The platform, known as the Integrated Courier and Logistics Management System – Ghana (iCOLMS-GH), was launched on Thursday at a ceremony in Cantonments.

According to the Minister, the initiative is intended to strengthen oversight in the courier sector while rebuilding public confidence in e-commerce delivery services.

He explained that the system was introduced following concerns raised during an enforcement operation in August 2025, when a joint task force made up of the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission and the Ghana Police Service seized hundreds of motorbikes belonging to courier operators.

Hon. Nartey George said government subsequently stepped in to suspend the exercise and opted instead to design a simple digital solution that would allow operators to regularise their activities without disrupting their livelihoods.

The Minister noted that the courier and logistics industry has become a vital component of Ghana’s digital economy, helping businesses deliver goods and services to customers across the country.

However, he said the rapid growth of online shopping and delivery services has exposed weaknesses in regulation, including the presence of unregistered operators whose activities sometimes affect legitimate businesses and weaken consumer trust.

He explained that the new iCOLMS-GH platform introduces a completely digital and paperless licensing process. Courier companies and individual delivery riders will now be able to apply for licences, renew their registration, and verify their regulatory status online.

The platform is also integrated with national digital infrastructure such as Ghana.GOV and the National Identification Authority. Plans are underway to connect the system with the police verification platform, Traffitech-GH, to enhance monitoring and compliance within the industry.

The Minister said the system will also allow members of the public to check the legitimacy of courier companies or riders before handing over items for delivery, while enabling regulators to monitor operators in real time.

“For the Consumer, security – the currency of e-commerce – is what this digital platform guarantees. By means of the iCOLMS-GH portal, every member of the public is empowered to verify the regulatory status of a courier company or rider before entrusting them with their item of value,” he stated.

Hon. Nartey George encouraged courier companies and riders to register on the platform, describing certification under iCOLMS-GH as a sign of professionalism and accountability.

He also announced that government has granted operators a 19-day grace period to complete registration on the platform before enforcement begins.

According to him, the temporary moratorium on enforcement will run from March 12 to March 31, 2026. After that period, regulatory action will resume across the country.

“All existing courier companies also have that same period within which to on-board and integrate their systems with the iCOLMS-GH digital platform. Failure to comply will attract various regulatory sanctions. This time, however, there will be no excuses. The system is live, the process is digital, and there shall be enforcement,” he cautioned.

Courier operators have been advised to register through the portal of the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission at www.pcsrc.gov.gh, dial the USSD code *928*007#, or send “Hi” to the WhatsApp line 0596111611 to receive guidance on completing the registration process.

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Speaking in a sideline interview at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, the minister explained that government policy is to ensure that all telecom operators launch 5G services at the same time through a coordinated national rollout.

According to him, the approach is designed to create a level playing field in the telecommunications market while preventing any operator from securing a dominant head start in deploying next-generation network infrastructure.

“I have been clear in my policy direction to the regulator. One network will not roll out 5G. All networks will roll out 5G on the same day,” Mr George said.

“We will have a national launch that will carry everybody,” he added.

The minister indicated that the rollout strategy will be supported by the planned auction of 5G spectrum by the National Communications Authority (NCA), with licensing conditions requiring operators to sign onto a national roaming framework.

Under this arrangement, he explained, telecom companies that secure spectrum licences will be required to allow other operators to access their 5G sites at cost price for a limited period to prevent unfair market advantages.

“If telecom company ‘A’ gets the licence and telecom company ‘B’ doesn’t, company ‘A’ will have to allow company ‘B’ to roam on its 5G sites at a cost price until they can condition their network,” he said.

Mr George’s comments follow recent claims by Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC) that it had received confirmation from the regulator that it had met the requirements to begin commercial wholesale 4G and 5G operations under its licence.

However, the minister described those claims as misleading, arguing that the limited number of sites currently deployed by the company cannot be considered a nationwide rollout.

“In Greater Accra alone, we have over 1,600 cell sites. So if someone has about 43 sites and says they have rolled out in Greater Accra, or two cell sites in the Ashanti Region and says they have rolled out 5G, how is that a rollout?” he questioned.

He also revealed that the company is currently in default of certain licensing obligations, including payments owed to the regulator since September last year.

According to him, the regulator has formally notified the company about the breach while engagement with industry players continues on the national roaming framework ahead of the spectrum auction.

Beyond the planned 5G rollout, the government is also implementing regulatory reforms aimed at encouraging investment and expanding network infrastructure across the telecommunications sector.

Mr George noted that policy measures such as technology neutrality and adjustments to quality-of-service benchmarks have already prompted major telecom operators to accelerate network expansion.

Companies, including MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana, have announced plans to deploy hundreds of new cell sites this year to improve coverage and service quality across the country.

The minister said these investments reflect the government’s broader strategy of shifting the role of the regulator from strict enforcement to enabling innovation and growth within Ghana’s digital economy.

He explained that the proposed upgrade is embedded in a legislative review aimed at expanding the agency’s legal and operational mandate, enabling it to respond more effectively to the rising demands of weather forecasting, climate surveillance, and disaster risk management.

According to the Minister, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, flooding risks, and changing rainfall patterns has made precise forecasting and timely information dissemination to the public more critical than ever.

Sam George made the announcement in Accra during the launch of the 2026 Meteorological Awareness Month and the presentation of the 2026 Seasonal Forecast for Southern Ghana.

“Weather hazards cannot be prevented, but their impact can be significantly reduced through early information, preparedness, and responsible action. One key aspect of this legislative review is to upgrade the Meteorological Agency from an agency to an authority, giving it greater policy power,” he said.

The event attracted policymakers, climate scientists, emergency response agencies, aviation stakeholders, and players in the agriculture and maritime sectors — all of whom rely heavily on accurate weather data for planning and operational safety.

Seasonal outlooks, early warning alerts, and aviation meteorological services provided by the agency remain essential tools for farmers, airlines, shipping operators, and urban planners in mitigating risks and improving decision-making.

Mr. George confirmed the development in a Facebook post following a meeting with the Russian Ambassador to Ghana on Wednesday, February 18. He stated that the victims in the viral videos have lodged formal complaints, prompting active investigations by the CID.

According to the Minister, authorities have moved beyond speculation regarding the suspect’s identity. “The individual’s identity and nationality have been conclusively established,” Mr. George said, adding that verification through the suspect’s passport confirmed he is Russian, dismissing earlier online claims suggesting a different nationality.

Describing the alleged conduct as deeply troubling, Mr. George said: “This act is atrocious. It violates our laws, breaches the privacy of the victims, and shows complete disregard for their dignity.”

He assured that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and as steps are taken to secure international cooperation in the case.

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He emphasised that cybersecurity should be a standalone entity in Ghana’s digital governance framework.

“It’s clear that scam cases have decreased, and I would like to acknowledge the Minister’s efforts. The measures put in place are making a difference. His timely actions are truly commendable, and we’re noticing the impact,” he said.

He welcomed the recent arrest of scam suspects by security agencies, calling it a step in the right direction.

He also lauded the collaboration between security agencies and the Minister, saying it’s crucial for protecting Ghanaians from cyberbullying.

“This shows we are on the right track, and I am pleased with the teamwork between the security agencies and the Minister to eradicate this scamming menace.”

He alleged “there are some public figures who are behind these criminals, and it’s high time they are brought to book.”

Mr. Adomako warned Ghanaians to be vigilant, as fraudsters are developing new scam tactics in 2026.

He urged corporate organisations and individuals to invest in robust cyber security sys­tems, in order to safeguard their operations from cyber-attacks and threats.

“Ghanaians should open their eyes very well, because these guys are coming with new methods to scam them,” he cautioned.

He also called on Ghana’s telecommunications companies to work with the Minister, security agencies, and stakeholders to develop methods to tackle scams .

“Telcos should collaborate with us to fight this menace,” he said.

In a statement on Facebook, Sam George described the Sissala West MP as a “blessing” appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to help steer the Ministry and reposition the sector.

“I am a man blessed by God! One of the many blessings in my life is the gift of exceptional men and women placed in critical positions along my journey. The Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu is one such blessing in 2025—a reliable Deputy, hand-picked by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to help steady the Ministry and advance the sector. It has been a remarkable six months working together,” he wrote.

The Minister added that, despite knowing each other during the 8th Parliament, their partnership has grown stronger in advancing the government’s Reset Agenda.

“He has represented me and the Ministry with distinction both in and outside the country, and the feedback has been splendid,” he said.

Looking ahead, Sam George expressed optimism about further progress in the sector. “Even as we build on the solid foundations we laid last year, I am enthusiastic about what lies ahead. I am not surprised he ranked among the top 10 Deputy Ministers in the latest rankings. Our best is yet to come! For God and Country!”

His comments follow reports on January 3, 2026, that U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a high-risk operation in the capital, Caracas.

The development has sent shockwaves across diplomatic circles, drawing comparisons to past Western military interventions in the Middle East and North Africa.

Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) account, the Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament referenced his academic background in peace and security studies to contextualise the unfolding events.

Mr. George, an alumnus of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), described the operation as a real-time case study in international law, echoing the focus of his earlier research.

“Today’s events in Caracas remind me of my dissertation topic at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, which focused on issues of international law,” he wrote.

He noted that the operation raises complex questions about non-interference, stating that issues of territorial sovereignty, the thresholds for the responsibility to protect, and the role of so-called superpowers in foreign interventions had come sharply into focus.

The minister further questioned whether the world is witnessing a familiar pattern of regime-change interventions that have historically resulted in prolonged instability. He also raised concerns about perceived inconsistencies in how the international community responds to different conflicts.

“Do we see another Libya or Iraq situation unfolding in Latin America? How do we distinguish this dawn operation from Russia’s actions in Ukraine or Israel’s actions in Palestine?” he asked.

