By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, has stated that no tech company will be granted a license without establishing a physical presence in Ghana.
The Minister’s statement appears to be a direct message to Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, which is reported to have commenced operations in Ghana without setting up a physical office.
According to Mr. Nartey George, establishing a physical office in Accra is a prerequisite for Starlink to continue its operations in Ghana. He expressed concern over the company’s lack of local presence despite having received regulatory approval to provide internet services in the country.
Speaking in an interview with TV3, the Communications Minister said, “I’ve asked the regulator to inform the company that they need to open an office in Accra. I don’t understand. They need to have an office. You can’t operate in our country and not have a presence here.”
Mr. Nartey George explained that having a local office would enhance regulatory oversight and ensure accountability while also providing greater protection for Ghanaian consumers.
He further criticized the National Communications Authority (NCA) for what he described as a strategic oversight in granting a license to Starlink without mandating a local office or base of operations in Ghana.
“Today, if there’s a problem involving a client of Starlink and the regulator needs to speak with Starlink, we need to send an email to someone sitting somewhere in the U.S., and it will take them two to three weeks to come down. What kind of regulation is that?” the Minister queried.
Mr. Nartey George emphasized the importance of accessibility for effective regulation, stating that a local office would allow for timely consultations and quicker resolution of issues affecting consumers.
“When I need to meet the CEO of any MNO, I can call, and in an hour, he’s sitting in my office or at the office of the regulator for me to protect the interests of the Ghanaian people,” he added.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet services in various countries, including some parts of Africa.
Starlink, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, received approval from the NCA to operate in Ghana and was officially launched in August 2024. The service is managed locally by SpaceX Starlink GH LTD.
The technology uses a constellation of over 5,800 low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet, with some users enjoying download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. Starlink’s entry is expected to revolutionize internet access in underserved rural communities where traditional infrastructure is limited.
However, the affordability of the service remains a challenge. In Nigeria, for example, Starlink charges $314 for initial setup and $27 monthly—costs far higher than those of local providers.
Before its official approval in Ghana, a black market allowed unauthorized users to access Starlink through its global roaming feature.
