Help GT - Asantehene to Govt

Kumasi, April 16, GNA- Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has called on the government to help Ghana Telecom (GT) to come out from its financial problems.

He said the problems confronting Ghana Telecom especially with Malaysia needs to be addressed fully to enable Telecom to render excellent services to its customers.

The Asantehene said this when an 11-member management delegation of the Ghana Telecom led by Nana Antwi Boasiako, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Friday.

The delegation was at the palace to seek approval for a pay-phone card with Asantehene's portrait on it, designed by the company to be printed on a new phone card to be sold to the public soon.

They also donated 20 million cedis to Asantehene towards the celebration of the Asanteman 'Adae Kese' and the fifth anniversary of his enstoolment on the Golden Stool.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the Ghanaian populace expected highly reliable and efficient services from Ghana Telecom and as such there was the need for management, the board and the workers to evolve pragmatic strategies to improve on their services.

He asked them not only to be up and doing but must also reflect on how best they can meet the challenges facing them as a company to bring development to the entire business and educational communities.

The Asantehene, who gave his consent for the use of his portrait on the card, called on all Ghanaians to patronise the phone card when it comes out without any prejudice.

Mr Oystein Bjorge, Chief Executive of Ghana Telecom, observed that few Ghanaians could afford to buy phone cards but said the company has embarked on a wide expansion of its network throughout the country. He said, however, that there has been a bit delay due to the differences that erupted between Ghana Telecom and Malaysians.

Mr Bjorge said the problem has been resolved and hoped that when everything is settled, they would start work in earnest to improve upon their services.

He said when this is done customer services would be expanded to all parts of the country thereby increasing their lines.