His remarks highlight ongoing debates about double standards in global governance, particularly in determining the line between democratic intervention and aggression against a sovereign state.

While supporters of the operation have hailed the capture of President Maduro as a win for democracy, critics and legal scholars, including Mr. George, view it as a critical test of the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

He concluded his commentary by describing the moment as “exciting times in global affairs and international law,” suggesting that the precedents emerging from Caracas could shape the boundaries of superpower influence for decades to come.

The Minister said the previous exercise conducted under former Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and the former NPP government was invalid.

He argued that “the registrations that were purported to have been done by Ursula Owusu and the NPP did not cross-reference the biometrics they took from you against that database. Nothing of that sort was done.”

Mr George said the necessary legal framework is almost ready. According to him, “the L.I is ready and again I am meticulous about what I am doing. First quarter next year, we will run it out. We are currently at the Public Procurement Authority doing the procurement of the service provider to do the SIM registration.”

He said that the new process will be grounded in law. “We have drafted the L.I and it will be laid before Parliament because again there must be a proper legal basis for what we are doing. Already, there’s been testing, there’s been all kinds of things done by the regulator,” he stated.

The Minister also clarified that the upcoming exercise will not be a continuation of the previous one. “We are not doing a re-registration. We are doing a SIM registration. You didn’t do any registration, the former Minister just wasted everybody’s time,” he said.

The Minister was speaking in an interview on TV3, Wednesday, December 3, where he added that the Ministry has been working closely with the National Identification Authority (NIA) and other relevant agencies to secure a more reliable system for biometric verification.

“So, now we have sat down with the Interior Minister and his head of agency, Yayra Koku at NIA. We have worked out the integration between the Telco, the regulator, NCA, and the NIA.”

He further noted that the government is cleaning up previously collected data to ensure accuracy. “All the biometrics they (NPP) collected it was just sitting in databases scattered all over the place. We have picked those databases, and we are now cleaning them up and cross referencing them with the NIA in the backend. About 80% of them have been done,” he added.

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The initiative forms part of the government’s broader push to equip young people with modern digital skills and enhance access to advanced technology tools.

“Until December 9, 2025, Ghanaian students can sign up to use @GeminiApp for free for 12 months with 2TB storage. You also get free AI Certification training,” Sam George said in a post on X.

This offer follows ongoing collaborations between the Ministry of Communications and Google, which have already resulted in the establishment of the AI Research Lab and the One Million Coders Programme.

Sam George noted that these partnerships will continue to expand to benefit more students across the country.

He added that the initiative is designed not only to improve digital literacy but also to ease financial pressure on families.

“This is yet another step to empower our citizens and save money for Ghanaian students and their parents,” he said.

Eligible students can register through the Gemini Pro portal at gemini.google/students and apply for the AI training programme via the provided application form.

The offer is open to all qualifying Ghanaian students and runs until December 9, 2025.

Dear Ghanaian Students,

As part of our efforts to put cutting-edge technology in the hands of our next generation of leaders and problem solvers, I am pleased to announce that, until December 9, 2025, you can sign up to use @GeminiApp for free for 12 months with 2TB storage as… pic.twitter.com/wFrCu3dfrp

— Sam 'Dzata' George 🦁🇬🇭 (@samgeorgegh) November 17, 2025

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The move, spearheaded by Sam George, Ningo-Prampram MP, and John Ntim Fordjour, Assin South MP, marks a renewed legislative effort to pass the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021—a piece of legislation that has drawn intense national debate and significant international scrutiny since its first reading.

The original bill was introduced in 2021 and seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities and their promotion, advocacy, and funding. 

Specifically, it proposes jail terms of up to three years for engaging in same-sex acts and up to 10 years for promoters and funders of LGBTQ+ activities.

The proposed legislation aims to solidify Ghana’s legal position against LGBTQ+ rights, which its sponsors argue are incompatible with Ghanaian culture and family values.

The reintroduction comes despite sustained pressure from international bodies, including the United Nations and various human rights organizations, who have called the bill a violation of fundamental human rights.

The original legislative effort was halted by injunction suits filed at the Supreme Court earlier this year, challenging the constitutionality of the bill.

While the Supreme Court is yet to deliver a final ruling on the injunctions, the sponsors are proceeding with the reintroduction to keep the bill alive in the legislative process.

The decision by 10 MPs to jointly sponsor the reintroduction underscores the significant bipartisan political consensus the bill commands within Ghana’s Parliament, a body often characterised by deep political division.

The reintroduction of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill is set to dominate parliamentary discourse over the coming weeks, likely leading to heated exchanges and late-night sittings.

The Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs previously held extensive public hearings on the matter, receiving over 150 memoranda from religious bodies, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and international advocates.

The move is expected to reignite public campaigns both for and against the legislation.

Pro-Bill groups, largely led by faith-based organizations that represent over 70% of Ghana’s population (based on the latest census data), view the bill as an essential measure to protect Ghanaian values.

Conversely, human rights and activist groups are preparing to intensify their lobby against the Bill, which they deem discriminatory and harmful.

The Speaker of Parliament is expected to refer the reintroduced Bill to the appropriate committee, marking the official start of its second legislative journey.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Dr. Boakye-Danquah alleged that calls by the Majority Chief Whip and MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, and the Minister for Communication, Digital Innovation, and Technology, Samuel Nartey George, to extend the maximum recruitment age to 30 years are politically driven.

“I am deeply troubled that President Mahama wants to fulfil a particular campaign promise that he gave, which is the fact that when he was campaigning to become president of the Republic of Ghana, he said, and the evidence is there, that when he wins, he will recruit children of his political party to come into the security system. He said this at Tamale Stadium,” he alleged.

Dr. Boakye-Danquah dismissed the MPs’ suggestion, insisting that the existing recruitment age limit remains suitable for ensuring the health and fitness of prospective officers.

“We don’t have any problem whatsoever with our current system. The reason why you have people aged either under 20 or 25 going through military training and recruitment is because they have very minimal health risk, they have very minimal exposure to other external influences, and they are very healthy,” he explained.

“They are either not addicted to other social vices, either drinking, smoking, or any of this, and if you pick people who are above 30, the risk is high they either have issues with low and high blood pressure, they have some addiction issue, or they have interacted too much with society,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dafeamekpor has hinted at the possibility of legal action should the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) refuse to review the existing maximum age requirement.

Source: Adomonline 

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Rev. Fordjour had criticised proposals by Sam George and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, to increase the maximum enlistment age from 27 to 35 years, suggesting that the idea was politically motivated and aimed at paving the way for “NDC footsoldiers” to join the military.

In a sharp rebuttal posted on Facebook, Sam George described his colleague’s comments as “ill-informed” and “divisive,” while defending his position that the military’s age ceiling should be reviewed to reflect global best practices.

“Sometimes, just sometimes, silence makes one appear wise and knowledgeable,” Sam George wrote sarcastically. “The logic espoused by my friend and colleague is so rich that I am lost for words. Let us celebrate the depth of his knowledge and the latitude of his wisdom.”

The Ningo-Prampram legislator maintained that the current age restriction unfairly excludes many capable and patriotic Ghanaians who remain physically fit and qualified to serve.

He further mocked Rev. Fordjour’s claim that individuals between the ages of 18 and 27 are “not Ghanaian enough” to be NDC footsoldiers, describing it as “deeply flawed and dangerous reasoning.”

“NDC footsoldiers only qualify to be footsoldiers once they are 28 years old, and those between 18 and 27 years are not Ghanaian enough to serve,” he wrote, pointing out what he called the absurdity of the argument.

Sam George concluded his post with a veiled dig at the New Patriotic Party, writing:

“Massive respect to the NPP’s lead person on Defence and Interior. He is the best they have. They truly have the men.”

The debate over the GAF recruitment age has sparked widespread public discussion, with proponents arguing for a more inclusive approach and critics warning against political interference in the military’s recruitment process.

Source: Adomonline

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He had called for price reductions, threatened licence suspensions, rejected what he labelled “illogical” proposals from MultiChoice, and pressed for more value.

But as with many hot-button political fights, the question arises: has his rhetoric matched the outcomes? Or is there a gap between what he promises and what is delivered?

“My goal wasn’t to destroy DStv, but to deliver value for Ghanaians.”

Good slogans, noble intentions. But let’s dig into the timeline and consequences, the points where the double standard charges stick.

Initial Demand vs Final Outcome
• In July 2025, George demanded 30% price reductions, citing improvements in the cedi and widespread dissatisfaction.
• Later, after weeks of regulatory pressure, a value upgrade offer was negotiated: customers would be moved to higher value bouquets. Some users would see “33 50% increased value” depending on their package.

The issue: “Increased value” is not the same as “lower cost.” Many expect lower monthly fees. What George initially framed as a demand for price cuts has morphed into upgrades, which may feel like more channels or features but might not reduce actual cash outflows for the consumer in all cases.
Threats vs Enforcement

• George publicly threatened to suspend DSTV’s broadcasting licence if price reductions were not applied by certain dates — August 7 was such a deadline. Then, in later statements (by late September), the offer from MultiChoice was accepted, and upgrades will begin from October 1.

The issue: Were these licences ever in real danger? Or were the threats largely leverage for negotiation? If so, is it fair to label the earlier stance as “firm enforcement” when what ensued was a compromise rather than a direct price cut?

Comparisons with Other Countries
• One of George’s arguments is that Ghanaian consumers are paying far more than customers in other countries (Nigeria is often cited) for the same Premium bouquet. Yet, while invoking those comparisons, the final measure does not seem to have fully aligned Ghana’s pricing with those benchmarked countries — rather, consumers are getting more “value” for the price. Which again begs the question: is the outcome meeting the original benchmark of fairness?

