Accra, May 17, GNA - Mrs Rebecca Adotey, a Deputy Minister of Communications, on Wednesday urged stakeholders in the telecommunications industry to extend mobile communications to rural areas to effectively harness the great power of new technologies to promote development.

"As part of Ghana's telecommunications reform, it is imperative to extend mobile communications and, in particular, cellular mobile services to the rural communities to enable them to have access to telephone facilities for socio-economic prosperity."

Speaking at a press conference to mark this year's World Telecommunication Day, Mrs Adotey said if Ghana wants to be part of the global economy, her telecommunication sector must be propelled by the technologies of the rest of the world.

The day set aside by the International Communications Union (ITU) under the United Nations is being celebrated under the theme "Mobile Communications." Governments and telecom industries worldwide are requested to debate policy and regulatory issues to improve access to wireless-telecommunications in rural areas.

It is being organised by the National Communications Authority (NCA) with supervision from the Ministry of Communications (MOC). To derive maximum benefit from the theme, the ITU and MOC in collaboration with other stakeholders and telecom operators have drawn up a comprehensive weeklong programme of panel discussions and adverts.

The Deputy Minister said some parts of the country have lagged behind in the supply of fixed lines. However, the telecom reform policy has made it possible for Ghana Telecom and Westel to operate cellular mobile services in addition to the fixed lines.

Mrs Adotey said the availability of mobile communications in rural communities would enhance the general communications network adding, "District Assemblies can engage in direct business ventures with prospective investors locally and abroad." She said this would also address possible health hazards of mobile phone handsets, environmental nuisance of antennas or the use and misuse of mobile phones.

Mr Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, said in a speech read by Ms. Margaret Novicki, Director of UN Information Centre, that while the powerful force of globalisation has brought prosperity to many, millions of people have been left behind. He said telecommunications play a key role in the international community's efforts to create new opportunities, inspire global dialogue and integrate people and countries into the global economy.

Mr Annan said wireless communications, which is cheaper to install and easier to maintain than traditional fixed-line networks, would offer developing countries new opportunities for enhanced access to basic telecommunications services. He called for the expansion and consolidation of partnership with the private sector to help build the infrastructure and develop the human resource for poorer countries.

Dr Josiah Cobbah, Deputy Managing Director of Westel, who chaired the function, said there is no clear regulatory regime and this has led to the duplication of resources and monopoly in some sectors. He expressed the hope that with the draft regulation being studied, the private telecommunication sector would soon be put into shape and more Ghanaians would be able to enjoy its services.