national communications authority newsletter - nca…

NEWSLETTERJanuary - June - 2 0 2 1

NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY

IN THIS ISSUE

• MASTS (BASE STATION) EMF EXPOSURE DO NOT POSE HEALTH RISKS

• NCA WINS RTI CASE AGAINST MEDIA FOUNDATION FOR WEST AFRICA (MFWA)

• 49 ILLEGALLY OPERATING TV STATIONS SHUT DOWN

• MR. PATRICK JOHN LARYEA PASSES ON

NCA, NMC, OTHERS COOPERATE TO

REGULATE MEDIA CONTENT

Jan - Jun | 2021

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Contacts and Presence Countrywide

• Accra, Head Office

National Communications Authority,NCA Tower, No. 6 Airport CityP. O. Box CT 1568, Cantonments, Accra Tel: +233 (0) 302 771701 Fax: +233 (0) 302 763449 E-mail: [email protected] Complaints: +233 (0) 30 701 [email protected] Website: www.nca.org.ghDigital Address: GL-126-7029

• Accra Office

National Communications Authority, 1st Rangoon Close, Switchback Road, Cantonment, AccraP. O. Box CT 1568, Cantonments, Accra Tel: +233 (0) 553 369862, (0) 553 432215E-mail: [email protected] Address: GL-060-2379

• Bolgatanga Office

National Communications Authority, H/No ZB 70, Zorbisi EstatesPrivate Mail Bag, Bolgatanga, Upper East RegionTel: +233 (0) 3820 21141E-mail: [email protected] Address: UB-0034-8536

• Ho Office

National Communications Authority, H/No A6/29, Stadium RoadP. O. Box HP1576, Ho, Volta RegionTel: +233 (0) 3620 26339E-Mail: [email protected] Address: VH-006-0554

• Koforidua Office

National Communications Authority, Residency Street Behind New Juaben Municipal Library Private Mail Bag, Koforidua, Eastern RegionTel: +233 (0) 3420 28378 / 28380 / 28382E-Mail: [email protected] Address: EN-001-4621

• Kumasi Office

National Communications Authority, Danyame, KumasiP. O. Box KS 10768, Kumasi, Ashanti RegionTel: + 233 (0) 3220 20014 / 20018 / 20019E-Mail: [email protected] Address: AK-063-2250

• Sunyani Office

National Communications Authority, Plot No 83/D PenkwaseP. O. Box SY125, Sunyani, Brong Ahafo RegionTel: + 233 (0) 3520 27564E-Mail: [email protected] Address: BS-0012-4632

• Takoradi Office

National Communications Authority, BakadoP. O. Box SL 409, Sekondi, Western Region, GhanaTel: +233 (0) 3120 28073 / 28049 Fax: +233 (0) 3120 28063E-Mail: [email protected] Address: WS-014-8190

• Tamale Office

National Communications Authority, Watherson Residential AreaP. O. Box TL 1590, Tamale, Northern Region, GhanaTel: + 233 (0) 3720 28105 / 3720 20104E-Mail: [email protected] Address: NT-0027-8191

This newsletter was produced by the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Division of theNational Communications Authority, June 2021

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Communications for Development

NCA, NMC, OTHERS COOPERATE TO REGULATE MEDIA CONTENT

The National Communications Authority (NCA) on Tuesday, 15th June, 2021 signed a

Memorandum of Cooperation on the regulation of Electronic Communications Content with the National Media Commission (NMC) and other stakeholders. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Information and as agreed by interested parties through a Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting held in April this year, the Memorandum of Cooperation seeks to ensure that electronic communications content complies with the basic legal and ethical standards within the overall constitutional framework of free expression.

Speaking at an event, the Chairman of the NMC, Mr. Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, said that in regulating the media space specifically in terms of content, both the NMC and NCA are handicapped. He noted that the NMC, by law, can only recommend, discuss or advise whilst the NCA is mandated to regulate the technical operations of broadcasters. As a result, it has become necessary for a memorandum or mechanism to be implemented for such institutions to rely on each other without undermining the rule of law. He added that it is important that the media takes into consideration the interest of Ghanaians and broadcast educative and ethical content.

