Dotom — stay still or lose your call

The rate at which Information Communication Technology (ICT) is developing and its impact on socio-economic activities cannot be underestimated.

Today, mobile phones have become sophisticated such that their use goes beyond making calls and sending text messages; there are different apps that make life easier for users.

For many people living in cities and other urban areas, having access to mobile connectivity is not considered a luxury as the connectivity is even more stable compared to water and electricity.

However, same cannot be said about the people of Dotom, a farming community in the Adansi South Constituency of the Ashanti Region.

A resident making a phone call

For anyone to make or receive a phone call, the person must be at one of the two spots in the community; either under the Neem tree close to the Dotom Primary School or a spot close to the community centre.

Even with that, any shift in body movements during a call session will lead to an automatic disconnection, hence the user has to either keep still or keep the phone in a position that won't make it shake or move.

Residents who expect calls or text messages have no option but to leave their phones in a wooden box specially positioned at the two areas while they go about their normal duties.

Once a call comes through, anyone present answers it and keeps the caller on hold while they notify the owner of the phone.

The Neem tree  close to the Dotom Primary School is a busy spot for making and receiving calls

The good thing is that phones don't go missing as the residents keep watch over each other’s phone.

In an interaction with some residents, they appealed to the government and telecommunications companies to come to their aid as they would be unable to call for help during emergencies.