Promises about Local Content, Promotions, vs Sustainability

• The minister has argued that the pricing issue is not just about cost, but value, service quality, and content relevance.
• He’s also stressed the government’s regulatory role, public accountability, and that corporations should not be able to exploit cost differences.

The issue: For many consumers, what matters most is what comes off their bank balances. If the value upgrades require maintained or even increased payments in many bouquets, then “value” is a comforting word but may not relieve financial pressure. Some people see a difference between token “upgrades” and real price relief.

Some consumers indicated that “I’m happy I get more channels, but I still pay almost the same. Does that change much when bills rise?” While another said, “If they reduced the fees, I’d feel the relief. Getting more for the same doesn’t always help me save.”

So, is Sam George guilty of double standards? Maybe not entirely, but there are legitimate criticisms:
• When you promise a cut, people expect lower fees, not just fancier bouquets.
• When you threaten enforcement, people expect consequences if providers don’t comply, not just protracted negotiations.
• And when comparisons with other countries fuel expectations, outcomes that fall short risk eroding trust.

Conclusion:
1. The minister should clarify: for every bouquet, is the price dropping? Or are only features increasing?
2. Also, provide transparent comparisons of what people pay in Ghana vs Nigeria (or other markets) after the value upgrades.
3. Set clear enforcement and prevent non-achievement from being excused by “promotional offers.”

Until then, supporters will respect the drive, but critics will question whether it’s more showmanship than substance.

In the end, it’s not just about phrases like “fairness” and “value” — it’s about impact in people’s pockets. If Sam George’s mission truly is to deliver relief to Ghanaians, then the measure of his success will be seen in reduced burden, not just upgraded channels.

Source: Martha Crentsil Acquah

At a press conference in Accra on Thursday, October 2, Charles Owiredu, Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, said the minister’s claim of securing a 30% reduction in DStv subscription fees was false.

According to him, MultiChoice later clarified that the initiative was only a temporary promotional offer, not a negotiated cut.

“His failure to grasp key issues during meetings and communicate the actual outcomes, or his deliberate fabrication of what was never achieved, is evident,” Mr. Owiredu.

The Minority further accused the minister of sidelining regulators such as the National Communications Authority (NCA) and taking unilateral decisions that threaten the digital industry.

They also demanded accountability for fines Sam George claimed to have imposed on MultiChoice, insisting Ghanaians deserve clarity on how much was collected and how it was used.

The caucus issued three demands: that the minister apologises to the public, discloses details of the alleged fines, and resigns, or be dismissed by President Mahama.

“For this display of ineptitude, incompetence, and penchant for deceit, we deem him unfit to continue as Minister,” Mr. Owiredu stressed.

Source: AdomOnline

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Ranking Member Matthew Nyindam told Adom News that the Minister misled the public by promising a 30% reduction in subscription fees, only to later accept DStv’s decision to repackage its services.

“Sam George told Ghanaians that DStv subscribers in Ghana were paying more than in other countries and demanded a 30% reduction. But in the end, he failed and settled for a repackaging. That is deception,” Mr. Nyindam stressed, describing the Minister’s posture as “arrogant” and “unbecoming of a public officeholder.”

He also questioned a directive allegedly issued by the Minister to the National Communications Authority (NCA) to fine DStv GH₵10,000 if it refused to reduce prices, demanding clarity on whether the sanction was enforced.

Mr. Nyindam insisted that in other countries, such conduct would have cost the Minister his job.

He urged President John Dramani Mahama to caution Mr. George, stressing that the office “is not for Sam George, but for the service of the nation.”

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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Speaking at the launch of the 2025 National Cyber Security Awareness Month on Wednesday, October 1, at Burma Hall in Accra, the Minister said the Fund would provide a sustainable financing mechanism for key national initiatives in line with Sections 29 and 30 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020.

“The Fund will ensure financial resources are available to support national cybersecurity initiatives, protect critical information infrastructure, and build capacity across all sectors,” he stated.

Mr. George also stressed the need to address human vulnerabilities in cyber defense, citing a study that attributes 95% of cyber breaches to human error.

This year’s Cyber Security Awareness Month is themed: “A Safe, Informed and Accountable Digital Space.”

Source: AdomOnline

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In a statement signed by Ranking Member of the Committee on Information and Communication, Matthew Nyindam, on October 1, 2025, the minority accused the lawmaker of arrogance and inconsistency, citing his earlier demand for a 30% reduction in subscription fees rather than service upgrades.

They questioned why his position appears to have shifted.

The group further demanded that the Minister of Communication explain the rationale behind the change in stance and account for revenues collected from the GH¢10,000 levy imposed on DStv since its inception.

While dismissing Sam George’s remarks as insulting, the minority stressed their commitment to due parliamentary process and reiterated that responsibility for convening meetings rests with the committee chair.

Source: AdomOnline

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He explained that the new bill being prepared by his ministry is not about controlling digital platforms but about addressing misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech across both traditional and new media.

“At no point in time have we said we want to regulate social media. We simply said that the fact that you use new media for broadcast does not put you above the ethics of the broadcast journalist. You must hold yourselves to the same standards that traditional media hold,” he said on JoyNews’ PM Express.

The Minister said what government is pushing for is self-regulation among content creators, backed by a legal framework that covers all media.

“We’ve discussed that with them, and then we are working on a misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other incidental speeches bill. That is not just going to regulate social media, it will also regulate traditional media,” he explained.

He revealed that the legal drafting of the bill has been completed, and the next step is broad consultations.

“We’re going to start the stakeholder engagements very soon, because the law itself has been crafted, and the legal work has been finished. We’ll do the stakeholder engagements as part of the validation process before it goes to Cabinet and comes to Parliament,” he said.

Providing more context, Sam George highlighted the wide scope of work underway at the Communication Ministry, stressing that the misinformation bill is only one of several major initiatives.

“We’re working on 15 different pieces of legislation at the ministry. As we speak, part of my team is up in the north on the innovation and startup bill to regulate the innovation and startup space in our country and be able to attract proper VCs,” he said.

The Minister also outlined ongoing efforts to support Ghanaian content creators.

“I have had meetings with multiple associations of bloggers, and we’ve been dealing with TikTok. We’re getting TikTok to, for the first time on the continent, fly in a team to come and help our content creators do capacity building to improve their monetisation,” he said.

He added that new payment systems are being developed to address long-standing barriers to online income.

“At the same time, we’ve set up an engagement between TikTok and GCB Bank to be able, in the absence of PayPal in the country, which we’re also working on with the Bank of Ghana, to offer a payment channel for our content creators here,” he revealed.

Sam George insisted that the government’s intention is not censorship but creating a balanced media environment where both traditional and digital outlets are subject to the same professional standards.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Sam Nartey George defended his long-held position that galamsey can be crushed if there is real political will.

“Absolutely,” he said when asked if he still stood by his statement that former President Akufo-Addo, as Commander-in-Chief, could have ended galamsey in a week.

“That was seven years, nine months into the Nana Akufo-Addo administration. After multiple anti-galamsey task forces and millions of cedis spent, it was fair to demand action. We didn’t see it.”

The Ningo Prampram MP argued that the same standard applies to President Mahama, who has been in office for nine months.

“Do I wish I had seen more? Absolutely. I wish it ended today,” he admitted. “But in the nine months, I can confidently say that I see a desire and a will to deal with galamsey that didn’t exist in the previous eight years.”

According to him, President Mahama has already demonstrated political courage by allowing investigations into two of his own party executives accused of illegal mining.

“Under the previous president, a regional chairman openly told a minister that they must engage in galamsey because the party needed money. The president went on to campaign for that individual. That was tacit endorsement,” he said.

Sam George highlighted recent successes under President Mahama, including military operations that recovered seven out of nine forest reserves where mining had been ongoing.

He also pointed to a major stakeholder meeting slated for October 3, where more than 30 civil society organisations will meet the president to develop a national roadmap.

Still, he believes President Mahama must go further.

“A lot more could be done in terms of enforcement. We could move faster,” he stressed.

“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has started fantastically well, but we must not rest on our laurels. We should go all out and win this war, if not for anything, in memory of the eight gallant sons who died in the helicopter crash.”

Responding to claims that he once called for a state of emergency in galamsey-hit areas, Sam George was emphatic: “I have never, ever called for a state of emergency.”

Instead, he advocated targeted and sustained military operations.

“Galamsey remains the biggest existential threat to our nation. It is Ghana’s version of Colombia’s drug cartels. Our armed forces are capable of launching surgical operations to win this war,” he maintained.

For Sam George, the difference between Mahama and his predecessor lies in sincerity.

“Have we fixed it? Not yet. But I am confident that before the expiration of President Mahama’s term, we will be in a better place,” he said.

Source: Myjoyonline

READ ALSO:

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he argued that population has no direct link to subscription costs, contrary to popular claims.

“It’s not an issue of just market sizes, because if it was an issue of market sizes, the analysis you did, you should check how much Liberia is paying,” he said.

“Liberia has a population of five million people. That’s twerehe population of Accra. Before we got this intervention, Liberia was paying less than us. Angola has a similar population to Ghana, about 33 million people. Angola was paying in the region of about $30.”

The Minister’s comments come on the back of a breakthrough in negotiations between government and MultiChoice Africa, providers of the service.

Ghanaian DStv subscribers are set to enjoy more value for their money from October 1, following new arrangements agreed after an engagement with the pay-TV provider.

MultiChoice Africa has committed to rolling out an “unprecedented increased value offer only in Ghana,” giving subscribers between 33% to 50% more value depending on their package.

“This new arrangement means Ghanaians will get more services for less,” Mr George said at a press briefing in Accra on September 29.

