Samuel George, Ghana’s minister for communication, digital technology and innovations, has issued a one-month deadline for Starlink to comply with national regulations.
SpaceX’s satellite Internet service, Starlink, started operating in Ghana in August 2024; however, it doesn’t have a physical office or customer support system, and the Ghanaian government wants that to change quickly.
Ghana’s key demands to Starlink
“Starlink must establish a local office in Ghana to ensure effective communication and decision-making,” the minister said.
He added that Starlink needs to establish a local support center and a toll-free number to address customer complaints and provide assistance.
“Starlink must comply with Ghana’s regulatory framework, including licensing and tax requirements,” George continued.
.jpg?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale "Starlink antenna ontop of a roof")
Starlink started operating in Ghana in August 2024, however, it doesn’t have a physical office or customer support system. (Source: Timothy Sithole)
The minister assured Starlink of his willingness to explore potential opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the rural areas where connectivity is limited, after the regulatory compliance requirements are fulfilled.
George also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in driving digital transformation and innovation in Ghana.
He added that while Ghana welcomes innovation, compliance with the law is non-negotiable.
Starlink’s African regulatory problems
Even though Starlink has found success in several African countries, it has met with challenges in others.
For instance, in South Africa, local ownership rules hamper its plans to access a license.
SpaceX initially planned to participate in public hearings held by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) earlier this year, but it withdrew from the hearings at the eleventh hour.
South Africa is one of only a few Southern African countries where Starlink is not yet operational.
Even though the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) last year ordered Starlink to cease operations in the country, citing the company’s lack of a required telecommunications license, Starlink’s availability map shows plans for a 2025 entry.
Starlink’s African growth
Elon Musk’s company has made entry in many countries on the continent, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being the latest country to grant it an operating license earlier this month.
The service has also made inroads in other East African countries like Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi.
Starlink received a license in Somalia in April 2025 and has also reached an agreement with authorities in Chad and Guinea-Bissau. The service is already available in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, the Southeast African island of Madagascar and Lesotho.
Although Ghana is demanding that Starlink comply with its regulation, in West Africa Starlink is already available in Nigeria, Niger, Liberia, Benin, Sierra Leone and the island nation of Cape Verde. Starlink has not had any launches yet in North Africa or Central Africa.