Communications Minister, Madam Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has directed the National Communications Authority to enforce the provisions of the Electronic Communications Act 2008 and the National Telecommunications Policy (NTP) to address challenges in the market share.

The directive which came over the weekend was moved after creation of a near-monopoly in the telecom sector by Telecommunication giant, MTN Ghana.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Minister, to address glaring disparities in revenue share in the sector.

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According to the statement, MTN controls about 75 per cent of telecommunications market share which has strongly affected consumer choice and competition, hence the call for corrective action.

However, MTN in a brief response to the directive on Monday, said they are a responsible market leader in a highly competitive market, ostensibly breaking its dominance in country’s telecom market.

It noted that, though it was yet to receive a formal notice from the regulator on the new policy directives, it respects the NCA’s purview to regulate the telecommunication sector in Ghana based on legislation and best practices.

The statement said “we remain an Ethical business committed to its regulatory obligations whole striving to deliver on its belief that everyone deserves the benefits of modern connected life”. 

Adding that, it refrains from commenting further on the issue while awaiting details from the NCA.

MTN Ghana assured its stakeholders of its commitment to providing the enabling technology to support Ghana’s digital economy and drive productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

The South African Multinational company, MTN, took over the then telecom operator, Areeba in 2006. It entered the Ghanaian market and has since maintained its lead by delivering superior voice, data and other value added services to its subscribers.

In 2015, the company acquired a 4G license from government to deliver high speed internet connectivity accross the country. And in line with the regulatory requirements for the 4G licence, MTN in 2018 offloaded 30 percent of its stake to Ghanaians through an Initial Public Offer (IPO), making it a partly owned Ghanaian entity.

It was the first to launch Mobile Money Service in the country, and received awards for being the highest taxpayer to government

By Agnes Melissa Yovo | Volta Region