Starlink is gearing up to launch its services in Ghana by the end of August 2024. This exciting news follows the successful completion of all necessary administrative and licensing procedures with the National Communications Authority (NCA). The service will be managed locally by Space X Starlink GH LTD.

This announcement marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to improve its digital infrastructure, especially in remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband services have struggled to reach. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are poised to deliver high-speed internet access across the country, bridging the digital divide and supporting vital sectors like education, healthcare, and business.

As Starlink prepares to enter the Ghanaian market, there is keen interest in its pricing model, particularly compared to existing data costs. Currently, internet data prices in Ghana vary widely, with mobile data packages from providers like MTN and Telecel costing between GHS 3 to GHS 15 per gigabyte, depending on the package and usage.

In contrast, Starlink’s pricing in other markets has typically been higher, reflecting the advanced technology and infrastructure required to deliver satellite-based internet. For instance, in the United States, Starlink charges approximately $110 per month for unlimited data, along with an upfront equipment cost of around $599. If similar pricing is adopted in Ghana, Starlink could be positioned as a premium service, particularly appealing to users in areas with limited access to reliable broadband. The affordability and value of Starlink’s offerings will likely be a crucial factor in its adoption across different demographics in the country.

The NCA, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing electronic communications in Ghana, played a key role in facilitating Starlink’s entry into the Ghanaian market. Established by Act 524 in December 1996 and later revised under the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), the NCA ensures that communication services in Ghana adhere to the highest standards of efficiency and competitiveness.

With this latest approval, the NCA continues to fulfill its mandate of fostering a connected and digitally inclusive Ghana. The regulatory body had previously deemed the sale and operation of Starlink services illegal in December 2023 due to the lack of necessary licensing and equipment type approval. However, with these issues now resolved, Starlink is cleared to begin offering its services.

The launch of Starlink’s services is expected to transform internet access in Ghana, particularly in regions that have long been overlooked by traditional broadband providers. By providing reliable, high-speed internet access via satellite, Starlink will empower communities, businesses, and individuals to participate more fully in the digital economy. This move aligns with the government’s broader agenda of digital transformation, aiming to position Ghana as a leader in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector within the West African sub region.

Accra, Ghana – Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has proposed the adoption of mobile money as a common payment system across Africa to address trade barriers and financial challenges on the continent.

Speaking at the Interoperability Symposium organized by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) in Accra, Dr. Bawumia highlighted long-standing issues hindering inter-African trade. These include low trading rates among African nations, low export rates, cumbersome payment systems, and pressure on foreign exchange.

Proposal for Mobile Money Interoperability

Dr. Bawumia suggested the implementation of a mobile money interoperability payment system for Africa to foster seamless trade among African countries.

“Trade payments and relationships are currently hampered by inadequate settlement systems, resulting in high costs, limited access, slow processing speeds, and a lack of transparency.”

He emphasized that making mobile money interoperable across African borders would enable citizens to trade more efficiently, but underscored the necessity of strong political will to achieve this vision.

“Without political will, it is not likely to be achieved. It takes a lot of effort to bring stakeholders together on a common platform.”

Dr. Bawumia’s Vision on Social Media

On his Facebook page, Dr. Bawumia elaborated on how an African mobile money interoperability payment system could function as a de facto common currency for trade, without the need for stringent economic requirements.

Referencing Ghana’s successful mobile money interoperability system, Dr. Bawumia noted that it could serve as a model for the rest of Africa. He stressed that Ghana’s system, which integrates transactions across telecoms, bank accounts, and e-zwich platforms, exemplifies how such a system can be implemented continent-wide.

“For me, having continental mobile money interoperability will ultimately achieve, to a greater extent, the objectives of a common currency without necessarily having a common currency in Africa. We should aim at pursuing this on an incremental basis.”

Dr. Bawumia proposed that countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire could lead this initiative, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.

Conclusion

Dr. Bawumia’s proposal, if realized, could significantly enhance trade and economic integration within Africa, promoting financial inclusion and reducing dependency on foreign exchange systems. The success of Ghana’s interoperability system offers a practical template for this ambitious project.

Accra, April 25, 2024 — The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially approved the application of Space X Starlink GH LTD, marking a significant step forward in satellite broadband services within Ghana. This approval allows Starlink to operate and provide its services across the nation, underlining Ghana’s commitment to expanding its digital infrastructure.

The decision by the NCA follows the recent policy approval of the Satellite Licensing Framework by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, which aims to foster a more connected and digitally inclusive Ghana. The license issuance process for Starlink is currently underway and is expected to be finalized soon.

