Constable Isaac Kwofie and his colleague officer were shot by unknown gun men on April 13

Correspondence from Western Region

The late Constable Isaac Kwofie of the Ghana Police Service has finally been laid to rest at Ngalekyi in the Ellembelle district of the Western region.

He was buried on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Constable Isaac Kwofie and his colleague officer were shot dead on their moving motorbike on Sunday, April 13, 2025, by unknown armed robbers, according to the Ghana Police’s report at Binduri in the Upper East Region.

Constable Isaac Kwofie completed his secondary school education at Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School (NASS) in the Ellembelle district in 2022.

He was born at Ngalekyi in 2002 and had his basic education at Ngalekyi.

His burial service was performed by the Ghana Police Service.

The family of the late Constable Isaac Kwofie has called on the Ghana Police to find the killers of their son and punish them according to the laws of this country.

The family described the demise of their son as a big blow to the family.

“We have lost a great asset and a breadwinner of our family. We are appealing to the Ghana Police to do everything possible to arrest the killers of our son and deal with them,” they mourned.

Some of his schoolmates who paid their last respect, remembered him saying, “Isaac Kwofie was a brilliant student and in school, we didn’t call him Isaac Kwofie but ‘Skull Fees’, we heard his demise as shocking and we pray to God to give him a peaceful rest.”

Residents of his community and other communities in the Ellembelle district paid their last respect to him in a sorrowful mood.

Professor Godfred Bokpin is a Economist

An economist professor at the University of Ghana of Business School, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has highlighted the implications of the cedi’s appreciation on the broader economy.

According to him, while the recent gains of the cedi are commendable, they could have unintended consequences if not carefully managed, particularly by making imports cheaper and undermining local production.

He warned that such a development could negatively impact job creation and the domestic economy.

“If the consideration is that we can drive down inflation to the end-of-year target, and we can’t get that done from the supply end because the economy’s supply capacity is severely constrained, then I would not support strengthening the currency in the manner it is currently being done,” he was quoted by MyJoyOnline.com.

Professor Bokpin noted that the appreciation of the cedi appears to be driven more by policy than by market forces.

He praised the government and the Minister for Finance for the fiscal consolidation efforts being implemented.

“It’s not a blip. And again, there are concerns about sustainability. There’s a reason for what is happening. From the fiscal side, you can see discipline. The government is not spending. Imports are very low. That means the economy’s cash absorption capacity is restricted, and demand is subdued,” he said.

Professor Bokpin commended the coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana, describing their efforts as focused and aligned.

“I want to commend the Minister for Finance and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana. There is coordination happening toward a common goal,” he stated.

However, he reiterated the potential downsides of a strengthening cedi if not balanced with policies that support domestic production.

“When you drive down the exchange rate, it only makes imports cheaper. If we were promoting an import-oriented economy, I’d say go for it. But that strategy does not create jobs.”

He cited recent data trends showing that local producers are already being adversely affected.

“Since November 2023, inflation on locally produced items has been higher than imported inflation. That means it’s more economical to import goods, even after paying all the duties at the port, than to produce them locally.”

SSD/MA

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Treasury bill faces third consecutive undersubscription

Treasury Bills popularly known as T-Bills has for three weeks now experience major undersubscription prompting many investors to reassess their strategies.

While T-bills have long been regarded as one of the safest and most accessible investment options in Ghana, the recent downturn in returns is raising key questions: Is it still safe to buy T-bills in Ghana? And is it still worth it?

This GhanaWeb Business article highlights the current state of Ghana’s treasury market, the risks and opportunities it presents, and what investors should consider moving forward.

Why are T-bills falling?

According to data and reports from the Bank of Ghana, treasury yields have declined steadily in recent weeks, with the average 91-day and 182-day bill rates falling to around 24% and 26% as of mid-May 2025.

This marks a significant drop from earlier this year when yields hovered closer to 30%.

The main drivers of the decline include

High Investor Demand: Investors are rushing to T-bills for safety and relatively high returns pushing prices up and yields down. When demand is high, the government can offer lower interest rates.

Government Financing Strategy: The government is under less pressure to borrow at high costs due to improved cash flow from domestic revenue and support from the IMF program. This gives it room to lower interest costs.

What are the risks associated?

While treasury bills are among the safest investments available in Ghana, they are not entirely risk-free.

Investors especially those looking to preserve and grow their capital should be aware of the following key risks and considerations;

1. Decline in Yields: One of the most immediate concerns for investors is the steady decline in interest rates. As yields fall, the income potential from T-bills diminishes, particularly for short-term investors who frequently reinvest their matured bills.