The Director General of NCA, Mr. Joe Anokye, in his opening statement said the NCA is excited that a framework of cooperation has been executed for all stakeholders regarding content regulation. He further stated that the Authority, as part of Government’s digitalisation agenda, has established the Broadcast Monitoring System (BMS) in all its offices across the country to monitor the Key Performance Indicators as stipulated in the Broadcasting Authorisation. He added that the BMS can record the activities or

Mr. Joe Anokye giving his opening statement

Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah giving his remarksMr. Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh giving the opening remarks

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programmes of the various television and radio stations and therefore urged the NMC to take advantage of the system as the NCA is willing to assist with the provision of any information they may require.

In his remarks, the Minister for Information and guest speaker for the event, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said that following some media content infractions which caused a public uproar earlier this year, there was the need for stakeholders to examine and strategise to monitor content in the electronic media space. He expressed that though he appreciates the fact that these infractions still exist, the signing of this Memorandum will ensure sanity in the media space going forward.

He further urged the NMC to rely on the NCA’s BMS for information, enhance their complaints system and procedure, and in the interest of transparency, publish decisions by warning

broadcasters or redrawing their Authorisations.

Hon. Oppong Nkrumah also encouraged the Ghanaian citizenry to report any content they deem deviant to the NMC for the necessary investigations and punitive actions to be taken. Bringing his remarks to a close, the Minister for Information congratulated the NMC, NCA and other stakeholders for signing the Memorandum of Cooperation.

Also present at the event to sign the Memorandum were representatives of the Ghana Journalist Association, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association, Writers Association, Trades Union, UNESCO Ghana, Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, National Film Authority, Bank of Ghana, Local Government Service, National Cyber Security Centre, Judiciary, National Security Secretariat and Gaming Commission.

Group photograph of representatives from the various institutions

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MASTS (BASE STATION) EMF EXPOSURE DO NOT POSE HEALTH RISKS – 2020 NCA Masts and Towers Audit reveals

In today’s digital ecosystem, telecommunication has become the foundation for businesses,

governments, communities, and families to seamlessly connect and share information. The demand for mobile cellular telecom services has necessitated the increase in communications infrastructure such as Masts and Towers (also known as base stations) which are needed to ensure that there is adequate network coverage and access that guarantee a minimum quality of service.

While many people recognise the importance of telecom services, some have expressed concerns about possible health risks from the radio signals emanating from the base stations at the telecommunications sites.

To allay the concerns of the public, the National Communications Authority (NCA) conducted a Base Station Audit of Towers and In-Building Solutions (IBS) deployed, owned and or managed by Tower companies (Towercos), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The purpose of the Audit was to assess each infrastructure’s conformance to the NCA’s Masts and Towers Guidelines and determine emission compliance with International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standards. ICNIRP is an international commission specialised in non-ionizing radiation protection.

The total number of Masts and Towers audited across all the coverage areas were 6,328 with a

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national distribution as follows:

Region No. of TowersGreater Accra 1,722Upper East 144Upper West 131Eastern 558Western 650Central 545Volta 402Ashanti 1,257Brong Ahafo 528Northern 391Total 6,328

The findings of the audit include the following:• Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Measurements

- All the EMF measurements from the tower sites recorded results below the thresholds in the ICNIRP standards.

• 5,269 sites (about 83%) out of the total sites were found to have no RF Exposure signs.

• Site Access - 945 towers which represents about 15% of towers in the country, had issues with their fence as some of the towers either had no fence or some portions of the fence damaged.

• 1,748 sites were found to either have towers with non-operational navigation lights or no navigation lights at all.

• 606 towers were built with no lightning spike and earth connections terminated.

Given the above, the NCA has started the following to rectify the various infractions identified:

• NCA will soon outline a standard naming and numbering of tower sites.

• NCA is reviewing the infractions and set timelines for remedying the infractions.

• NCA will be engaging the owners of tower

sites to rectify errors in the initial datasets submitted to the Authority for this audit exercise (e.g. Name, Tower IDs, Uniform Location Coordinates).

• The Tower Register, a database of all the tower sites which was developed and used for this exercise, will be an integral part of the tower licensing and decommissioning process.

• NCA (Head Office and Regional Offices) will conduct verification exercise by visiting the relevant tower sites to ascertain compliance.

The NCA wishes to assure all stakeholders that the Authority will continue to uphold Regulation 94 of the National Communications Regulations, 2003, L.I. 1719 which states that ‘Communications equipment and systems must be of such standard and technical specifications as to;

(a) prevent damage to interconnected networks,

(b) avoid interference to other communications systems, and

(c) guarantee customer safety’

The Authority also wishes to remind stakeholders of Section 95 (1) of L.I. 1719 which states that communications equipment and systems shall not be imported into the country without prior approval of the Authority. A person who acts in contravention commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than twice the cost of the equipment imported and exceeding five times the landed cost of the equipment.