“It is a commitment by MultiChoice to respond to the concerns of subscribers in Ghana, and the offer is unmatched anywhere else in Africa.”

He described arguments that Nigeria’s low subscription rates are driven by its population size as “uninformed.”

“For those who make that uninformed argument that Nigeria’s price is low simply because of the number of the population there, then they haven’t followed through,” he said.

“They’re speaking from sentiment, and what they have heard people say on social media. They’re not speaking from fact.

“Speaking from fact, it will tell you that population does not necessarily play a role in the pricing model that has been done. Because if population played a role, Liberia should not be charging less than Ghana.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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• Talk won’t cut it — NPP’s Kamal-Deen criticises Sam George over DStv deal

• DStv subscribers to enjoy 33%-50% increase in value

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, he said the move comes with a new payout arrangement between TikTok and GCB Bank to enable creators to receive their earnings locally.

“I have had meetings with multiple associations of bloggers. We’ve been dealing with TikTok. We’re getting TikTok to, for the first time on the continent, fly in a team to come and help our content creators do capacity building for our content creators to improve their monetisation,” he said.

He disclosed that the ministry had also secured a deal with GCB Bank to create the first-ever payment channel for TikTok earnings in Ghana.

“At the same time, we’ve set up an engagement between TikTok and GCB Bank to be able, in the absence of PayPal in the country, which we’re also working on with the Bank of Ghana, to be able to offer a payment channel for our content creators here,” Mr George said.

The development marks a breakthrough for Ghana’s digital economy, where creators have long struggled to receive payments due to restrictions on global platforms like PayPal.

It also underscores the government’s attempt to open new streams of opportunity for the growing community of digital entrepreneurs.

Beyond TikTok, the minister said his outfit was advancing a wide-ranging reform agenda.

“There’s a lot of work we’re doing. We’re working on 15 different pieces of legislation at the ministry. As we speak, part of my team is up in the north on the innovation and startup bill to regulate the innovation and startup space in our country and be able to attract proper VCs,” he said.

When asked if the government intended to regulate social media, Mr George pushed back.

“At no point in time have we said we want to regulate social media. We simply said that the fact that you use new media for broadcast does not put you above the ethics of the broadcast journalist. You must hold yourselves to the same standards that traditional media hold,” he said.

He explained that the government’s preference was for the platforms and associations to regulate themselves.

The minister also disclosed work on a new law to address harmful content across both traditional and digital platforms.

“We’re working on a misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and other incidental speeches bill. That is not just going to regulate social media; it will also regulate traditional media.

“We’re going to start the stakeholder engagements very soon, because the law itself has been crafted, and the legal work has been finished.

“We’ll do the stakeholder engagements as part of the validation process before it goes to cabinet and comes to Parliament,” he said.

According to him, these interventions form part of an ambitious agenda to strengthen Ghana’s digital ecosystem, protect information integrity, and support the country’s growing community of creators.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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Speaking on Channel One TV, Mr. George expressed disappointment with the country’s current approach to the menace.

“Am I excited about where our country is with galamsey? Hell no, absolutely not. I think a lot more has to be done,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged that recent months have seen increased efforts to tackle the problem.

“Is work on the way? Certainly. We have seen more action in the last eight to nine months since Armah-Buah took office than we have seen in eight years,” he noted.

He also praised the collaboration between Energy Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah and former Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who jointly led military operations to curb illegal mining.

“There’s considerable work. God bless his soul, my big brother, Omane Boamah, was doing a lot of joint military operations with Armah-Buah in that regard. We need to see decisive action to end galamsey. My views on galamsey have not changed,” he added.

Source: AdomOnline

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, September 29, the Minister explained that government had initially requested a 30% increase in value for subscribers.

However, MultiChoice went beyond that, offering between 33% and 50% more value depending on the subscription package.

“MultiChoice has offered value over and above what we expected of them. We went into this with a request for 30%, but with what has been agreed here, the lowest is 33% and the highest is 50%. I extend my warmest gratitude to the MultiChoice team for that,” Sam George said.

He added that the company’s gesture reflects goodwill towards subscribers.

“The committee is of the view that this increased value offer addresses government concerns. It reduces pressure on Ghanaian households, while ensuring the sustainability of the DStv service in Ghana,” he noted.

Source: Emma Ankrah

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• DStv subscribers to enjoy 33%-50% increase in value

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Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced the details at a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 29.

He explained that the pay-TV provider has introduced what he described as “an unprecedented increased value offer exclusively for Ghana,” giving subscribers between 33% and 50% more value depending on their package.

“This arrangement ensures that Ghanaians enjoy more services without paying additional fees. It is MultiChoice’s direct response to subscriber concerns in Ghana, and the offer is unmatched elsewhere on the continent,” Mr George said.

Under the revised plan, customers will automatically be upgraded to higher packages while paying their current subscription fees:

• Pady bouquet (GH¢59): Upgraded to Access (GH¢99) with 35 extra channels — a 40% saving.

• Access (GH¢99): Upgraded to Family (GH¢190) with 19 extra channels — 48% saving.

• Family (GH¢190): Upgraded to Compact (GH¢380) with 22 more channels, including live football — 50% saving.

• Compact (GH¢380): Upgraded to Compact Plus (GH¢570) with 12 additional channels — 33% saving.

• Compact Plus (GH¢570): Upgraded to Premium (GH¢865) with 18 extra channels — 34% saving.

For Premium customers, who already pay GH¢865, the package remains unchanged. However, they will automatically be entered into a promotion to win fully paid trips to watch selected English Premier League matches, subject to terms and conditions.

The Minister emphasized that the upgrade applies to both new and existing customers with no restrictions on bouquet choices.

“This takes effect nationwide on October 1, 2025, and is designed to enhance value while addressing consumer concerns,” he added.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, September 29, 2025, Mr George said the move was one of the key outcomes of a stakeholder committee he chaired, which included representatives from the National Communication Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Africa, and MultiChoice Ghana.

He explained that the illegal trade in Nigerian DStv decoders has over the years cost the state significant tax revenue, shifted jobs away from Ghana, denied customers access to proper service, and weakened the local content industry.

“The committee examined the longstanding challenge of decoder piracy from Nigeria, which continues to deprive the state of revenue, move jobs across the border, deny unsuspecting subscribers quality customer service, and undermine the country’s content creation ecosystem,” Mr George stated.

The minister noted that the taskforce would include representatives from his ministry, the NCA, the Cyber Security Authority, the Ghana Domain Name Registry, the National IT Agency, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Ghana Police Service, as well as MultiChoice Africa and MultiChoice Ghana.

He assured that his ministry would work closely with the leadership of these institutions to ensure the initiative is executed in a coordinated and effective manner.

Source: Adomonline

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The DTT platform, introduced in 2016 under then Minister Edward Omane Boamah, was initially designed with a cost-sharing framework.

Under that plan, television stations were to enjoy free access in the first year, pay 50% of the charges in the second year, 75% in the third year, and eventually bear the full cost.

Speaking at the “Broadcasting at the Crossroads” forum organised by the Africa Media Bureau at the Alisa Hotel on Friday, September 26, 2025, the Minister explained that the arrangement was never fully enforced.

He noted that a previous government’s attempt to introduce fees was contested in court by the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA).

Consequently, the more than 45 stations currently on the platform have not made any contributions toward operations and maintenance for nearly 10 years.

The Minister emphasised that government has been solely responsible for the costs of keeping the platform running, which in effect amounts to subsidising private broadcasters—an approach he said cannot continue.

“The free ride bus is running out of gas, and we need to find a sustainable means of fueling the DTT bus,” he stated.

Sam George further revealed that as demand for slots on the platform grows, government is planning an expansion. Alongside this, it will begin talks with broadcasters on how they can play a role in sustaining the service both operationally and financially.

He added that a stakeholder meeting will soon be convened to agree on a practical cost-sharing formula for maintaining the DTT ecosystem.

Source : Adomonline

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Speaking to JoyNews, Benjamin A. Quashie, he admitted that Samuel Nartey George’s approach had put diplomats in a tight corner as they try to market Ghana as a safe and attractive destination for investment.

“What makes it difficult for some of us as diplomats is that we’ve just gone through orientation, and we’ve been given KPIs.

“The KPIs we need to achieve them because there’s a reset agenda that has to do with diplomacy as well.

“I believe that ambassadors are supposed to go out there, get people to come and invest in the country and all of that. So when it happens, like, it becomes a bit challenging,” he explained.

Mr Quashie noted that South African investors and multinationals could easily misinterpret the standoff as a trade dispute.

“You have an election to win, you have a grassroots or base to satisfy, and then you have investors also who would bring in the cash very well. So that is where we need to, again, go into this with diplomacy,” he said.

The Ambassador’s comment comes at a time when the minister has resolved to shut down DStv over a price war.

In a social media post on Friday night, Samuel George threatened to close MultiChoice Ghana by Saturday, September 6, unless the company immediately slashes its subscription fees, which he described as exploitative.

“Let me be clear, I have no intention to continue tolerating the disrespect to Ghanaians by DStv. If they have changed their position, then we simply would enforce the regulatory action. No company is above the law,” the minister said in his post.

The ultimatum has sharpened fears of a regulatory clash that could have wide commercial and diplomatic repercussions.

MultiChoice, operators of DStv and GOtv, is one of the largest South African businesses in Ghana.

Its operations are seen as a bellwether for other investors from the continent’s most industrialised economy.

Already, memories linger of GAME’s sudden exit from Ghana in 2021, which cost hundreds of jobs and sent shockwaves through the business community.

The diplomat disclosed that his office had already started receiving calls from South African business circles worried about whether Ghana was sliding into a “trade war”.