2. Currency Depreciation (for Foreign Investors): For non-resident investors or Ghanaians holding wealth in foreign currency, exchange rate fluctuations are a critical factor. If the Ghana cedi depreciates significantly during the investment period, returns may be wiped out when converted back to dollars, euros, or pounds.

While the cedi has shown signs of stabilization in Q1 and Q2 of 2025, it remains vulnerable to external shocks, import pressures, and global interest rate changes making forex risk an important consideration for offshore investors.

What should investors do?

As treasury bill yields continue to trend downwards, investors are advised to protect returns and manage risk amid evolving market conditions.

With that, investors can lock in higher yields if they believe rates will continue to fall.

Also investors must ladder their investment by spreading across different maturities to manage reinvestment risk.

There is a need to diversify yields with low-risk instruments like fixed deposits or money market funds for more flexibility.

Conclusion

Despite falling yields treasury bills remain a safe and stable investment option in Ghana, especially for risk-averse investors looking to preserve capital and earn predictable returns.

Treasury bills continue to offer competitive yields with minimal risk as the 30 percent returns maybe lagging behind.

SP/MA

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By Charles Tawiah

Kumasi, May 19, GNA – A graduate of Procurement and Supply Chain Management from Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Mr. Francis Agyei, has been elected President of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA) in the Kumasi Metropolis (KMA) for the 2025/2026 service year.

Mr. Agyei secured 210 votes to defeat his contenders, Prince Kwarteng and Emmanuel Akowuah, who garnered 81 and 66 votes, respectively.

In the Vice-Presidential race, Ezekiel Baah emerged victorious with 144 votes, overcoming Dominic Amoah (124 votes) and Edward Boateng (85 votes).

Millicent Bessah Yeboah ran unopposed for the Secretary position and received 334 votes.

For the position of Organising Secretary, Michael Amankwah won with 288 votes, defeating Emmanuel Yeboah, who polled 116.

Faustina Opoku Agyemang was elected Women’s Commissioner with 244 votes, beating Dora Ofori Agyemang, who obtained 104 votes.

Justice Appiah Kubi also triumphed in the Financial Secretary contest with 308 votes, ahead of Daniel Tano’s 36.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) following the declaration of results, Mr. Agyei highlighted the urgent need to address the welfare concerns of service personnel across the country.

He cited unemployment, inappropriate placements, and challenges faced by physically challenged personnel as key issues confronting NASPA members before, during, and after their service year.

Mr. Agyei noted that despite gaining valuable skills and experience during national service, many graduates remained unemployed after the one-year period.

He criticised the practice of assigning graduates to institutions unrelated to their field of study such as business graduates being posted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) which, he said, undermined their professional development and limited future job opportunities.

He also expressed concern over the placement of physically challenged personnel in environments that were inaccessible or unsuitable, such as institutions requiring long walks, stair climbing, or other physically demanding tasks.

Mr. Agyei pledged to collaborate with other NASPA leaders to advocate for policies that address these challenges and improve the overall service experience for all personnel.

GNA

YI/CA

Treasury bill faces third consecutive undersubscription

Treasury Bills popularly known as T-Bills has for three weeks now experience major undersubscription prompting many investors to reassess their strategies.

While T-bills have long been regarded as one of the safest and most accessible investment options in Ghana, the recent downturn in returns is raising key questions: Is it still safe to buy T-bills in Ghana? And is it still worth it?

This GhanaWeb Business article highlights the current state of Ghana’s treasury market, the risks and opportunities it presents, and what investors should consider moving forward.

Why are T-bills falling?

According to data and reports from the Bank of Ghana, treasury yields have declined steadily in recent weeks, with the average 91-day and 182-day bill rates falling to around 24% and 26% as of mid-May 2025.

This marks a significant drop from earlier this year when yields hovered closer to 30%.

The main drivers of the decline include

High Investor Demand: Investors are rushing to T-bills for safety and relatively high returns pushing prices up and yields down. When demand is high, the government can offer lower interest rates.

Government Financing Strategy: The government is under less pressure to borrow at high costs due to improved cash flow from domestic revenue and support from the IMF program. This gives it room to lower interest costs.

What are the risks associated?

While treasury bills are among the safest investments available in Ghana, they are not entirely risk-free.

Investors especially those looking to preserve and grow their capital should be aware of the following key risks and considerations;

1. Decline in Yields: One of the most immediate concerns for investors is the steady decline in interest rates. As yields fall, the income potential from T-bills diminishes, particularly for short-term investors who frequently reinvest their matured bills.

