If your phone has ever died right before an important MoMo transfer, refused to charge during a dumsor blackout, or started acting up after you bought an “original” charger from a trotro station, you’re not alone. Every day, customers walk into our shop in Kumasi with the same handful of complaints — and most of them have simple, affordable fixes once you know what’s really going on.
Here’s our honest breakdown of the most common phone problems we see in Ghana, and what actually works to solve them.
1. Phone Not Charging or Charging Very Slowly
This is easily the number one complaint we hear, especially from Tecno and Samsung users.
What’s usually causing it
- Fake or low-quality chargers. With dumsor pushing people to buy “back-up” chargers from unofficial sellers, a lot of phones are getting damaged by cheap, uncertified cables and adapters that push the wrong voltage.
- Dust and lint in the charging port. Market dust and pocket lint build up over time and block the pin connection.
- A worn-out battery. If your phone is 2+ years old and the battery health has dropped, charging naturally slows down.
The fix
Gently clean the charging port with a dry toothbrush or a toothpick (never anything metal or wet). If that doesn’t help, test with a different charger — this alone solves the problem for most customers. Original chargers typically range from GHS 40–120 depending on brand and fast-charging capability, and it’s money well spent compared to replacing a phone battery or motherboard damaged by a fake one.
2. Battery Draining Too Fast
Ghanaian buyers often assume a phone is “spoilt” when really it’s just poorly managed battery settings — or a genuine hardware issue.
Common causes
- Too many apps running in the background (WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok are the biggest culprits)
- Screen brightness left too high, especially outdoors
- Constant searching for network signal in low-coverage areas, which drains battery fast
- Battery health naturally degrading with age and heat
Quick fixes
Turn on battery saver mode, close background apps you’re not using, and reduce screen brightness. If your phone is older and the drain is severe, a battery health check is worth doing — we run free battery diagnostics in-store, and if a replacement is genuinely needed, we can pair it with our Buy Now Pay Later option so it doesn’t hit your pocket all at once.
3. Cracked Screens and Damaged Bodies
Between crowded trotro rides, market stalls, and the general hustle of daily life, screen damage is extremely common — and it’s rarely covered by manufacturer warranty.
Prevention that actually works
A tempered glass screen protector (typically GHS 15–30) absorbs the shock from most everyday drops, and a good silicone or rugged case protects the phone body. It’s a small upfront cost that saves you a much bigger repair or replacement bill later.
4. Poor Network Signal and Call Drops
This one isn’t always the phone’s fault — but customers often think it is.
What to check first
- Confirm you’re on a strong MTN, Vodafone, or AirtelTigo signal area, not just relying on the bars shown
- Restart your phone (this clears a surprising number of network glitches)
- Check if your SIM card is old or damaged — SIMs wear out over 3-4 years
- Make sure your phone’s software is updated, as outdated software can affect network stability
If the problem persists across multiple SIMs and locations, it may point to a hardware antenna issue, which is worth having checked before you assume your phone is “finished.”
5. Phone Overheating
Heat complaints spike during the hot season and among customers who game or stream heavily on data.
Main triggers
- Charging while using the phone heavily (especially gaming)
- Direct sunlight exposure at market stalls or outdoor shops
- Too many apps open at once on lower-RAM devices
What helps
Avoid charging and heavy gaming at the same time, keep your phone out of direct sun, and close unused apps regularly. If a phone overheats even when idle, that’s a sign to bring it in for a check — it could be a battery or software issue that needs attention before it gets worse.
6. Storage Full / Phone Running Slow
With WhatsApp media, photos, and app updates piling up fast, low storage is a daily reality for many Tecno and entry-level Samsung users.
Quick wins
- Clear WhatsApp media regularly (Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage)
- Move photos to cloud storage or a memory card where supported
- Uninstall apps you no longer use
If you’re shopping for your next phone and storage is a priority, ask us about the higher-storage Tecno and Samsung models we stock — it’s a common upgrade request and we can talk you through what fits your budget and usage.
When to Bring It to Us Instead of DIY
Cleaning a port or restarting your phone is fine to try at home. But swelling batteries, water damage, or a phone that won’t turn on at all need a professional look — trying to force-fix these yourself can turn a small problem into a phone that’s beyond repair.
If your phone is giving you any of these headaches, bring it by our shop or send us a WhatsApp message with your issue and your phone model. We stock genuine chargers, power banks, screen protectors, and cases for Tecno and Samsung devices, and if a replacement makes more sense than a repair, our Buy Now Pay Later plan means you don’t have to pay everything upfront. We also accept MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo payments — no cash-only stress. Browse what’s in stock anytime at simcelonline.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my phone charging slowly all of a sudden?
It’s usually a worn cable, a dirty charging port, or a degraded battery. Try a different original charger first before assuming the battery needs replacing.
Is it safe to use non-original chargers on my Tecno or Samsung phone? It’s risky. Uncertified chargers can deliver inconsistent voltage that damages your battery or charging port over time. Genuine or certified chargers cost more upfront but protect your phone long-term.
Why does my phone overheat when charging?
This often happens when you use the phone heavily (gaming, video calls) while it’s plugged in. Give your phone a break from charging while using demanding apps, and avoid direct sunlight.
Can dumsor damage my phone’s battery?
Not directly, but the habit of using cheap power banks and unofficial chargers during outages is a common cause of battery and port damage. Invest in a reliable power bank instead.
You Might Also Like
- Best Power Banks for Surviving Dumsor in Ghana
- Original vs Fake Chargers: How to Spot the Difference
- Samsung Battery Drain: Causes and Fixes (see our earlier guide)
Not sure what’s wrong with your phone? Send us a WhatsApp message or visit simcelonline.com — we’ll help you figure it out before you spend a cedi.
Have a Question or Business Enquiry?
We’re here to help!
Whether you’re interested in our products, need assistance, or have a business proposal, feel free to reach out. Contact us today — we’d love to hear from you!
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 0547489948 Or 0546672098
📧 Email: simcelventures@gmail.com
📍 Visit Us: Have-Etoe (SIMCEL VENTURES)
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