Reversal of Previous Stance on Starlink Operations

This approval comes after the NCA’s previous statement in December 2023, which declared the sale and operation of Starlink equipment and services as illegal due to the lack of a necessary license and type approval of their equipment. At that time, the NCA had cautioned the public against patronizing Starlink services and directed those engaged in its sale or operation to cease immediately, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act.

Background on the NCA’s Role

Established by Parliament through Act 524 in December 1996 and later updated by the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), the NCA serves as the statutory body responsible for licensing and regulating electronic communications in Ghana. Its approval for Starlink’s application is part of its mandate to ensure a competitive and efficient communications sector that supports the nation’s socio-economic development.

Impact on Ghana’s Digital Landscape

The introduction of Starlink’s services is anticipated to significantly boost internet availability and reliability across Ghana, particularly in remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband services are less viable. This move is expected to enhance various sectors including education, healthcare, and business, facilitating smoother communication and more robust connectivity.

As Starlink prepares to roll out its services following the completion of all administrative processes, the NCA’s decision is viewed as a pivotal development in Ghana’s journey towards enhanced national connectivity and digital inclusivity.

Accra, Ghana – The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has announced a strategic partnership with Smart Infraco and Trend Micro to bolster the cybersecurity of Ghana’s government IT infrastructure. This collaboration aims to address the concerning exposure of 70% of government computers and IT systems to cyber threats.

Extensive Cyber Vulnerability Revealed

Richard Okyere-Fosu, the Director-General of NITA, revealed a worrying statistic at the partnership signing ceremony: only just over 30% of government IT networks and computers are currently equipped with antivirus protection. This leaves the vast majority of governmental digital assets vulnerable to cyberattacks, undermining efforts to digitalize the economy fully.

A Strategic Agreement to Safeguard Infrastructure

The agreement aligns with the Government of Ghana Enterprise Architecture (GGEA), a framework mandating the use of antivirus software across all government systems and devices. Under this new agreement, Smart Infraco will deploy Trend Micro’s Deep Security Solution at the national Data Centres to extend antivirus services to various government agencies, ensuring protection reaches as far as phones, laptops, and tablets used for remote government work.

Comprehensive Protection Measures

According to Okyere-Fosu, Trend Micro’s security solutions will deliver robust protection at both server and endpoint levels. The suite includes features like intrusion prevention, anti-malware, and integrity monitoring. Additionally, it covers Email Security and Extended Detection and Response (XDR), essential for preventing data loss and automating threat detection and response across government platforms.

Roles and Responsibilities

Smart Infraco, taking over NITA’s infrastructure, will act as the execution agency, ensuring comprehensive cybersecurity across all public sector networks and end-terminal devices. Alfred Nkrow, Head of Sales and Commercial at Smart Infraco, emphasized that this partnership would enhance the security measures protecting public institutions from various cyber threats.

Mazen Al-Adhami, Middle East and Africa Manager at Trend Micro, highlighted their commitment to not only provide cybersecurity solutions but also to train and support the staff of state institutions in effectively managing these systems.

This partnership is expected to significantly enhance the security posture of government IT systems across Ghana, ensuring a safer digital environment for public sector operations. Richard Okyere-Fosu remains optimistic that this initiative will greatly reduce application risks and bolster overall cybersecurity resilience within government systems.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recently specified that only four distinct categories of Ghanaian residents who earn income abroad fall under their scope for taxation. This specification aims to address the rising concerns and misunderstandings following GRA’s announcement about targeting incomes from foreign sources.

In January, the GRA conducted a tax assessment involving approximately 70,000 Ghanaians residing in the country but earning from 40 different countries. This assessment revealed about GHS 2.8 billion held in their bank accounts, with an anticipated GHS 1.6 billion in tax revenues.

The clarification by the GRA comes amid widespread discussions, with some individuals expressing concerns over the perceived shift in government policy from production to taxation.

Understanding Resident Status for Tax Purposes

According to the Income Tax Act 2015 (Act 896), the criteria to qualify as a resident individual for tax purposes include:

1. Citizens with a permanent home in Ghana who reside in the country throughout the year.
2. Citizens who are present in Ghana for at least 183 days in any 12-month period.
3. Government employees or officials who are stationed abroad.
4. Citizens who are temporarily absent from Ghana for no more than 365 continuous days but maintain a permanent home in the country.

GRA’s Measures for Tax Compliance

The GRA emphasizes that this tax requirement is not new and aligns with global practices where resident individuals must declare incomes earned abroad. If these incomes have already been taxed in another country, no additional taxes are applied locally.

To aid residents in declaring and paying taxes on undisclosed foreign incomes, the GRA has initiated a special window. This facility encourages all eligible individuals to update their tax records and ensure compliance.

