Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, is raising serious concerns over the government’s decision to grant satellite internet giant Starlink a license to operate in Ghana without establishing a physical presence.
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations Samuel Nartey George has questioned the rationale behind granting Starlink a license to operate in Ghana without ensuring the company has a physical presence in the country.
The Minister says the previous administration failed to do due diligence with regard to the physical presence of the company.
In an interview monitored by Accra Street Journal, the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram expressed deep frustration at the current arrangement, which allows the Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service provider to operate remotely while other players in Ghana’s telecom space are required to maintain offices locally.
He argues that such a setup undermines the regulator’s mandate to hold the service provider accountable and puts consumers at risk.
The Minister, therefore, revealed that he has directed the regulator to ensure that Starlink opens an office in the country to remedy the situation.
“I’ve asked the regulator to inform the company that it needs to open an office in Accra. They need to have an office. Yes, you can’t operate in our country and not have a presence here. The decision to even give the licence without making sure that they are resident in the country was poorly thought through,” he indicated.
Citing practical challenges, he pointed out that should any issue arise with a Starlink client, the Ghanaian regulator would be left with no option but to initiate communication with a representative based in the United States.
He contrasted it with other internet service providers whose physical presence in the country makes them accessible for summons into his office or visit them if there is an issue.
“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 US, and it will take them two to three weeks to come down. What kind of regulation is that?,” he quizzed.
He continued that, “All the other players in the industry, in the country, are residents here. When I need to meet the CEO of any MNO, I can call him 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.”
The Minister for Communications’ stance reveals a regulatory loophole that weakens consumer protection and compromises the regulator’s ability to effectively monitor Starlink’s compliance.
He has, therefore, vowed to revisit the issues and ensure that the right thing is done while tightening licensing protocols and ensuring all service providers are held to the same standards.
Last Updated on April 12, 2025 by samboad