Note the difference between Masts and TowersA mast is an antenna held up by stays or guy-wires while a tower is a self-supporting structure which is held up on one end only. Often, the term “tower” is used when the antenna is attached to the ground, while “mast” is used when the antenna is mounted onto another structure like a building or a tower.

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NCA WINS RTI CASE AGAINST MEDIA FOUNDATION FOR WEST AFRICA (MFWA)

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has won a case which was filed by

the Media Foundation for West Africa (MWFA) against the Authority. The High Court of Accra (Human Rights Division) upheld the legal submissions of the NCA and dismissed all the reliefs claimed by MFWA against NCA in respect of the former’s request for information.

It will be recalled that on 22nd July, 2020, the MFWA made a request to the NCA to provide the following;

• Full list of all Authorised FM stations as of the second quarter of 2020 indicating the dates of first Authorisation, dates of last Authorisation renewals, locations and operational status (on air or off air);

• Full list of all Authorised Television Stations as of the Second Quarter of 2020 indicating the dates of first authorisation, Dates of last Authorisation renewals, locations and operational status;

• An explanation for the recent replacement of the published 2020 second quarter report titled: ‘List of Authorised VHF-FM Radios in Ghana as at Second Quarter 2020’ which contained columns for date of first Authorisation and date of last Authorisation renewal, with one that now excludes the dates of first authorisation and dates of last Authorisation renewals.

• Full list (name of company, name of radio

station, location and frequency number) of all FM radio stations that were shut down following the 2017 FM Spectrum Audit and in line with the 2018 decision of the Electronic Communications Tribunal

The NCA, upon assessment of the above requests by the MFWA, asked MFWA to pay a fee of GHS2,000.00 in accordance with law. MFWA however refused to pay the said service fees charged by the NCA and subsequently filed an action at the High Court of Accra (Human Rights Division) against the NCA.

The High Court presided over by Justice Gifty Agyei Addo ruled that the request for the NCA to provide an explanation for the discharge of its mandate in publishing quarterly reports was untenable and violates the Right to Information (RTI) law. The Court also held that MFWA had failed to establish any basis for the claim that its request is in the public interest; the Court upheld NCA’s contention that the public interest argument was an afterthought.

The High Court again held that the request made by MFWA was personal to the NGO, and that the said requests must to be paid for by MFWA. Accordingly, the Court ordered MFWA to pay GHS1,500.00 to the NCA before the permitted information requested can be provided.

The NCA wishes to stress that the Authority will endeavour to execute its mandate as set out by law. The Authority’s doors are always opened to engage with its many stakeholders.

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49 ILLEGALLY OPERATING TV STATIONS SHUT DOWN

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has embarked on an exercise to shut

down 49 Television (TV) stations for operating without Authorisations. This forms part of a continuous monitoring exercise conducted on various Satellite Free-to-Air Television platforms using the Broadcast Monitoring System (BMS) and the Radio Spectrum Monitoring System (RSMS).

The monitoring revealed that some channels were operating without valid Authorisations, contrary to Section 2(4) of the Electronic

Communications Act 775 of 2008, which states that, ‘Except as provided by this Act or any other law not inconsistent with this Act, a person shall not operate a broadcasting system or provide a broadcasting service without a frequency authorisation by the Authority’. As a result, forty-nine (49) channels have been identified to be operating without valid Authorisations from the Authority and have been shut down accordingly. Below is the list of TV Stations which have been identified to be in violation and have been subsequently shut down:

No. Broadcast Channel Operator/Company No. Broadcast Channel Operator/Company

1 Dove TV Sophia Ocansey Dba Dove Television

26 SBN International

2 NTV North Television Ltd

27 Adzipa TV Beam Impact Multimedia

3 Thunder TV (Agradaa)

Thunder TV Ltd 28 Ice1 TV Thunder Television Limited

4 Power TV Prime Power Multimedia Ltd

29 Ezra TV Ezra Communications Limited

5 Maranatha TV Afodai Multimedia 30 Truth TV Heritage Christian College Media Center

6 MTA Al Shirkatul Is-lamyyah Ltd

31 Royal Star TV Felicia Larbi Dba Royal Star Movie Production

7 Chief TV Chief Television Network

32 Virgin TV Guankobeakro Prayer Ministry

8 Kiss TV TV2 Networks 33 Days TV Damfo Adu Construction Limited

9 Sagani TV Mr Alhaji Razak Idrissu D.B.A

34 Serwaa TV Serwaa Memorial Television Services Ltd

10 Ogyaba TV Emmanuel Boakye 35 Iron TV Iron Television Limited

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11 Nazareth TV Victhun Hogcoan Multimedia

