the key challenges that hamper the delivery of smooth network service in the region. Key amongst the challenges he highlighted was the high rate of fibre cuts in the region as well as the theft of fuel and other resources that help sustain network connectivity.

In his closing remarks, the  President Of The Ghana Journalist Association in the Volta region, Mr. Victor Kwaukume expressed his profound appreciation  to MTN for the importance it places on the media especially those in the region. He also mentioned that journalists should take interest in knowing more about the telecoms industry in order to report effectively on it.

The Volta region editor’s forum provided the company with an opportunity to obtain feedback on the organisation’s operations. It follows similar interactions held in Accra and Kumasi earlier this year. The forum will be replicated in all ten regions of the country.