VODAFONE INTRODUCES NEW PRODUCT IN UPPER EAST (PAGE 25, JANUARY 5)

VODAFONE Ghana Ltd (formerly Ghana Telecom) has introduced a new product targeted at educational institutions and remote communities in the Upper East Region.
The new S-Link system is aimed at providing easy accessibility to communication for communities and schools, and to give them the opportunity to always remain in touch with acquaintances.
Launching the product at Sumbrungu, near Bolgatanga, the Head of Corporate Communication, Vodafone Ghana Ltd, Major Albert Don Chebe (retd), said it formed part of his outfit's commitment to extend communication to as many communities as possible.
He said although Vodafonehad been in the country barely four months, it was making efforts to improve the nation’s communications and enhance quality, as well as extend coverage to as many communities and societies as possible.
"Whiles we do this on the commercial level, we are also interested in ensuring that communities which may not be necessarily viable are not left behind. Therefore, the introduction of this project is our corporate social responsibility to ensure that everybody has access to communication," he said.
He explained that S-Link focused on schools and communities, adding that management had already installed the S-link facility in over 100 schools across Ghana.
Major Don Chebe (retd) said the introduction of the facility in Sumbrungu formed the next phase of the programme, which would have other communities benefit from the scheme, adding that one had already been installed at Fufulso in the Northern Region.
Mr Eric Asante, Upper East Regional Manager of Vodafone Ghana Ltd, said his outfit, mindful of Ghana Education Service’s policy on the non-use of mobile phones by high school students, had through innovations provided communication access to students without flouting the policy.
"All this is to make it easier for parents to communicate with their wards and vice versa. Apart from calling, instant text messages could be sent instead of writing letters which could take so long to reach recipients.”
He disclosed that apart from the Sumbrungu community, a number of educational institutions in the region had also benefited from the installation of the facility.
They include Bolga Senior High School, Bolgatanga Technical Institute, Bawku Senior High School, Navrongo Senior High School, Sandema Senior High School, Zamse Senior High School, Notre Senior High School and Zuarungu Senior High School.
He stated that with Vodafone's partnership, GT was poised to become number one and a household name as the most efficient, most delightful and most liked total telecommunication service provider with cutting edge and attractive technology, products and services.
In a speech read on his behalf, the Chief of Sumbrungu, Naba Nsorbilla Amanya, said the introduction of the product in the community was timely, as it would provide the people with easy access to communication with the outside world.