36 JA1 TV JA1 TV Limited

12 CACI TV CACI Television Limited

37 Abapa TV Goaso Television Services Limited

13 Ahotosour TV Prince Ohene Zodek Dba Ahotosour TV

38 Asempa TV Zakari Salifu Dba Zakari Enterprise

14 BOC TV BOC Multimedia Broadcasting Ltd

39 BTV Bempah TV Limited

15 OK TV OK TV Limited 40 Kwaku Bonsam TV Kofi O Kofi

16 Cash TV TV2 Networks 41 Asomdwie TV Asomdwie Television

17 Lion TV TV2 Network Limited

42 TV Magic Gyamfi’s Akasanoma One Media Limited

18 Akwasi Awuah TV Akwasi Awuah TV 43 Channel 45 365 Frontier Management Limited

19 Eno TV Mefri Ghana Limited

44 Perfect TV Bejoma Pharmacy

20 Apple TV Apple Inpak Media Company Limited

45 Anima TV KK Travel Consult Limited

21 SBN TV Shalom Broadcasting Network Limited

46 Obour TV Now Elijah TV Plus

Obuor Multimedia

22 Agya Kofabae TV Agya Kofabae Television Limited

47 TV Universe Mr. Evans Kumi Wadewor Dba Innovative Technics Of Creativity Productions

23 Next TV Next TV Ghana Limited

48 Apinto TV / Time TV Apinto Media Limited

24 Face TV (Aflao TV) The Business Plus Ghana Co. Limited

49 Obour TV Plus House Of Power Multimedia

25 Paradise TV Vimens Multimedia Co Ltd

The exercise was done in conjunction with the Ghana Police Service and National Security Intelligence Operatives. The NCA will continue monitoring to ensure that the use of spectrum is done in an efficient manner. We also take the opportunity to caution all Licence and Authorisation holders to ensure that their Licences and Authorisations are always up-to-date and in compliance with the stated terms and conditions.

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MR. PATRICK JOHN LARYEA PASSES ON

The Authority regrets to announce with profound sadness the demise of its Director

of the Engineering Division, Mr. Patrick John Laryea. He passed away on 6th April, 2021 at the Korle Teaching Hospital after a short illness.

The late Mr. Laryea, whose tenure at the Authority spanned twenty-two (22) years, was employed on 16th September, 1999 as an Assistant Engineer and rose through the ranks heading the Regulatory Administration Division before his last position as the Director of the Engineering Division.

Mr. Laryea was a member of the Ghana Institute of Engineers and also a long-standing and active member of ITU Study Groups 2 and 5D.

Considering his commitment and contribution to the development of the industry over the years, the Authority has received messages of condolence from both local and international stakeholders such as the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Government Agencies, Mobile Network Operators, African Regulatory Authorities as well as Associations/Unions. Some of the testimonials received by the Authority are highlighted below:

• Locally, the Ghana Meteorological Agency indicated that “his commitment and dedication to the growth of the communications industry both in Ghana and International world will always be remembered”.

• On the international front, the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) said the Assembly will remember him for “his contribution to the promotion and development of Telecommunications/ICT in Africa and particularly in the West African sub region for his active participation in WATRA activities”.

• Similarly, the African Telecommunications

Union stated that “Mr. Laryea will long be remembered for his contribution and passion in the ICT industry. His passing away will not only leave a void in our lives but in the hearts of those who knew him”.

• The Nigerian Communications Commission added that “Mr. Patrick Laryea was a man of impeccable standards and his loss will be felt not only in Ghana, but within the region and beyond. His active participation and insight into the work of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) ensured that West African and indeed African Positions were always given favourable consideration”.

The NCA is indeed saddened by his passing and his diligence and charisma will be sorely missed. He will also be remembered among other things for his commitment and dedication to his work and to the growth of the communications industry in Ghana, especially, with regards to the development of various regulatory policies, guidelines, compliance interventions and training of young engineers at the NCA.