“You see, at the end of the day, when we are fighting and we make it look – now I’m hearing people call and say you are fighting. I have told them that there’s no war. We are not at war with them. We are not fighting with them. South Africa is a big economy, whether we like it or not,” he said.

On MultiChoice’s position, the envoy suggested the company was not against tariff reductions but wanted more time.

“Multi Choice’s opinion is about the timeline within which the minister is giving. MultiChoice is not saying, ‘We are not going to reduce,’ but they are asking for an extended timeline.

“The minister says ‘no’, we are doing it within this period of time. And I think this will only be solved in the boardroom. This will only be solved between the two parties,” Mr Quashie stated.

He drew parallels with the past, recalling how Shoprite’s exit was partly blamed on pressure from government policies that the company felt undermined its operations.

“And that exit that Shoprite did in this country has affected a lot of people. Some people were working there—Ghanaians, of course,” he lamented.

Despite the tensions, the High Commissioner expressed optimism that diplomacy would prevail.

“Well, of course, South Africa will hit back. There will not be any retaliatory measures in this. I see a solution within the days to come. I see a solution.

“Like I said, I’m privy to information. The Foreign Affairs Minister has spoken to his counterpart from South Africa. We’ll get a solution,” he assured.

For now, the country stands at a crossroads: a government minister vowing to confront what he sees as corporate exploitation and a diplomat cautioning that the method of confrontation could ripple across boardrooms from Johannesburg to Accra.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Long before this tussle, I’d heard Ghanaians complain and compare the prices of DSTV subscriptions. Some Ghanaians, thanks to a loophole in DStv’s system—and perhaps the NCA regulations—subscribe and pay for DStv from Nigeria, which is cheaper than DStv’s subscription prices in Ghana.

It is for this reason that Ghanaian subscribers overwhelmingly support the call for price reduction.

In this piece, however, I intend to seek an understanding of an essential part of the argument, now that there is an impending shutdown of MultiChoice’s operations as a result of the company’s reluctance to reduce prices as ordered by the sector minister.

What do the laws of Ghana say about price regulation? And on what commodities do those laws apply? Essential or non-essential.

I was a DSTV subscriber. When their prices increased at one point, I downgraded from compact plus to compact. And when they increased their prices again, I unsubscribed from their service.

I can live without their services. If Liverpool or Real Madrid have a crucial match, I will follow live updates on the BBC or on Google. Later, the match highlights will be free on YouTube. If Black Stars are playing and the good God permits, GTV will “remove the match” as we used to say.

Unlike electricity, water, or food, I can live without DStv. And many subscribers, I suppose, can live without it. So, it is safe to say it’s not an essential commodity or service, even if “investors” disagree.

My interest is in the law, and this is where I need education. My two-by-four senior high school economics reminds me that the interplay of the market forces—demand and supply—determines the prices of non-essential goods and services in free market economies.

So, what law is being applied to the proposed shutdown of DStv after its reluctance to reduce prices? And how far is this law going to be applied? Like your favourite kenkey boutique, this is a private business that does not take money from the government to provide the services. It’s not a subvented state organization whose fees and prices are supposed to be determined by parliament.

So, is the price regulation only applicable to this company and its services, or does it extend to the kenkey seller who still sells a ball of kenkey at the same prices even though the price of the main raw material, maize, has reduced by almost half?

So far, I have heard the price comparative argument, but I’m yet to hear the legal argument.

I need some education.

Source: Manasseh Azure Awuni

The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed that the National Communications Authority (NCA) is empowered to recover fines imposed on MultiChoice Ghana for failing to meet regulatory requirements.

Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. George disclosed that the pay-TV company had delayed submitting a detailed breakdown of its bouquet pricing structure, resulting in penalties of GH¢10,000 per day for 24 days.

“The NCA still has the mandate to collect what is due—10,000 cedis a day, over 24 days—from MultiChoice for failing to provide the requested information within the stipulated time,” he stated.

The case stems from concerns over DStv subscription pricing and a suspension notice served on the company. On August 4, the NCA requested cost build-up details for DStv bouquets in Ghana and seven other African markets.

When the firm failed to comply, regulators applied daily fines from August 14, in accordance with the Electronic Communications Act.

A suspension notice was also issued on August 7, giving the company 30 days to respond, with the deadline set for Saturday, September 6.

Mr. George revealed that MultiChoice Ghana finally reached out to the ministry and the NCA on Thursday, September 4—two days before the suspension deadline—expressing readiness to engage and address pricing concerns.

“MultiChoice has now shown willingness to comply and work through a consultative process. In my view, we do not need 30 days. Fourteen days, including weekends, will be enough to arrive at a fair decision,” he said.

To this end, a joint committee has been formed, bringing together representatives from the Ministry, the NCA, MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa.

The body will oversee negotiations on possible tariff reductions, following the same collaborative approach previously applied to mobile data pricing reviews.

Meanwhile, MultiChoice has refuted the Minister’s announcement that it has agreed to th price reduction, although it has pledged to collaborate with ongoing processes.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking at a press conference on Friday, September 5, 2025, Mr. George said the move is part of government’s plan to create a second strong mobile operator to address the current imbalance in Ghana’s telecommunications market.

“The government has appointed KPMG as transaction advisor to guide the future of AT, with the goal of building a strong competitor to rebalance the mobile market,” he stated.

KPMG’s role will include reviewing government shareholding in Telecel Ghana to strengthen competition and improve service delivery. The firm has been given 60 days to complete its work.

Addressing staff concerns, the Minister assured AT Ghana employees that their jobs are secure. “Approximately 300 permanent staff of AT will maintain their employment. I have already met with them and given that assurance. The transaction advisor has also been instructed to consider the fate of the 200 contract staff,” he added.

Source: AdomOnline

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The development comes after weeks of standoff between the ministry and the pay-TV operator, following regulators’ demand for a 30% cut in subscription costs.

Earlier this month, the Ministry imposed a statutory fine of GH¢10,000 per day on MultiChoice for failing to submit required pricing data under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA) and warned that the company risked licence suspension if prices were not reduced by September 6, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, September 5, 2025, Mr. George confirmed that the committee—which includes the ministry, the National Communications Authority (NCA), MultiChoice Ghana, and MultiChoice Africa—was formed at the company’s request.

“Let us be clear—they have finally accepted that there will be a reduction, and they want us to discuss the level of reduction,” the minister said. He added that the government had rejected MultiChoice’s request for 30 days to deliberate, noting, “Fourteen days is enough, inclusive of weekends, for us to reach this decision.”

The committee, chaired by the minister, is expected to present a price reduction strategy later this month.

Source: AdomOnline

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The engagement highlighted the role of the arts in promoting cultural identity and national development.

At the meeting, Lekzy and Foster shared their perspectives on how comedy and performance can be used to spark dialogue on social and cultural issues.

Also in attendance was Albert Bondah, a dedicated publicist and culture promoter.

In his speech, Sam George highlighted the importance of prioritising local languages in education, particularly in the Greater Accra Region.

He noted that cultural identity is best strengthened through practical measures such as language teaching in schools rather than symbolic gestures.

The creative personalities expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Minister and extended an invitation to their upcoming comedy special, FBI, slated for 27th September 2025.

The Minister pledged his support and encouraged them to continue using their platforms to inspire and entertain while promoting national values.

Source: Joyentertainment

Speaking at AT’s Head Office in Accra, Mr. George confirmed that all 300 permanent employees will retain their positions under the new entity.

“This is not a re-application process. It is a continuation of your contracts. Every one of you will be absorbed, unless you personally choose to leave,” he stated.

The minister explained that the merger became necessary due to AT’s financial struggles, noting that the company recorded losses exceeding $10 million within the first eight months of the year.

“These losses are funded by taxpayers. That is money that should be building roads, water systems, and schools. We cannot keep pouring public funds into unsustainable operations,” he said.

Mr. George added that merging AT and Telecel will reduce costs, eliminate duplication, and enhance competition in Ghana’s telecom sector.

“It makes no sense for two networks to operate separately on the same tower, both paying twice while both struggle. A merger is the smart and sustainable choice,” he explained.

He revealed that over 3.2 million AT subscribers are already being migrated to Telecel’s network through a national roaming arrangement, describing the process as “98% smooth.”

The minister outlined a three-phase integration plan:

1. Technical migration – nearly complete, with roaming already active.

2. Human resource alignment – ensuring all staff are absorbed by the end of September.

3. Commercial restructuring – to be completed within 120 days, establishing the foundation for the merged entity.

Mr. George also stated that sustaining the new operator will require $600 million over the next four years. He added that government funds, including proceeds from spectrum sales, will support the merger, while Telecel and other partners are invited to invest alongside.

Source: Adomonline

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The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has directed the immediate suspension of a joint enforcement operation targeting unlicensed delivery riders in Accra.

The exercise, carried out by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, sparked public backlash on Thursday, August 21, after motorcycles were seized and clashes broke out near the National Theatre. Videos of the incident quickly went viral on social media.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Minister acknowledged that while the operation was legally mandated to regulate the use of motorbikes for delivery services, its rollout was flawed.

“I have directed this afternoon an immediate halt to the ongoing enforcement action by the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission,” he wrote.

“We will ensure that any relevant technological conversation is well aligned, but the Transport Ministry will lead on operational matters,” he said during a meeting with officials from Yango, the Ministry of Transport, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe welcomed the proposals and urged Yango to formally submit them for review.

He highlighted Ghana’s existing electric vehicle policy and roadmap, stressing the government’s readiness to embrace partnerships that enhance transport infrastructure and services.

Both ministers described the meeting as an introductory platform, with subsequent engagements expected to delve into a detailed review of Yango’s proposals for possible integration into the country’s transport system.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Transport Mrs. Mabel Asi Sagoe, and DVLA’s Acting Director of Research, Business and Innovation, Mr. Abraham Zata.

