Telecom Industry Eyes Stronger Ties as NCA Pushes for Collaboration

Ghana’s telecommunications industry could be on the verge of stronger regulatory cooperation following a high-level meeting between the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications. The discussion, held at the NCA Tower in Accra on February 19, 2025, focused on fostering deeper engagement between regulators and industry players.

Rev. Fianko, the NCA’s Director-General, emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, stating that industry growth depends on regulators, policymakers, companies, and customers working together. The Chamber, led by its Chairperson and CEO of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, welcomed this stance and expressed optimism about improving industry-government relations to drive digital transformation.

The meeting addressed key industry concerns, including the protection of telecommunications infrastructure, the persistent destruction of fibre optic cables, the high cost of power, and the impact of multiple taxes and fees on industry growth. Discussions also covered advocacy efforts on critical telecom matters, ensuring payment obligations to the NCA, and strategies to attract more investments into the sector.

During the engagement, the Chamber presented its Telecommunications Industry Optic Fibre Minimum Specifications and Standards Manual, a self-regulatory guide developed using benchmarks from Europe, Egypt, and other countries with successful fibre deployment systems. Rev. Fianko acknowledged its significance and assured that the NCA would review it in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for possible adoption into the country’s official telecom standards.

Both parties agreed to establish structured, ongoing engagements and maintain open channels for technical discussions. With this renewed commitment, the NCA and the Chamber aim to enhance industry operations, encourage investment, and improve telecom services for consumers nationwide.