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ING. REV. EDMUND YIRENKYI FIANKO IS THE NEW HEAD OF THE ENGINEERING DIVISION

Ing. Rev. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, has been promoted as Acting Head of the Engineering

Division following the sudden and sad demise of Ing. Patrick John Laryea. Ing. Rev. Fianko is an Electronic Communications Engineer with in-depth experience in radio frequency spectrum management, telecommunication and broadcasting regulation, policy formulation, change management, ICT industry research, amongst several other hands on knowledge in writing, publishing, teaching and public speaking. Ing. Rev. Fianko joined the Authority as a National Service Person in 2004 and was employed as a Frequency Management Officer in the Engineering Division soon after. Until his promotion, he served as a Deputy Director in the Division.

Having been appointed the Head of the Engineering Division of the Authority on 2nd

June, 2021, Ing. Rev. Fianko further enriches the Management table with fifteen (15) years of active involvement in the electronic communications regulatory environment in Ghana and within the Africa region. As the Head of the Engineering Division, Ing. Rev. Fianko is charged with the

responsibility of leading a team of Engineers and Professionals to plan, administer, manage, license and monitor the radio frequency spectrum for telecommunication and broadcasting services in Ghana.

Over the course of his stay at the NCA, he has consistently elevated the name of the Authority as a Member and Chair of several Technical and Regulatory Committees which have formulated standards and guidelines for industry regulation and recommendations that have impacted the strategic direction of the Authority both within his field of delivery and other spheres. He also served as the Recorder for the Technical and Operations sub-committee of the Authority’s Board of Directors.

He has served and continues to serve in diverse positions on the international front. Currently, he is the Chairman of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) Task Group on Development of Spectrum Recommendations for Rural Connectivity and a Member of the Technical Committee of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Policy and Regulation Initiative for Digital Africa (PRIDA). He has, in the past, advised the Administrations of Benin and The Gambia on Digital Broadcasting and LTE licensing respectively and also served as a Consultant and Resource person to the ECOWAS Commission on Broadcasting and Spectrum Management on several occasions.

It is worth noting that Mr. Ing. Rev. Fianko has not only exhibited such decorum and intelligence in serving within the local and international circles but has also attained several laudable successes.

As Secretary to the Digital Broadcasting Migration Committee (DBMC) from 2010 to 2016, he coordinated the work of a multi-stakeholder national body to formulate and implement policies on the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting and initiated several interventions

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in the transition process including the development of minimum specifications for the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) receivers which were adopted as an ECOWAS specification in 2013.

He also played a key coordinating role in major licensing processes in Ghana including the 6th Mobile Licence in 2008, the Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) Licences in the 2600MHz band in 2010 and 2012 and the 800MHz spectrum licences in 2015 and 2018/2019.

Ing. Rev. Fianko again served as a speaker and facilitator for various bodies in the telecom, spectrum management, broadcasting conferences and workshops organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisations (CTO), Southern Africa Digital Broadcasting Association (SADIBA), Multichoice Africa, West Africa Telecom Regulators’ Association (WATRA), African Communications Regulators Network (ACRAN) for Anglophone Countries, Kemilinks International and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Having obtained his first degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the Buckinghamshire (Bucks) New University, England, he is also a member of both the Ghana Institute of Engineers (GhIE) and the Institute of Electrical Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

It is also gratifying to know that Ing. Rev. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko is a Minister of the Methodist Church of Ghana, a published author and the founding leader of the Evangelistic Outreach Ministry, Nkwa.Life, which has impacted so many lives.

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Rights of Telecommunications Consumers

Consumers have the following statutory rights when they start using any telecommunication service:

The right to have access to basic telecommunication services.

The right to choose from a variety of telecom services provided.

The right to be informed about products and services.

The right to privacy of information.

The right to lodge complaints and to be heard.

The right to request or access information on bills.

For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a consumer, contact NCA on any of the following:

National Communications Authority Ghana @NCAGhana National Comm. Authority

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HR WEBINARS ON COVID-19

In April and May 2021, the Human Resource Division organised webinars on COVID-19

Post-Lockdown Experiences as well as Perceived Effects of COVI-19 Vaccine and the Misinformation/Misconceptions Associated with it. These formed part of efforts to improve staff engagements and well-being.

