The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has given an assurance that when re-elected, his government will work in close collaboration with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and other stakeholders to address issues confronting the growth of the sector more efficiently.
He said with his experience as former Deputy Minister of Communications and a substantial Minister who had contributed significantly to the development of the industry in the country, he understood the workings in the sector better.
The former President gave the assurance during a meeting with the leadership of the GCT and its sister organisation, EMIs Chamber of Ghana, in Accra last Monday. The meeting discussed some key issues and challenges affecting the operations of the industry.
Mr Mahama was accompanied by a team, including the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, while the GCT was led by its Chairman, Patricia Obo-Nai, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana.
Others were the acting CEO of AT, Leo Skarlatos; the CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett; the Managing Director of Helios Towers Ghana, Angelo Govina; the CEO of GCT, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, and some officials of the GCT.
The EMIs Chamber was also represented by its founding chairman and Director for Telecel Cash, Philip Amoateng; the acting Managing Director of AT Money, Mohammed Alhassan; the CEO of Mobile Money Limited, Shaibu Haruna; the Operations Leas at G-Money, Edem Kpodo, and other representatives.
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The meeting formed part of efforts by the two chambers to share their platform with all the political parties ahead of the December 7 elections this year, with the hope that their issues would be captured in their respective manifestos and implemented when they come to power.
Some of the issues discussed included repeal of the E-Levy law, ease of access to Ghana Card database, creating conducive and supportive policies, an enabling tax regime, reducing cost of doing business, ensuring sustainable promotion of local content and facilitating cross-border payments for the sector.
The two chambers further called for increased attention and support for the telecommunications industry, as well as the digital payments ecosystem.
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Meanwhile, a Digital Entrepreneur, Derek Nii Laryea has raised doubts about rectifying the market imbalance if the government excludes Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) from the 5G deal due to its significant presence in Ghana.
His comment comes in the wake of the government’s recent announcement to introduce 5G, with NextGen Infraco being the chosen recipient of the deal.
MTN’s significance in the telecom industry has sparked debate among stakeholders who believe it should have been considered for the 5G contract.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on ChannelOne TV’s The Point of View, Nii Laryea questioned, “Do we think that if we cut MTN off from 5G, it means that it will fix the market imbalance? I think no. What is the outcome of MTN’s dominance? MTN’s monopoly doesn’t disturb me or you. You just want quality service.”
He noted that MTN’s dominance in the industry does not pose a threat to other competitors. Nii Laryea commended MTN for its investments over the years, which have positively influenced its market share in Ghana. He argued that MTN should not be held responsible for the hesitation of investors to invest in the country.
“I agree that we want to manage MTN’s dominance, but the first thing we need to ask ourselves is, is the dominance hurting my mother in the village, or is it hurting my dad in Accra? I am not concerned even if MTN has 90% of the market and other players have decided to share 10% amongst themselves.
“Especially when MTN didn’t physically beat them and collect the shares from them or took the market shares from the floor.
He added, “It was won through a dent of hard work and investments. The same investments that they all have. Some of these telcos are listed I think between the top 5 telcos in the world. I mean their mother bodies. So, if they have not seen Ghana as a profitable market to invest in, I don’t think it’s MTN’s fault.
“MTN’s sin is that they said they are interested in the market and will put money in it…Like I’m saying, their dominance is not hurting anybody.”
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