2. Currency Depreciation (for Foreign Investors): For non-resident investors or Ghanaians holding wealth in foreign currency, exchange rate fluctuations are a critical factor. If the Ghana cedi depreciates significantly during the investment period, returns may be wiped out when converted back to dollars, euros, or pounds.

While the cedi has shown signs of stabilization in Q1 and Q2 of 2025, it remains vulnerable to external shocks, import pressures, and global interest rate changes making forex risk an important consideration for offshore investors.

What should investors do?

As treasury bill yields continue to trend downwards, investors are advised to protect returns and manage risk amid evolving market conditions.

With that, investors can lock in higher yields if they believe rates will continue to fall.

Also investors must ladder their investment by spreading across different maturities to manage reinvestment risk.

There is a need to diversify yields with low-risk instruments like fixed deposits or money market funds for more flexibility.

Conclusion

Despite falling yields treasury bills remain a safe and stable investment option in Ghana, especially for risk-averse investors looking to preserve capital and earn predictable returns.

Treasury bills continue to offer competitive yields with minimal risk as the 30 percent returns maybe lagging behind.

SP/MA

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Isaac Adongo is a member on the BoG board

The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Finance Committee has noted that the presence of its Chairman, Isaac Adongo, on the Bank of Ghana board represents a conflict of interest.

According to them, Standing Order 228(2) of Parliament stipulates that the Finance Committee is mandated to monitor the central bank’s foreign exchange receipts and payments and report to Parliament every six months.

Therefore, its chairman’s presence on the board as well as the committee raises legal and ethical concerns.

“The law provides that the Bank of Ghana must report to the Finance Committee. How can a board member of the same BoG chair that committee?” the statement questioned, referencing a potential breach of the principle of natural justice, nemo judex in causa sua, which means no one should be a judge in their cause,” a statement dated May 16, 2025 was quoted by citinewsroom.com.

The statement, said to have been signed by the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah, mentioned Article 184(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which assigns oversight of foreign exchange transactions to the Finance Committee.

They noted that Adongo’s dual role compromises the committee’s independence and constitutes a structural conflict of interest.

Recently, Adongo remarked that the Central Bank was banning Over-The-Counter forex withdrawals, which the bank debunked.

The minority stressed that his current role as a non-executive board member limits his scope of authority.

“Even if the statement is financially prudent, his prescribed responsibility as a non-executive board member is being overstepped,” the statement said.

SSD/MA

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The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has clarified that no sector minister has the authority to reduce or remove tariffs on data prices without the involvement of the Minister for Finance and parliamentary approval.

His response came after an X user, @tech_twi, raised concerns about the high cost of mobile data in Ghana, urging government officials to prioritise reducing tariffs, which the user claimed make up over 39% of every data purchase.

“Eyes fixed on the prize is great, but the real prize is affordable data. By your own words, there’s over 39% in tariffs on every data purchase — tariffs that were never passed through Parliament under the previous government. Removing those tariffs will cut data prices before pushing further. But right now, that 39% goes straight into your account using your own words. So the longer you delay, the more you profit. There’s no prize in promising — The true victory lies in eliminating that 39% and still pushing to make data more affordable to the public.”

Responding directly on X, Sam George acknowledged the concern but emphasised the legal and institutional limitations of his office.

“I am impressed with the enthusiasm in your advocacy, but facts remain facts,” he wrote. “No Minister, except the Minister for Finance, through an instrument laid before Parliament, can REMOVE any tax or tariff handle as it affects government revenue.”

He added that tagging him repeatedly on social media would not change the legal reality, stating, “Until we get the Minister for Finance to approve the removal or reduction of sector-specific tariffs, it is all enthusiasm and not facts.”

Despite these constraints, the MP reassured the public that efforts are ongoing to address the cost of data.

He said discussions are underway with the Ministers for Finance and Energy to explore medium-term solutions, while the regulator is expected to roll out short-term policies to provide some immediate relief.

Ghana’s non-traditional exports hit $3.8bn in 2024 despite slight dip

Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed a firm confidence in the party’s chances of returning to power in the 2028 general elections.

Addressing members of the NPP in London during a meeting with the party’s diaspora branch, Dr Bawumia stated that historical trends in Ghana’s political landscape favour opposition parties.

According to him, it has often been challenging for political parties in Ghana to win national elections with a fresh candidate after a sitting president has served two terms. He cited this pattern as a key factor behind his optimism.

“Our political history suggests that it is very difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win an election in Ghana… so there is a sense that in 2028 NDC is going to bring a candidate for a first time, I believe we will have an advantage all things being equal over that new candidate coming in 2028,” he said.

