Sam George clashed with PAC Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare over poor telecom service in Ghana, defending government efforts and announcing plans by MTN and Telecel to roll out 1,150 new network sites in 2026.
In a fiery PAC sitting that drew sharp lines and sharper voices, Sam George and the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Abena Osei-Asare, traded barbs over the state of Ghana’s telecoms. The exchange, captured in a tense confrontation, highlighted a larger debate: who bears responsibility for subpar service and what the government is actually doing to fix it.
What happened on the floor
- The clash centered on the quality and reliability of telecom services that many Ghanaians rely on daily, from data speeds to network outages.
- Sam George, known for his pointed interrogations, argued that the government’s interventions had fallen short and pressed for concrete timelines and accountability.
- Abena Osei-Asare, representing the committee, pushed back with procedural cautions and demanded clear evidence of how funds and policies were translating into tangible improvements for ordinary consumers.
Defending government efforts
- Despite the criticism, the article emphasizes the defense line: the administration has been implementing reforms, regulatory changes, and targeted investments aimed at expanding coverage and improving reliability.
- The exchange underscored the political dimension of telecom governance—where accountability, budget execution, and policy direction intersect with everyday consumer experiences.
A briefing on future plans
- In the midst of the debate, Sam George pivoted to announce new commitments from the sector, highlighting proactive steps by operators to boost infrastructure and service quality.
- Specifically, he framed ongoing and upcoming initiatives as proof of progress, aligning with the government’s broader digital economy agenda.
Industry context and implications
- The confrontation occurs at a time when telecom infrastructure is critical to economic growth, digital inclusion, and service resilience, especially in underserved regions.
- The anticipated rollout of additional network sites is presented as a response to both regulatory expectations and consumer demand, signaling ongoing modernization regardless of the political soundbites.
Bottom line
The PAC clash between Sam George and Abena Osei-Asare spotlights the ongoing tension between skepticism about performance and optimism about planned improvements. With MTN and Telecel eyeing a deployment of 1,150 new network sites in 2026, the argument will likely persist: how quickly can promised infrastructure translate into reliable, affordable service for all