Telecommunications
ministers across West Africa are preparing coordinated action against
Starlink's continued operation without physical offices in the region, Ghana's
Communications Minister Sam Nartey George has revealed. The growing concern
follows frustrations over the satellite internet provider's lack of local
presence, which complicates regulatory oversight and consumer protection.
Minister Nartey
George issued a firm directive during a TV3 Morning Show interview, demanding
Starlink establish immediate physical operations in Ghana. "You can't
operate in our country without presence here," he stated. "The
decision to grant licenses without ensuring local residency was poorly thought
through."
The minister
highlighted stark operational contrasts with mobile network operators (MNOs),
noting: "When I need to meet any telecom CEO in Ghana, they're in my
office within an hour. With Starlink, we email someone in the U.S. and wait
weeks for resolution. This is unacceptable when Ghanaian consumers need
protection."
Nartey George
confirmed similar concerns among counterparts across ECOWAS nations, where
Starlink's remote operations have raised regulatory red flags. The satellite
provider currently serves multiple West African markets through cross-border
arrangements without maintaining country-specific offices or management
teams.
While not
disclosing specific timelines, the minister warned: "They must show
physical presence in our countries. You'll be hearing from us soon." The
move signals a tougher stance on digital infrastructure providers, with Ghana's
National Communications Authority expected to issue formal compliance
notices.
Industry
analysts suggest the regional push may force Starlink to reconsider its Africa
operating model, potentially establishing local subsidiaries to maintain market
access across the continent's fastest-growing digital economies.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
