Sam George demands physical presence of Starlink in Ghana

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called on Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, to establish a physical office in Accra as a condition for continuing its operations in Ghana.

Speaking on the matter, Mr. George expressed concern over the company’s lack of local presence despite having received regulatory approval to provide Internet services in the country.

In an interview with TV3, Sam George said, “I’ve asked the regulator to inform the company that they need to open an office in Accra. I don’t understand. They need to have an office. You can’t operate in our country and not have a presence here.”

Mr. George emphasized that having a local office would enhance regulatory oversight and ensure accountability while also providing greater protection for Ghanaian consumers.

He further criticized the National Communications Authority (NCA) for what he described as a strategic oversight in granting a license to Starlink without mandating local residency or a base of operations in Ghana.

“Today, if there’s a problem involving a client of Starlink and the regulator needs to speak with Starlink, we need to send an email to someone sitting somewhere in the US, and it will take them two to three weeks to come down. What kind of regulation is that?” he asked.

Mr. George emphasized the importance of accessibility for effective regulation, stating that a local office would allow for timely consultations and quicker resolution of issues affecting consumers.

“When I need to meet the CEO of any MNO, I can call, and in an hour, he’s sitting in my office or at the office of the regulator for me to protect the interest of the Ghanaian people,” he argued.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet services in various countries, including some parts of Africa.

Starlink, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, received approval from the NCA to operate in Ghana and was officially launched in August 2024. The service is managed locally by SpaceX Starlink GH LTD.

The technology uses a constellation of over 5,800 low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet, with some users enjoying download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. Starlink’s entry is expected to revolutionise internet access in underserved rural communities where traditional infrastructure is limited.