The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly criticized the decision made by the previous administration to grant a license to the global satellite internet provider StarLink without mandating the establishment of a physical operational presence within Ghana.
In a recent interview featured on TV3’s New Day program on Friday, April 11, the Minister articulated his significant concerns regarding the regulatory and operational challenges that arise from permitting a foreign technology company to conduct its business within the country without having a local office or established infrastructure.
Addressing the issue directly, Mr. Sam George stated, "I have asked the regulator (National Communications Authority, NCA) to inform the company (StarLink) that they need to have an office in Accra." This directive underscores the current administration's intent to rectify what they perceive as an oversight in the initial licensing agreement.
The Minister did not hold back in his assessment of the former government's action, describing the decision to license StarLink without a local presence as "poorly thought through." He further elaborated on his stance, asserting the necessity for accountability and accessibility, saying, "They need to have an office here. You can’t operate in our country and not have a presence here."
Mr. Sam George highlighted the potential complications that could arise in various scenarios if StarLink continues to operate without a physical office in Ghana. He pointed out the difficulties in regulatory oversight and customer service, stating, "If there is a problem involving a client of StarLink, and the regulator needs to talk to StarLink, we need to send an email to someone sitting somewhere in the US, and it will take them about three weeks for them to come down." This scenario illustrates the potential delays and inefficiencies in addressing local issues and ensuring compliance with Ghanaian regulations when the primary operational base of the service provider is located overseas.
Expanding on the broader implications of this issue, the Minister revealed that Ghana's concerns are not isolated. He indicated that several ICT ministers across the sub-region have also raised similar issues regarding the operational modalities of foreign technology companies providing services without a significant local footprint. Mr. Sam George hinted at potential collaborative action among these nations, stating, "It is a cause of concern not just here in Ghana. Across the sub-region, most of the ICT ministers are worried about it, and we are going to be taking collective action." This suggests a growing consensus among regional leaders on the importance of ensuring that foreign entities operating in critical sectors like telecommunications have a tangible presence and are subject to local laws and regulations.
In his concluding remarks on the matter, the Minister emphasized the fundamental need for accountability and accessibility when foreign companies are involved in essential sectors such as telecommunications. He firmly insisted, "They must show physical presence in our country," reiterating the current government's stance that StarLink must establish an office within Ghana to continue its operations in the country. This position reflects a broader policy objective of ensuring that companies benefiting from the Ghanaian market are also contributing to the local economy and are readily accountable to both regulatory bodies and consumers within Ghana. The demand for a physical presence is likely aimed at facilitating smoother regulatory oversight, improving customer support, and potentially contributing to local job creation and economic activity.
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