He also explained that another key reason he believes the NPP will return to power is that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) may be unable to fulfil the numerous promises it made to Ghanaians before winning the 2024 election.

“In opposition, they made so many promises and told a lot of stories about what they were going to do, and now that they have come into government, they said that when they come, they will reduce the cost of living… prices are rather going up….,” Dr Bawumia noted.

The former Vice President also apologised to members of the party for the NPP’s disappointing performance in the last general elections.

“The NPP did a lot of work, there’s no doubt about that, but we did not get everything right. We got quite a few things wrong, and I think that, on my own behalf and on behalf of the party, I apologise to all of you for us not getting the figures right,” he said.

Despite the setback, Dr Bawumia expressed optimism about the future, stating:
“I believe that, by the grace of God, if we are given another opportunity, we will get many things right, because we have learnt the lessons that will guide us forward.”

Following the party’s landslide defeat in the 2024 elections, a 12-member committee led by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, conducted a probe into the causes of the defeat and has presented its findings to the party’s leadership.

However, the party has declined to disclose the contents of the report, arguing that it is not intended for public consumption.

In the elections, the NPP suffered significant losses in the presidential and parliamentary contests.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

File photo of Ghanaian economist, Prof Godfred Alufar Bokpin.

Ghanaian economist, Professor Godfred Alufar Bokpin, has questioned the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) capacity for the much touted 24-Hour Economy promise to Ghanaians, arguing that it is unrealistic given the ongoing energy sector struggles.

Prof Bokpin noted that the country is already grappling with sustaining a reliable eight-hour energy cycle, making an expansion to a 24-Hour Economy impractical under current conditions.

“You are not even getting power for your eight-hour economy cycle that we are running, and you are talking about a 24-Hour Economy,” he remarked.

According to a report by adomonline.com on May 19, 2025, he identified Ghana’s energy sector as a significant threat to economic stability, pointing to systemic inefficiencies within the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), including distribution losses of nearly 40% – a figure that he said is almost three times the global average.

“That is not sustainable. Even at 15%, losses are excessively high. With such inefficiencies, realistic pricing becomes nearly impossible,” he explained.

Prof Bokpin also highlighted collection losses estimated at approximately 15% and criticised the failure of some government ministries, departments, and agencies to pay for electricity usage. He described these technical and financial inefficiencies as major obstacles to progress in the power sector.

He also highlighted public concerns over questionable electricity usage by certain state institutions, stressing the need for greater accountability.

Despite these challenges, political promises continue, often disregarding the structural weaknesses within the sector.

“That’s why I don’t understand the upbeat tone from the government. Here you have a government talking about a 24-Hour Economy, yet we are struggling to run an eight-hour one,” he added.

Prof Bokpin called for private sector involvement in ECG’s distribution and billing processes—not through full privatisation, but by injecting capital and operational efficiency.

“The government can remain the sole shareholder, but we should allow the private sector to participate in power distribution and revenue collection,” he suggested.

He noted that these reforms align with Ghana’s ongoing IMF-supported program, which includes structural targets the government must meet. A cabinet decision on ECG’s future is expected soon.

Prof Bokpin warned that unless the government tackles the underlying challenges in the energy sector, ambitious policy slogans like the 24-hour economy will remain mere rhetoric, lacking practical foundation.

MRA/VPO

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Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dickson Adomako Kissi

The former Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dickson Adomako Kissi, has backed President John Dramani Mahama’s plan to extend government ministerial installations beyond the Greater Accra Region into the Eastern and Volta Regions.

The plan to move selected governmental agencies to other regions aims to mitigate Accra’s overpopulation, flooding, and traffic congestion by decentralising some governmental offices.

Speaking on GH One on May 19, 2025, Adomako Kissi supported the president’s plan, stating that it would not only reduce congestion in the Greater Accra Region but also serve as a catalyst for development in other parts of the country.

“I think this move by the president is important because it will curb the mass migration of young professionals to urban cities in search of jobs. Only, I was thinking it would be in one place, like relocating some government facilities to an area beyond Nsawam and Suhum but I learned that it would be in three different regions. In all, I think its laudable and the same strategy could be replicated in other regions as well,” he said.

“As Chairman Wontumi would put it ‘we are bringing Dubai to Ghana. So, if we are bringing Dubai to Ghana, there will be no need to move from Ghana to Dubai’. Instead of moving from rural areas to urban cities, this initiative would bring urban opportunities to less developed regions,” he added.

Adomako Kissi’s reaction follows President John Mahama’s decision to move some government offices to neighbouring regions to ease congestion in the Greater Accra Region.