The objectives for these two topics were to educate and support discussion about post-lockdown experiences, develop empathy among staff and help them feel more comfortable by sharing their experiences, determine how these experiences have shaped/impacted different aspects of their lives – including work, family and social interactions and to attempt to eradicate the misinformation/misconceptions associated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

The speakers for the webinars indicated that the effects of the changes the period had brought to the lives of people, in general, specifically members of the organisation were exhibited in the way staff interacted and approached work; hence in their view, social interactions and

restrictions had made staff more conscious of their daily lifestyles, both at work and at home. They mentioned that the new changes had affected and transformed ethics at the work place and thus, increased personal hygiene for staff.

Dr. Marc Dzradosi, a Medical Consultant and Head of the Pharmaceutical Service at International Maritime Hospital who spoke on the second topic, Perceived Effects of Covid-19 Vaccine and the Misinformation/Misconceptions Associated with it mentioned three (3) conditions (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and COVID-19) which were associated with coronavirus. He indicated that these three conditions were serious potential life threatening infections caused by viruses. He further advised staff to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols.

The sessions were very interactive and enlightening and even ignited responses and submissions from some members of Staff to share their personal experiences which was commendable.

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NCA’s POLICY DIALOGUE SERIES TAKES OFF

The Policy, Strategy and Innovation Policy Dialogue (PSI-PD) is an initiative to give Staff

the opportunity to appreciate the Authority’s operational policies and procedures in relation to the work and mandate of each Division at the Authority. The Dialogue has been designed to create the platform for staff to discuss and validate the policies and procedures underpinning the internal processes of each Division. Also, the PSI Dialogue, in the long run, will create opportunity for all Divisions to share information and clarify their respective core duties while outlining the operational policies for performing those functions. This would further ensure Divisional policies are consistent with the Authority’s existing laws and regulations.

The series which started off with PSI, Cybersecurity, Regulatory Administration, Engineering and Research and Business Development Divisions as well as the Sunyani Zonal Office and Kumasi Zonal Office enabled the various Divisions and Zonal offices take turns in sharing knowledge about their respective operations.

Objectives of the Policy Dialogue SeriesThe Dialogue aims at enhancing the domain knowledge of Staff about the industry and to ensure all Staff understand the required responsibilities and performance expectations needed to deliver efficiency at the Divisions. The dialogue further ensures;

1. All Staff understand the various operational policies, (i.e. Division’s documented Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure swift delivery of critical services

2. All Divisions have well-documented operational policies to guide the performance of internal operations

3. All Staff have adequate visibility and appreciation of key responsibilities in various

Divisions4. Consistent review of Divisional operational

policies and procedures to adequately respond to emerging trends and best practice in the telecommunications industry

5. Reduction and/or ultimate elimination of recurring delays in the performance of critical services.

The Format of the DialogueThe Policy Dialogue Series has been structured as virtual discussions scheduled for each Division to take turns to engage Staff on their operational policies and procedures. Each Division facilitates PowerPoint presentations on their key operational policies to enhance Staff information and visibility.

ParticipationEach Division has been scheduled for a 2-hour session to allow for efficient small group Staff virtual interactions. The Division presenting will continue to lead discussions about their operational policies until all scheduled Staff have had the opportunity to participate. Heads of Divisions nominate staff for each session. The Dialogue is held for 2 consecutive weeks in each month and runs 3 times per week. This would translate to 6 sessions per month.

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TELECOM SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR APRIL 20211.0. IntroductionThis report highlights voice and data trends that have occurred in the telecommunication industry as at the end of April 2021 with an estimated country population of 31,170,791. It presents information on Mobile Voice Telephony, Fixed Line as well as Mobile Data subscriptions for the month under review.

2.0. Mobile Voice SubscriptionAt the end of April 2021, the total number of mobile voice subscriptions was 41,777,355. This represents a percentage increase of 0.87% from March 2021’s figure of 41,418,710. The total penetration rate for the month under review was 135.03%

MTN’s voice subscriptions for the period was 23,425,957 representing a percentage increase of 0.14% from March 2021’s figure of 23,392,300. MTN’s market share for the month under review was 56.07%.

Vodafone’s mobile voice subscriptions increased from 8,917,137 as at the end of March 2021 to 9,196,381 as at the end of April 2021. This represents a percentage increase of 3.13%. Vodafone’s market share for April 2021 was 22.01%.

AirtelTigo’s voice subscriptions increased from 8,324,512 as at the end of March 2021 to 8,372,954 as at the end of April 2021 indicating a percentage increase of 0.58%. Their market share for the month under review was 20.04% as compared to 20.10% in March 2021.

