The Minister of Communications and Digital Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed dissatisfaction with Starlink’s lack of physical presence in Ghana.
Starlink began operations in Ghana at the end of August 2024 and is locally represented by SpaceX Starlink GH LTD, following the completion of all administrative and licensing procedures with the National Communications Authority (NCA).
However, speaking in an interview on Accra-based TV3, the Minister said the company must establish an office in Accra to enable effective regulation by the NCA.
According to him, the current model—operating from the United States—is hampering the regulator’s ability to exercise proper oversight.
“I’ve asked the regulator to inform the company [Starlink] that they need to open an office in Accra. You can’t operate in our country and not have a physical presence here.
“The decision to even give the license without making sure they are residents in the country was poorly thought through. Today, if there’s a problem involving a client of Starlink and the regulator needs to speak with Starlink, we have to send an email to someone sitting somewhere in the US, and it takes two to three weeks to get a response. What kind of regulation is that?” he quizzes.
The Minister added, “All the other players in the industry are residents here. When I need to meet the CEO of any MNO, I can call, and in an hour, he’s in my office or the office of the regulator. That’s how we protect the interest of the Ghanaian people.”