Yango was represented by Shashi Singh, COO for MENA; Zanyiwe Asare, VP of Public Policy, Africa; Tom Ofonime, Country Head, Ghana; and Mohammed Suhuyini Zakaria, Public Policy Consultant, Ghana.

Source: AdomOnline

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The Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), announced this yesterday during a meeting with the DSTV team at the Ministry.

He explained that the requested data—including a breakdown of bouquet prices, tax components, and comparisons with at least six other African countries—was needed to support meaningful engagement on reducing subscription fees for Ghanaian customers.

‎
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According to the Minister, DSTV had been granted an extension until Monday, August 11, 2025, to submit the information but failed to meet the deadline.

“The regulator informed me that you requested an extension until Monday. Under the Electronic Communications Act (ECA), every day an operator fails to provide requested information attracts a GHC 10,000 penalty. I agreed to wait until Monday rather than start charges immediately, as the difference of a few days was not critical at that stage,” he explained.

‎

The Ministry had earlier indicated that if no price reduction was achieved by September 6, 2025, DSTV’s operating license could be suspended. This followed the company’s refusal to commit to lowering subscription fees, despite the Ministry’s proposals.

“However, as of today’s meeting, the regulator has confirmed that the requested information has still not been provided. This makes it impossible to have a meaningful engagement, as the data we need to justify or challenge your pricing has not been submitted. From today, therefore, the Ministry will begin applying the statutory fine of GHC 10,000 per day until the full information is received,” the Minister added.

Sam George stressed that the request for information is separate from ongoing stakeholder engagement, saying: “The law is clear, and we will enforce it. If necessary, we can freeze accounts to protect consumer interests.”

The Minister also noted that once the data is submitted, an objective review will be conducted. “If the evidence shows taxes are the sole reason for high prices, I will advocate for a tax review. If not, we expect DSTV to comply with our directive to make subscriptions more affordable,” he noted.

The minister’s firm stance threatens the company’s broadcasting license, which could be revoked if they fail to comply with the government’s demand.

The ultimatum, which requires DStv, with its headquarters in South Africa, to reduce its subscription rates by 30 per cent, was initially set for August 7 but was later extended to September 6, 2025.

The directive follows widespread public outcry and a government investigation into DStv’s pricing model, which the minister has repeatedly described as unfair to Ghanaian consumers.

Speaking on the Joy FM Super Morning Show, Mr. George disclosed that since his public warning, several intermediaries believed to be connected to DStv have approached members of government, attempting to soften his position.

He revealed attempts by MultiChoice to rope in the South African government to turn the matter into a foreign affairs issue.

The minister, however, remains unwavering, insisting that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect the interests of its citizens.

“Look, all the places they are walking around, getting the foreign minister of South Africa to call the Ghanaian foreign minister to call me. It’s not going to work…. Look, making it a foreign affairs issue and saying what? There are South African businesses. The biggest South African business in Ghana is MTN. Has MTN complained about this? When I dealt with MTN, MTN worked with me on everything,” he stated.

He continued, “When I made the case to MTN, I wanted more data for the Ghanaian people. They said, ‘Well, we have a challenge with the network. We want more spectrum. I yielded. I went to the cabinet and got cabinet approval and gave them more spectrum.”

The minister offered advice to businesses operating in Ghana.

“So, you work with your regulator in the interest of your customers and in the interest of your business. You don’t place your business interest as the only interest you have and ignore completely the consumer interest.”

The minister cited stark price disparities, noting that Ghanaians pay significantly more for the same premium packages offered in other African markets like Nigeria, even when accounting for currency fluctuations.

The minister painted a picture of a company unwilling to engage in good faith, citing several instances of what he termed “disrespect.”

He revealed that after he presented his case, MultiChoice responded not with a counter-offer but with a nine-page letter filled with economic forecasts.

“They wrote me a nine-page letter with six graphs and bar charts explaining to me the instability of Ghana’s economy and how our cedi appreciation cannot be trusted to be sustainable,” he recounted with disbelief.

Beyond pricing, Mr. George highlighted critical operational failures, chief among them being cross-border piracy.

He claimed that a staggering “40 to 45% of DStv devices in Ghana today are all devices from Nigeria”, a situation he says MultiChoice has failed to tackle.

This influx of Nigerian-registered devices, he argued, allows MultiChoice to collect revenue while the Ghanaian state loses out on tax, and it artificially suppresses Ghana’s official subscriber numbers, which the company then uses to justify its high prices.

“When you say you have a low subscription in Ghana, it’s because your prices are not uniform and have led to cross-border piracy on your platform,” he charged.

The minister cited regional precedents where regulators took a hard line, forcing MultiChoice to adjust its practices.

“In Malawi, in 2023, they just shut them down. MultiChoice went to court, lost the case, and four months later came back, offered one week free, and dropped the prices. In Liberia they slashed the premium package by $30. In Nigeria in 2024, the Nigerian House of Reps passed an instruction prohibiting the increases,” he detailed.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, August 12, the minister detailed a breakdown in negotiations over subscription prices, culminating in a 30-day notice to suspend the company’s broadcasting licence, which is set to take effect on September 6.

At the heart of the dispute is the minister’s non-negotiable demand for a 30% reduction in DStv subscription fees.

“I had made a request for 30%,” Mr. George stated. “There’s a reason behind the 30%. In April this year, MultiChoice increased their prices by 15%… at that time, the cedi had appreciated by about 10% against the dollar… So there was absolutely no justification for that 15%. So I’m reversing that 15% and then demanding a further 15% for the Ghanaian people.”

A pattern of disrespect and bad faith

The minister painted a picture of a company unwilling to engage in good faith, citing several instances of what he termed “disrespect”.

He revealed that after he presented his case, MultiChoice responded not with a counter-offer but with a nine-page letter filled with economic forecasts.

“They wrote me a nine-page letter with six graphs and bar charts explaining to me the instability of Ghana’s economy and how our cedi appreciation cannot be trusted to be sustainable,” he recounted with disbelief.

“I wrote back to them and asked them, ‘Since when did MultiChoice become an economic forecasting institution?’ … and sent them links from the IMF, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s on the future outlook of Ghana’s economy.”

The standoff escalated when MultiChoice allegedly attempted to bypass the ministry.

“They wrote to my regulator, the NCA [National Communications Authority], asking the NCA to write to them confirming that the NCA would not comply with my directive as minister… You write to my regulator; you don’t copy me,” the minister fumed.

Operational failures and revenue leakage

Beyond pricing, Mr. George highlighted critical operational failures, chief among them being cross-border piracy.

He claimed that a staggering “40 to 45% of DStv devices in Ghana today are all devices from Nigeria,” a situation he says MultiChoice has failed to tackle.

This influx of Nigerian-registered devices, he argued, allows MultiChoice to collect revenue while the Ghanaian state loses out on tax, and it artificially suppresses Ghana’s official subscriber numbers, which the company then uses to justify its high prices.

“When you say you have a low subscription in Ghana, it’s because your prices are not uniform and have led to cross-border piracy on your platform,” he charged.

The minister cited regional precedents where regulators took a hard line, forcing MultiChoice to adjust its practices.

“In Malawi, in 2023… they just shut them down… MultiChoice went to court, lost the case, and four months later came back, offered one week free… and dropped the prices. In Liberia… they slashed the premium package by $30. In Nigeria in 2024… the Nigerian House of Reps passed an instruction prohibiting the increases.”

Industry reacts as Canal+ takeover looms

The public standoff comes at a pivotal moment for MultiChoice, which is in the final stages of a complete takeover by French media giant Canal+.

The deal, approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal in July, is expected to be finalised soon.

Responding to the developments, Alex Okyere, Managing Director of MultiChoice Ghana, has previously stated that the minister’s proposed reduction is “not tenable” given the “extremely challenging macroeconomic environment”.

In a statement, the company warned of the “dire implications that an impasse may have on livelihoods” and affirmed its commitment to finding a resolution through dialogue.

In Johannesburg, a spokesperson for MultiChoice Group CEO, Calvo Mawela, reiterated their commitment to the Ghanaian market but stressed that “pricing is a complex issue influenced by content acquisition costs, currency volatility, and local operational expenses.” We must ensure a sustainable model that allows for continued investment in quality content and technology for our customers.”

The impending change in ownership adds a new dimension to the conflict. Mr George revealed that he has already been in contact with the incoming owners.

“Canal+ has reached out,” he confirmed, “and I’ve made it clear to them if they want to come into Ghana and operate… this is our request. Canal Plus’s attitude is light years more positive than that of MultiChoice.”

From Paris, the office of Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada issued a cautious statement.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in Ghana. Canal+ has a long and successful history of working collaboratively with regulatory bodies across Africa. Upon the successful completion of our acquisition of MultiChoice, we look forward to engaging directly with the Ministry and all stakeholders to build a future that serves the interests of Ghanaian audiences and the creative industry.”

With the 30-day countdown ticking towards the September 6 deadline, the future of DStv in Ghana hangs in the balance.

Consumers, caught in the middle, are watching keenly to see if the regulatory pressure will lead to lower prices or if the EPL and other popular content will go dark, at least temporarily, as a new French era for the African pay-TV giant begins.

Source: David Apinga

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Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr George described the period as a “mixed experience” and praised the swift cooperation of telecom companies in responding to the crisis.

“When it comes to the coverage of the tragedy, I’d say it’s been mixed for me, and let me say a very big thank you to the telecom companies – MTN, Telecel, and AirtelTigo Ghana,” he said.

He explained that his concern grew as graphic videos began flooding social media, especially WhatsApp, which is beyond the control of any government.

“When the incident happened, I was distraught, but we still had a responsibility to the state. I got a call with the videos that started circulating. Most of them were on WhatsApp, a platform not controlled by any country — it’s a private business,” he explained.