Chart 1 – Mobile Voice Market Share for April 2021

Voice subscriptions of Glo decreased from 784,761 as at the end of March 2021 to 782,063 at the end of April 2021. With a percentage decrease of -0.34%, their total market share for the month under review was 1.87%.

3.0. Fixed TelephonyThere are three (3) Operators providing Fixed Line services in Ghana. These Operators are Vodafone, AirtelTigo and MTN. As at the end of April 2021, the total subscriptions for the Fixed Operators stood at 311,759, an increase of 1,758 subscriptions from the previous month’s subscription of 310,001. Vodafone ended the month with 304,634 subscriptions; AirtelTigo recorded a total subscription of 3,565 with MTN recording 3,560 subscriptions.

Chart 2 – Fixed Telephony Subscriptions for April 2021

3.0ii. Chart 3 – Fixed Telephony Market Shares for April 2021

4.0. Data Subscription FiguresWith an estimated population of 31,170,791,

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TELECOM SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR APRIL 2021

1.0. Introduction

2.0. Mobile Voice Subscription

2021’

MTN’s voice subscriptions for the period was ’s figure of . MTN’s market share for the month under review

Vodafone’s mobile voice subscriptions Vodafone’s

AirtelTigo’s

2.0. Chart 1 – Mobile Voice Market Share for April 2021

AirtelTigo20.04%

Vodafone 22.01%

Glo Mobile1.87%

Scancom (MTN) 56.07%

MARKET SHARES (MOBILE VOICE)- APRIL 2021

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3.0. Fixed Telephony

’s

3.0i. Chart 2 – Fixed Telephony Subscriptions for April 2021


304,

634

3,56

5

3,56

0

V O D A F O N E A I R T E L T I G O M T N

VODAFONE97.71%

AIRTEL1.14%

MTN1.14%

MARKET SHARES (FIXED VOICE)- APRIL 2021

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3.0. Fixed Telephony

’s

3.0i. Chart 2 – Fixed Telephony Subscriptions for April 2021


304,

634

3,56

5

3,56

0

V O D A F O N E A I R T E L T I G O M T N

VODAFONE97.71%

AIRTEL1.14%

MTN1.14%

MARKET SHARES (FIXED VOICE)- APRIL 2021

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the total subscriptions of data in the country at the end of April 2021 were 22,763,483. The penetration rate for the period stood at 73.48%.

4.1. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) Mobile Data Subscription

MTN ended the month of April with 15,438,968 mobile data subscriptions. Their market share for the month under review was 67.82%.

The total number of subscriptions for Vodafone’s mobile data in April 2021 was 3,158,167. This is reflected in their market share of 13.87%.

AirtelTigo’s mobile data subscriptions for April 2021 was 3,787,039. Their market share for the month was 16.64%

Glo recorded data subscriber figures of 379,309 at the end of April 2021. This reflects a market share of 1.67%.

Chart 4 –Mobile Data Market Share for March 2021

4.2. Fixed Network Data Operators (FNOs) SubscriptionsThere are three (3) Operators providing fixed data services in Ghana. They are Vodafone, AirtelTigo and MTN. As at the end of April 2021, the total number of fixed data subscriptions was 87,347 with Vodafone recording 63,480. AirtelTigo and MTN ended the month with 661 and 23,206 subscriptions respectively.

Chart 5 –Fixed Data Market Share for April 2021

4.3. Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) Operators/Subscriptions

Broadband Data Access (BWA) Operators provide broadband data access through wireless media to consumer and business markets. In Ghana, there are five (5) BWA Operators namely, Surfline, Blu Ghana, Broadband Home, Telesol and Busy Internet.

The total subscriptions for BWA stood at 53,197 as at the end of April 2021. Surfline recorded subscriptions of 43,777 whilst Broadband Home ended the month with 1,056 subscriptions. Telesol and Busy Internet recorded 1,721 and 6,643 subscriptions respectively.

4.3. Chart 6 –BWA Data Market Share for April 2020

*NB: Blu Ghana’s subscription figures were unavailable as at the time of the compilation of this report.

