The National Communications Authority (NCA) has commemorated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a robust and consumer-centric telecommunications landscape in Ghana.
The authority, according to the Acting Director General of the NCA Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko is actively pursuing several key initiatives and has released consultation papers on the papers on the rationalization of spectrum assignments and a review of its fees and charges . Additionally, he says the NCA is analyzing data service tarrifs to provide informed recommendations to the Minister.
Rev. Ing. Fianko, underscored the authority’s strategic priorities, thus safeguarding consumer interests, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and promoting affordable access to communication services. He stressed that close collaboration between the NCA and industry stakeholders is essential to providing Ghanaians with reliable, secure, and high-quality communication services.
He revealed that the NCA is focused on bolstering consumer protection and has restructured its operations to create a stronger division dedicated to consumer affairs. This enhanced focus is expected to involve intensified quality of service monitoring, rigorous verification of billing accuracy, and improved complaints management processes.
“The Authority has strengthened its focus on consumer protection with the restructuring of its Divisions to place added emphasis on Consumer Affairs. We are intensifying quality of service monitoring, verification of billing accuracy, terminal device testing, type approval, market surveillance and complaints management”. He emphasised. “Service providers will be will be required to respond quickly to the consumer issues we will be bringing to their attention.”
To further enhance the quality of telecommunications infrastructure, the Acting Director General affirmed that the NCA is collaborating with the Ghana Standards Authority to develop a national standard for fiber optic cables. In addition, the NCA has proposed amendments to the legal framework, recommending that the Minister introduces administrative fines for those who damage or destroy communication facilities or infrastructure through reckless or negligent actions.
He explained that NCA’s celebration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day highlights the vital role of telecommunications in Ghana’s ongoing development with proactive measures to enhance consumer protection, ensure service quality, and promote affordability are critical steps toward empowering Ghanaians with access to reliable, secure, and affordable communication services.
The event convened key industry players, including government officials, telecommunications companies, and members of the media.
by: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