Faced with the situation, the Minister said he considered two difficult options.

“One was to shut down the internet in the country to prevent further spread of the videos, because government had not officially completed communication to the families. I was worried about the mental health of the victims’ children and spouses, and such tragedy needs to be broken in a certain way,” he said.

However, he noted that shutting down the internet would have had wider consequences.

“That was one option — to shut down, make a public announcement and say we’re turning off the internet for a period to allow for calm. But that also came with its own consequences. Many of you stream the news, and cutting access could create a ripple effect worse than what we were trying to fix. So, we left it intact.”

Instead, Mr George opted for a coordinated, behind-the-scenes effort involving both local and international stakeholders.

“I immediately reached out to Meta and activated a POC we had there to see what they could do, since they control WhatsApp. I also made personal calls to senior vice presidents I knew at Meta. They assured me they would look into the matter.”

His focus then shifted to local operators, who responded swiftly.

“I reached out to the NCA and asked them to contact all the CEOs. I personally called the three CEOs and said they should work with the NCA. We sent out about 30 million text messages within two hours, and the telecom companies bore the cost,” he said.

Mr George stressed that all restraint messages sent from the Ministry were fully funded by the telecom operators.

“All those messages asking people to exercise restraint were paid for by the telecom companies themselves as part of working with us. The NCA coordinated the nationwide blast,” he concluded.

Source: myjoyonline

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In a statement shared on social media, Sam George appealed to the public to refrain from circulating disturbing images and videos from the crash site.

“I plead with you to show some restraint and decorum in these trying moments,” he wrote.

“Let us have respect for the families of the departed and stop spreading those unwholesome videos. I beg you all to show some empathy and humanity.”

His plea follows the fatal crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, August 6, which killed Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others, including military officers.

As the nation mourns, the minister urged citizens to uphold dignity and empathy in honour of those who lost their lives.

The lead counsel at Ahmed Legal Consult’s comments come amid the recent ultimatum from Sam George to MultiChoice, warning that the broadcaster’s licence will be suspended by August 7, if it fails to reduce subscription prices to meet regulatory requirements.

At the Government Accountability Series on August 1, the Minister disclosed he had formally written to the National Communications Authority (NCA), instructing it to begin the suspension process should DSTV continue to ignore calls for price revision.

Speaking on NewDesk on JoyNews, Musah Ahmed emphasised the distinction between the law’s intent and the minister’s approach, noting that the law focuses on following established rules, whereas the minister is advocating from the perspective of protecting consumers.

Following the minister’s statements, Mr Musah Ahmed stepped forward to clarify the legal position. He said, “Section 13 also states the requirements to be met for revoking a license.

The law focuses on competitiveness and aligns with international best practices. It also considers the principles of a free enterprise economy and the rule of law.”

He added, “Importantly, the law takes into account the interests of the consumer, and the minister is speaking from the angle of the consumer. In my opinion, the minister per se does not have the power to revoke the license. However, I have read his language carefully, especially his choice of words.”

Mr Ahmed stated that while the Minister may issue directives, it is ultimately the responsibility of the NCA to act per the law.

“He says that the National Communication Authority will be instructed, I believe that is what he said, to take appropriate steps, including revoking the license if the company fails to comply. The regulator, therefore, is the National Communication Authority. The law empowers them to revoke the license under specified requirements outlined in Section 13.”

“For me, I think both the minister and the regulator must comply with the law,” he said.

Source: Emmanuel Tetteh

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Responding to Multichoice’s statement, Sam George said their position only reinforces his long-standing view that the company does not take the concerns of Ghanaians seriously.

According to him, DStv’s posture in Ghana sharply contrasts with how it operates in other African countries, particularly Nigeria.

He recalled how the same Multichoice Group, which owns DStv, was compelled to reverse price hikes in Nigeria after the matter was taken up by the country’s House of Representatives.

In that instance, Nigerian authorities pursued legal action against the company and directed a suspension of the intended price increase. DStv complied without hesitation.

Sam George questioned why the Ghanaian market should be treated any differently.

He pointed out that in April 2025, when the Ghanaian cedi had appreciated by nearly 10% against major foreign currencies, inflation had declined significantly, and fuel prices had dropped, DStv still went ahead to increase its subscription fees by 15%.

He further disclosed that DStv proposed an alternative solution, suggesting that it could retain the current subscription prices but suspend transferring the revenue to its international headquarters.

Sam George noted the offer was outright rejected, describing it as illogical and out of touch with the concerns of Ghanaian subscribers.

In his view, the core issue is about affordability and fairness, not about where the revenue sits. He stressed that Ghanaians should be paying a fair rate for the services they receive, especially in the face of improving economic indicators.

Sam George also acknowledged the impact of the standoff on DStv’s Ghanaian staff but urged them to understand that the broader national interest must take precedence.

He reiterated that he remains open to meaningful dialogue with the company, but only if such discussions focus squarely on lowering prices for the Ghanaian market.

Any conversation that fails to address this fundamental concern, he said, would be irrelevant.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/sam-george-dismisses-claim-of-owning-viral-v8-suv-with-djata-number-plate/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:37:40 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2556233 Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has denied reports suggesting he owns a newly registered Toyota V8 SUV bearing the number plate “Djata 1-25.”

In a statement issued on social media, the minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, pointed out clear discrepancies that disprove the speculation.

According to him, the spelling on the number plate — Djata — differs from how he personally spells his moniker, Dzata.

The MP added that he has not acquired a new vehicle this year, contrary to claims circulating online.

While appreciating well-wishers who may have hoped he had made such a purchase, he emphasized that his immediate focus remains on critical national matters.

“My focus for now is on the response from DSTV, which is due latest by Monday, 21st July 2025,” he stated, referencing his ongoing engagement with the satellite television service provider.

My attention has been drawn to this video and attempts to suggest the said vehicle belongs to me.

The claim is FALSE!

Anyone who knows me knows I spell my name as DZATA not DJATA as on the number plate. I appreciate those hoping I have bought a new car this year but I have not… pic.twitter.com/Nkxj8Os6uk

— Sam 'Dzata' George 🦁🇬🇭 (@samgeorgegh) July 17, 2025

In a strongly worded social media post on Friday, Sam George stated:
“Someone should tell Bawumia to shut up. What did he say about Ayawaso West Wuogon in 2019?”

His remarks were in response to Dr. Bawumia’s earlier condemnation of the chaos that erupted at the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, where a group of unidentified men violently disrupted voting.

The incident led to the assault of political figures including former Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson, and injuries to other NPP members and a journalist.

Dr. Bawumia, who is leading the NPP into the December 2024 presidential election, warned that Ghana’s democratic stability is at risk if political violence becomes normalized.
“This will be a recipe for disaster if each political party raises its own army,” he said.

He further urged President John Mahama to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
“I call on the President to take action to bring the perpetrators to book.”
“We will not forget what has happened. This is not the democracy we want to see.”

However, Sam George questioned the former Vice President’s moral authority to speak against electoral violence, citing Bawumia’s silence during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence in 2019, when security operatives assaulted opposition supporters—an incident widely condemned by civil society and international observers.

The back-and-forth reflects rising political tension following Thursday’s chaos, which has drawn condemnation from civil society groups, election observers, and the general public.

Many are calling on the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Police Service to investigate and prevent a repeat of such incidents.

With the December 2024 elections fast approaching, analysts warn that political accountability and security professionalism will be critical to maintaining public confidence in Ghana’s democratic processes.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister said the adjustments follow successful negotiations with network operators aimed at ensuring better value for consumers.

“I am pleased to announce that my engagement with the CEOs has resulted in the following specific measures,” he stated.

According to the new arrangements:

• AT Ghana (AirtelTigo) will implement a 10% increase across all data bundles. The GH₵400 bundle, for instance, will be upgraded from 195GB to 236GB.

• Telecel Ghana will also apply a 10% increase to all its data packages. Its GH₵400 bundle will rise significantly from 90GB to 250GB.

• MTN Ghana will introduce a 15% increase across all data bundles. In addition, the telco will restore the GH₵399 bundle to offer 214GB, after it was previously revised to GH₵350 for 92.88GB.

Minister George acknowledged the financial burden these changes may place on telecom service providers but commended their cooperation and national commitment.

“I am aware these increases will come at considerable cost to the network operators,” he said. “However, I am glad that our engagements and consultations are bearing fruit for the Ghanaian people.”

He expressed appreciation to the CEOs of the telecom companies for their support, describing the development as a clear sign of stronger collaboration between the government and the communications sector.

The revised data packages form part of broader efforts by the government to enhance digital access and ensure value for money in Ghana’s telecom industry.

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Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he emphasised that while some reports suggest Ghana’s data prices are relatively affordable compared to other African countries, many Ghanaians struggle with costs when measured against income.

The average cost of 1GB of mobile data (approximately GHS17 or $1.37) is nearly equivalent to the daily minimum wage (GHS19.97 or $1.61), making consistent internet access difficult for many.

The Minister assured Ghanaians that mobile data prices would be adjusted in the coming months but stressed that the Ministry would not act on sentiment. Instead, it would follow the roadmap set by the 23-member Inter-Agency Data Pricing Committee.

He stated that the committee, after 14 days of deliberation, developed a roadmap which he is now putting into action.

Mr. George emphasised the need for careful policy execution, ensuring that alternative networks are robust before pricing changes affect dominant providers.

“If you want me to move from network A because you’ve made them more expensive, is network B going to give me the quality of service I want?” he asked.

He stressed that all networks must have concurrent investment responsibilities to ensure consistent service quality across providers.

The Ministry’s strategy prioritises price, quality, and value in reducing mobile data costs.

