By: Gabriel M C Parker
BOMI COUNTY – Residents of Suehn Mecca District in Bomi County have voiced serious concerns over the persistent lack of mobile network connectivity, despite the recent reactivation of a telecommunications tower in the area.
On May 8, 2025, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and a mobile network operator, announced the reactivation of a long-dormant telecom tower in parts of Suehn Mecca.
The move was intended to improve access to communication services for the local population.
However, just over a month later, community members say the promised improvement has failed to materialize.
Speaking to journalists in an emotional interview, District Youth Chair Mohammed Sadayah Dukuly expressed frustration, calling the initiative a “showmanship” effort that has offered little to no practical benefit.
“The erection of the telecom tower was nothing but a show,” Dukuly said. “The network only lasted for two weeks. After that, residents began climbing hills and walking long distances just to make a call.”
Dukuly estimated that 99% of Suehn Mecca’s residents continue to struggle with mobile communication and digital transactions, particularly mobile money services that depend on stable connectivity.
He also refuted claims that the district is enjoying reliable coverage.
“There is this misinformation being spread that Suehn Mecca is enjoying stable network connectivity. Let me be clear — that information is false and misleading,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging that the LTA distributed 50 basic mobile phones with Wi-Fi capability to residents, Dukuly questioned the relevance of the gesture in a community still lacking fundamental signal access.
“What good are Wi-Fi phones when there is no signal? How do we use them without connectivity?” he asked. “It makes no sense to distribute phones when the main issue of network access hasn’t been resolved.”
The youth leader described the situation as “disappointing” and said it amounted to a betrayal of public trust.
“People had hope. We thought this tower would bring us closer to the rest of Liberia in terms of communication. But now we feel abandoned.”
Dukuly disclosed that the residents plan to formally petition their district lawmaker to escalate the matter to the House of Representatives for legislative intervention.
“This is not just a youth issue — it’s a community concern. Our lawmaker must intervene to ensure the LTA and relevant authorities provide a lasting solution.”
Efforts to obtain comments from LTA officials were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