“I believe that this city will be located somewhere on the Accra plains from Bundasi, straddling across Greater Accra, Eastern Region and Volta regions. The city will straddle three regions,” President Mahama stated in his remarks at a grand durbar of the Chiefs and People of the Greater Accra Region at Dodowa, during the NDC’s Thank You Tour on May 16, 2025.

The “Thank You Tour” was to enable the President to express gratitude to the Chiefs and People of the Greater Accra Region and Ghanaians for their massive support for him and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general election.

VPO

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Authorities at Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School are using intelligence to root out students in possession of firearms on the school premises.

The institution has caused the arrest of a second-year student for allegedly having in his custody a locally manufactured gun.

According to Headmaster, Michael Mensah, the approach has to be a clandestine one.

“They were even girls who came to me to tell me that they suspect one guy is holding a gun. So quickly, I called the assistant head, domestic. We didn’t want to blow it out of proportion because at times when it happens like that and you bump into them, he may decide to hide the thing,” he said.

A search for the student on the night had to be aborted as he stayed late outside the campus.

Acting on information, a dawn search at the dormitory proved futile, subsequently leading them to the classroom as another option.

“Luckily for us, we saw under his desk this gun. So the gun was hidden under his desk, thinking that in the night, where we may probably search may be the dormitory… but he was nowhere to be found,” Mr Mensah explained.

However, acting on more information, “we caught him in the morning and then quickly I put him in my car… and took him and the gun to the Tafo Divisional Police Headquarters.”

This incident comes weeks after a student, Suzy Pinamang of Adventist Senior High School, was shot in the eye by a classmate.

Nana Yaw Gyimah reports that the 16-year-old OKESS student is currently in police custody for unlawfully possessing a locally made pistol.

A police statement indicates that the student claimed the weapon belonged to his stepfather.

Both the student and his stepfather have been granted police inquiry bail.

They are scheduled to report back on May 19 for further investigations.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance swearing-in the members of the Ghana Gold Board

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a 13-member Board of Directors for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), describing the body as a strategic vehicle for achieving effective currency management and enhancing the country’s economic resilience.

Swearing in the members at a brief ceremony on May 19, 2025, Dr Forson congratulated the newly constituted board on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on the Board’s mandate.

He highlighted the remarkable turnaround in the performance of Ghana’s currency, stating:

“As of May 13, 2025, the Ghana cedi has solidified its position as the standout performer among global currencies, achieving a remarkable 16.7% appreciation against the US dollar year-to-date. This marks a significant reversal from the 13.4% depreciation recorded during the same period in 2024, with the cedi earning recognition as the top-performing currency in April 2025.”

Dr Forson attributed the sustained rally of the cedi to a combination of robust monetary and fiscal policy coordination, improved forex inflows from gold, cocoa, and remittances, and disciplined public financial management.

He further noted that the record-high foreign exchange reserves at the Bank of Ghana, which have surpassed IMF programme targets ahead of schedule, underscore the sustainability of the cedi’s recent performance.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of the newly inaugurated board, Kojo Fynn, assured that the board would serve with humility, uphold the highest standards of good governance, and actively engage all stakeholders in the execution of its duties.

He acknowledged the significant responsibilities enshrined in the Gold Board’s enabling Act and pledged the board’s full commitment to fulfilling its mandate.

Members of the Ghana Gold Board:

1. Kojo Fynn – Chairperson

2. Samuel Gyamfi – Acting CEO of the Gold Board / Member

3. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah – MP, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources / Member

4. Thomas Nyarko Ampem – MP, Deputy Minister for Finance / Member

5. Dr Johnson Asiama – Governor, Bank of Ghana / Member

6. Nelson Ahedor – Representative, Minerals Commission / Member

7. Christopher Opoku Nyarko – Representative, Ghana Chamber of Mines / Member

8. Godwin Nichelson Armah – Representative, Ghana Small Scale Miners Association / Member

9. Kwaku Effah Asuahene – Representative, Chamber of Bullion Traders / Member

10. Shaibu Mahama – MP for Daboya/Mankarigu, President’s Nominee / Member

11. Dr Abdul Baasit Aziz-Bamba – Senior Lecturer, UG School of Law, President’s Nominee / Member

12. Marrietta Brew Appiah-Oppong – Legal Counsel to the President, President’s Nominee / Member

13. Nana Ama Amissah III – Paramount Queen Mother, Mankessim Traditional Area, President’s Nominee / Member

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.

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

Related:Botswana could get Starlink services

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.

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Ted News Ghana Blog of Monday, 19 May 2025

Source: TEDDY VAVA GAWUGA