5 | P a g e

4.0. Data Subscription Figures

4.1. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) Mobile Data Subscription

fone’s mobile data in

’s

4.1. Chart 4 –Mobile Data Market Share for March 2021

4.2. Fixed Network Data Operators (FNOs) Subscriptions

AirtelTigo16.64%

Vodafone13.87%

Glo Mobile1.67%

Scancom (MTN)67.82%

MARKET SHARES (MOBILE DATA)-APRIL 2021

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4.2. Chart 5 –Fixed Data Market Share for April 2021




AirtelTigo1%

Vodafone 73%

Scancom (MTN)26%

MARKET SHARES (FIXED DATA)- APRIL 2021

Broadband Home1.99%

Busy Internet12.49%

Surfline82.29%

Telesol3.24%

MARKET SHARES (BWAs)- APRIL 2021

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4.2. Chart 5 –Fixed Data Market Share for April 2021




AirtelTigo1%

Vodafone 73%

Scancom (MTN)26%

MARKET SHARES (FIXED DATA)- APRIL 2021

Broadband Home1.99%

Busy Internet12.49%

Surfline82.29%

Telesol3.24%

MARKET SHARES (BWAs)- APRIL 2021

www.nca.org.gh | 19


20 |

Jan - Jun | 2021

NCA Honours Long-Serving Staff

The National Communications Authority (NCA) as part of the celebration of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2021 (WTISD) on Friday, 21st May, 2021, presented awards to its long-serving staff. At the end of every year, the NCA

honours Staff members who have served at the Authority for a long period of time during the Staff End-of-Year Thanksgiving and Get Together.

However, due to the stringent restrictions on COVID-19 safety protocols, last year’s event was postponed and a suitable time was set for the presentation of the Long Service Plaques to the eligible Staff.

Mr. Prince Ofosu-Sefah, Deputy Director General (Operations) and Mr. Bright Oduro Nimoh assisted in presenting the plaques to the staff.

.

Awardees in a group photograph with Management of NCA

Mr. Prince Ofosu Sefah giving his remarks

M.C. Richmond Mr. Charles Amoah Wilson giving the opening remarks

Cross-section of Staff at the eventMr. Peter Tandoh giving the opening prayer

Cross-section of Staff at the event

www.nca.org.gh | 21


NCA Honours Long-Serving Staff

The National Communications Authority (NCA) as part of the celebration of the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2021 (WTISD) on Friday, 21st May, 2021, presented awards to its long-serving staff. At the end of every year, the NCA

honours Staff members who have served at the Authority for a long period of time during the Staff End-of-Year Thanksgiving and Get Together.

However, due to the stringent restrictions on COVID-19 safety protocols, last year’s event was postponed and a suitable time was set for the presentation of the Long Service Plaques to the eligible Staff.

Mr. Prince Ofosu-Sefah, Deputy Director General (Operations) and Mr. Bright Oduro Nimoh assisted in presenting the plaques to the staff.

.

Awardees in a group photograph with Management of NCA

Mr. Prince Ofosu Sefah giving his remarks

M.C. Richmond Mr. Charles Amoah Wilson giving the opening remarks

Cross-section of Staff at the eventMr. Peter Tandoh giving the opening prayer

Cross-section of Staff at the event

22 |

Jan - Jun | 2021

Ms. Agnes Nifa

Mr. Akwasi Atimbilla

Mr. Samuel J.K. Manu Mrs. Josephine Yeboah

Grace Azanang

Mr. William Mensah Duodo Ms. Georgina Bansah

Mr. Michael Ansah Mr. Peter Djakwah

Mrs. Jennifer Mensah

Ms. Zenabu Bagigah

Ms. Abigail GunnDodoo

www.nca.org.gh | 23


Ms. Agnes Nifa

Mr. Akwasi Atimbilla

Mr. Samuel J.K. Manu Mrs. Josephine Yeboah

Grace Azanang

Mr. William Mensah Duodo Ms. Georgina Bansah

Mr. Michael Ansah Mr. Peter Djakwah

Mrs. Jennifer Mensah

Ms. Zenabu Bagigah

Ms. Abigail Gunn

24 |

Congratulations to our hardworking and deserving Staff.

Ayekoo!!

Mr. Benjamin Boadu Mrs. Alice Fleischer

Mr. Edmund Fianko

Published by the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Division, May 23, 2021

Congratulations to our hardworking and deserving Staff.

Ayekoo!!

Mr. Benjamin Boadu Mrs. Alice Fleischer

Mr. Edmund Fianko

Published by the Consumer and Corporate Affairs Division, May 23, 2021

national communications authority newsletter - nca…

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