Tensions are growing in the country’s ICT sector as Starlink receives a one-month ultimatum in Ghana. The Ghanaian government has given the satellite internet operator, Starlink, a month’s notice to fully comply with local laws or face exclusion from the market.
In a meeting with Starlink representatives earlier this week, Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, issued the warning. He clarified that in order for the business to continue functioning, it must have a physical presence in Ghana, complete with a local office and customer service centre, and comply with all applicable laws and tax laws.
The Minister outlined three crucial areas of compliance:
- Physical presence
- Customer service
- Regulatory compliance
The government says it is unacceptable that Starlink currently operates in Ghana without a physical office, customer service center, or toll-free help line. The minister was explicit in a meeting with representatives from Starlink: things must change. Establishing a local office and support centre to guarantee that clients may access assistance when needed is one of the main objectives. Ghana needs accountability, not simply connectivity, anymore.
In addition to providing excellent customer service, the government is requesting that Starlink formally register, obtain a license, and begin paying taxes like all other companies in the nation.
George stated his desire to work with Starlink if compliance is attained, despite the hard attitude. He mentioned Ghana’s rural areas’ poor connectivity and implied that Starlink’s technology would help close the digital divide.
“To promote digital transformation and innovation, particularly in underserved areas, we are open to public-private partnerships,” the minister stated. “But the most important thing is to comply with regulations.”
The ultimatum demonstrates Ghana’s determination to uphold its regulations governing the ICT industry while also using international alliances to further its digital goal.
This is not unique to Ghana. Similar problems have been encountered by Starlink in other African nations. Vodacom backed the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s (ICASA) decision last month to stop Starlink from doing business there. According to the telecom firm, satellite providers like Starlink ought to be subject to the same regulations as other terrestrial providers who have to abide by municipal ownership laws.
Starlink had not applied for the Electronic Communications Network Services (ECNS) and Electronic Communications Services (ECS) licenses required to operate lawfully in South Africa. Starlink has not yet submitted a formal application, according to ICASA.
In 2021, Nigeria made similar demands of Twitter (now X), requiring the platform to establish a local office and designate representatives.. But the government ended the protracted prohibition.
Kenya has also adopted a more stringent approach towards international internet businesses, requiring firms such as Facebook and Uber to maintain a physical presence and adhere to local regulations. The message is quite clear. African governments expect international tech companies to contribute more than simply services; they want genuine dedication.
This most recent action is a part of Ghana’s larger effort to control rapidly expanding digital firms, making sure they’re not only gaining power but also making local contributions and abiding by the law.