“So, I mean, when we talk value, if today you were getting, say, 100 gig for a certain price, value would mean that you could get more than 100 gig at the same price,” Mr. George explained.

He affirmed that Ghanaians would soon purchase more gigabytes at lower prices than currently offered by telecommunication companies.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has sent a team to Ghana for an independent assessment, reinforcing the Ministry’s reliance on “hard-core data and evidence” rather than sentiment.

The evaluation will inform future pricing policies, ensuring data affordability aligns with economic realities.

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He acknowledged that both global and local digitalisation efforts often sideline individuals with impairments or difficulties, leaving many excluded from the digital space.

The Minister made the announcement at the grand finale of the “Tekyerma Pa” Hackathon 2025, held at the University of Ghana.

The landmark event, spearheaded by Professor Isaac Wiafe, Principal Investigator of the project, was dedicated to advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for inclusive communication in Ghanaian languages, with a special focus on supporting individuals with speech impairments.

Four tertiary institutions and an industry team competed for honours.

• “Kasa Noma” from the University of Environment and Sustainable Development took first place.

• “Whisper Wave” from the industry secured second place.

• “Twilight” from the University of Ghana placed third.

In Ghana, digital exclusion presents a major challenge for PWDs, hindering their full participation in an increasingly digital society. While the country continues to make strides in digital transformation, many PWDs remain on the wrong side of the digital divide.

To address this, the Minister announced that under the “One Million Coders” initiative, the government would ensure that at least 10 per cent of beneficiaries are persons with disabilities.

He added that this initiative would be complemented by the rollout of regional digital centres and zonal ICT innovation hubs to provide structured training for vulnerable groups, particularly women and PWDs.

“As new innovations emerge, players in the digital industry must ensure that inequality does not prevail,” he cautioned.

He emphasized that innovations like AI could either bridge the gap or deepen inequality, depending on how they are applied.

Commending the participants of the “Tekyerma Pa” Hackathon for their innovation in disability technology, the Minister said,
“Your tools may one day allow a child with cerebral palsy to speak to her classmates and family members in Nzema. Your tools may help an elderly man recovering from a stroke to express himself again with dignity in Ghana.”

Source: myjoyonline.com

The stern directive came during a high-level meeting on Friday, May 30, 2025, where the minister convened with the CEOs and technical teams of MTN, Telecel, and AT.

His message was unequivocal and emphasised that despite vast infrastructure and visible presence across the country, subscribers are enduring consistently poor service, particularly in rapidly expanding urban centres and crucial regional towns.

“We are not doing sentiments. We are doing engineering,” Mr. George asserted, emphasising an action-driven approach. “If you have infrastructure in place but your service is poor, we must begin to take regulatory action.”

The meeting featured a presentation by the National Communications Authority (NCA), based on a comprehensive assessment of 48 localities nationwide.

This study, prompted by a surge in public complaints, evaluated operators across four critical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): 3G Coverage, Call Setup Time (CST), Mean Opinion Score (MOS) for call quality, and 3G Data Throughput.

The findings revealed alarming inconsistencies in service delivery across all three providers.

Mr. George, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, specifically cited examples from economically vital areas like Amasaman and East Legon, highlighting how, despite expanded coverage, the quality of service has sharply declined.

Parts of the capital, Accra, are experiencing frustrating network “blackouts” and substandard 4G performance.

The minister announced that a full nationwide test covering every district capital would be conducted by the NCA in the third quarter of 2025.

“On the basis of that result, if we don’t see improvements, we will have to start taking decisive action,” he warned.

In a potentially transformative policy, Mr. George disclosed that a portion of any fines imposed on defaulting telcos would directly benefit the public.

“About 40 per cent of any fines imposed on defaulting telcos would be returned to the affected consumers, either through bonus data or call time,” he revealed.

This mechanism is designed to ensure tangible compensation for subscribers experiencing poor service, moving beyond mere regulatory penalties.

Operators have been granted a strict 30-day window, expiring June 30, 2025, to complete the acceptance process for newly allocated spectrum.

The minister stressed that by the end of December, a demonstrable improvement in service quality, directly linked to this new spectrum, would be expected.

“We know you can’t complete upgrades in three months, but we must see that the process has begun. The Ghanaian people must feel the impact of the spectrum rollout by the end of this year,” he underscored.

The telecommunications executives, recognising the gravity of the situation, outlined significant measures to address the concerns.

MTN Ghana CEO, Stephen Blewett, announced a substantial $230 million investment in 2024, earmarked for bolstering network infrastructure and IT systems. He also disclosed plans to open 300 new franchise stores, specifically targeting underserved areas, and recruit 400 new front-facing staff with a dedicated GH₵ 25 million internal budget. Upcoming self-service options, including SIM swaps and PIN resets with robust identity verification, are also in the pipeline to combat fraud.

Telecel Ghana Chief Operating Officer, Mohamad Ghaddar, reiterated his company’s commitment to superior customer experience, emphasising continuous network optimisation.

While acknowledging receipt of some spectrum, he stressed the ongoing need for more to meet burgeoning demand.

Telecel is expanding its retail footprint, with over 400 shops currently operational and plans to add 100 more.

The company also highlighted its support services for persons with special needs and welcomed regulatory feedback.

AT CEO Leo Skarlatos acknowledged the public as the “ultimate stakeholder”.

He assured that AT is undergoing significant network improvements, which are anticipated to be “clearly visible by the first quarter of the following year.”

Skarlatos expressed confidence in the ongoing transformation and extended an open invitation for stakeholders to witness these enhancements firsthand early next year.

Beyond service quality, the minister also touched upon data pricing.

He recalled the establishment of a committee in February 2025 tasked with developing a strategic roadmap for gradual data cost reduction.

This approach aims to avoid market shocks, prioritising improvements in value (e.g., more data for the same price) rather than immediate, drastic price cuts, to protect investment planning and industry viability.

This bold stance by the Ministry of Communication signals a new era of stringent regulatory oversight, prioritising consumer experience and holding telcos accountable for the quality of services they provide in Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Source: David Apinga

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In a Facebook post, P.K. Sarpong shared a video of Mr. George in a convoy, claiming the vehicle was a gift—an act that would be in breach of President John Mahama’s recently launched Code of Conduct for appointees.

The Code, unveiled on May 5, 2025, prohibits government officials from accepting gifts, citing concerns about compromised integrity.

However, the Ningo-Prampram MP, through his lawyers, has vehemently denied the claim, describing it as “categorically false.”

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He added that the government will also engage potential investors and consider possible strategic partnerships to inject fresh capital and technical expertise into the company.

These efforts—along with policy reforms and operational restructuring—are part of bold and far-reaching reforms aimed at repositioning the company as a commercially viable, profitable, and competitive force in the local telecom sector.

“To arrive at this, tough decisions will be taken. Difficult steps will have to be made, but I believe that they will all be in the long-term interest of the country, the company, and the customer,” the minister said.

“We have a clear sense of where we are. There are proposals on the table. Over the next eight weeks, we are hopeful, believe, and confident that we’ll be able to arrive at a roadmap to put AT back on solid economic footing and deliver for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,” Mr. George added.

The minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, made these remarks last Friday when he embarked on a familiarisation tour of the company.

Mr. George was accompanied by some senior officials from the ministry, including the Chief Director, Policy Advisor, Director and Deputy Director of Digital Technologies, and the Head of Public Relations.

AT, formerly AirtelTigo, is in deep financial trouble following its $1 acquisition by the previous government—a move the minister described as reckless and ill-informed.

At the time, the company had $400 million in debt and outdated infrastructure, with no meaningful investment from its former owners.

Despite efforts that have reduced the debt to $200 million through restructuring, AT still records monthly losses of GH¢20 million, prompting urgent efforts to secure creditor haircuts and ensure the company’s survival.

“I’m confident that with the guidance we’ll get from the President, who is a former Communications Minister and understands this sector very well, we’ll be able to steady the boat, seal and plug the boat, and make it a steady vessel that will bring us to shore,” he stated.

Employee Welfare

Mr. George placed strong emphasis on the welfare of workers as the central pillar guiding all turnaround strategies for AT.

He stressed that while the company was grappling with deep-rooted legacy issues dating as far back as 2009, the government remained resolute in safeguarding the livelihoods of the entire workforce—comprising 300 permanent staff, 200 contract workers, and approximately 10,000 individuals indirectly linked to the company.

He assured the staff that their well-being would not be compromised, even as difficult but necessary decisions are taken to revitalise AT and reposition it as a credible and profitable player in the telecommunications sector.

The minister acknowledged the dedication and resilience of the workers in keeping the company afloat despite financial constraints and affirmed that their continued commitment was key to future success.

He reiterated that all restructuring efforts, including possible investments and debt reengineering, would be undertaken with staff welfare as the foremost priority—ensuring both job security and better service delivery for the Ghanaian people.

Spectrum

Following a press conference Mr. George held a few weeks ago—where he warned telecom operators to acquire additional spectrum to improve their services or face punitive action—this reporter sought to find out whether AT had since received any allocation.

In response, the minister emphasised that spectrum was a national asset and not simply given away—it must be paid for.

He explained that once the spectrum is offered, operators are given 30 days to make payment.

However, he expressed uncertainty about AT’s current financial capacity to make such a purchase.

“I know that AT has its spectrum needs and desires, but again, spectrum is national property. I don’t want to be charged with causing financial losses to the state, so we will give spectrum as and when there’s enough economic and commercial consideration,” he said.

He added that the ministry is currently undertaking a spectrum rationalisation exercise to assess usage efficiency and determine future allocations.

While acknowledging AT’s spectrum needs, he maintained that any allocation would be made only if it makes sound economic and commercial sense, as the government cannot afford to incur financial losses by distributing spectrum without clear returns.

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