For More Information

Residents seeking further information or assistance can visit the GRA website at www.gra.gov.gh, call the toll-free number at 0800-900-110, or use the dedicated WhatsApp lines at 0552-990-000/0200-631-664. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or by visiting any nearby Taxpayer Service Centre (TSC).

aYo Intermediaries Ghana LTD, a prominent player in Ghana’s micro-insurance market, recently achieved significant recognition at the Ghana Finance Focus Awards. The company received the Mobile Insurance Leadership Award, underscoring its role as a leader in the mobile insurance sector.

In addition to the company’s achievement, key figures at aYo Ghana were also honored. Francis Gota, the CEO, was named the Most Transformational Insurance CEO of the Year for his effective leadership and strategic vision. Similarly, Solomon Osei, the CFO, was celebrated as the Most Influential CFO in Ghana 2023, recognizing his financial acumen and expertise in driving the company’s growth.

aYo Ghana, a subsidiary of MTN Ghana, has made insurance both accessible and affordable through partnerships, like that with Sanlam Life Insurance Ghana Limited. Over the past seven years, the company has provided Hospitalization and Life Insurance solutions that customers can pay for using MTN airtime or mobile money.

The company’s innovative product offerings include Recharge with Care (RwC), RwC Annual Cover, aYo Family Cover, and the recently launched aYo Pay and Drive, which aims to revolutionize motor insurance in Ghana. These initiatives have enabled aYo Ghana to cover over 8 million lives and pay out approximately GHS 19 million in claims to more than 46,000 policyholders and beneficiaries.

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has issued a Public Notice to Ghanaians regarding an impending significant increase in fees for Ghana Card services.

Starting from the first Wednesday of May 2024, citizens will experience a hike in costs related to first-time registrations and replacements, as outlined in the newly adjusted Fees and Charges.

Current Fee Structure

As of now, replacing a misplaced Ghana Card at the district offices costs GHS 35, while the fee at premium offices stands at GHS 110.

Impending Fee Increase

However, come May, the cost for a card replacement at the district offices will leap to GHS 125, representing an increase of over 250%. At the premium centers, the new fee will be an eye-watering GHS 420, almost quadrupling the current price.

Citizens are urged to act promptly if their cards have been misplaced. The NIA’s announcement is a clear call to replace your Ghana Card before the new fees take effect to avoid the additional financial burden.

First Time Registration Fees

Service	New Fee	Old Fee
First Time Registration (NIA District Office)	Free	Free
First-Time Registration (Premium Centre)	GHS 310	N/A
First-Time Registration (ECOWAS Sub Region)	USD 55	USD 20
First-Time Registration – Rest of Africa	USD 75	USD 30
First-Time Registration – Countries Outside Africa	USD 115	USD 50

Card Replacement Service Fees

Service	New Fee	Old Fee
Card Replacement – NIA Regional/District Office	GHS 125	GHS 30
Card Replacement – NIA Premium Office	GHS 420	N/A
Card Replacement – ECOWAS Sub-Region	USD 55	USD 20
Card Replacement – Rest of Africa	USD 75	USD 30
Card Replacement – Countries Outside Africa	USD 115	USD 20

Personal Update Services Fees

Service	New Fee	Old Fee
Record Update Only – NIA Regional/District Office	Free	Free
Record Update Only – NIA Premium Office	GHS 310	N/A
Record Update with replacement of card – NIA Regional/District Office	GHS 60	GHS 30
Record Update with replacement of card – NIA Premium Office	GHS 355	N/A
Nationality Update – NIA Regional/District Office	GHS 70	N/A
Nationality Update – NIA Premium Office	GHS 365	N/A
Record Update Only – ECOWAS Sub-Region	Free	Free
Record Update Only – Rest of Africa	Free	Free
Record Update Only – Countries Outside Africa	Free	Free
Record Update with replacement of card – NIA Premium Office	USD 27.50	N/A
Record Update with replacement of card – Rest of Africa	USD 37.50	USD 30
Record Update with replacement of card – Countries Outside Africa	USD 57.50	USD 50

For a comprehensive breakdown of the updated fees and charges, the NIA directs the public to their website at www.nia.gov.gh.

In light of these developments, it’s crucial to prioritize the replacement of lost or misplaced Ghana Cards. Waiting until after the fee increase not only impacts individuals financially but also places added strain on the NIA’s resources as they manage a likely surge in last-minute replacements.

Government Initiatives to Boost Local Telcom Industry

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, recently disclosed ongoing efforts to pass local content legislation specifically aimed at the telecommunications sector in Ghana. This move is set to mandate certain telecom managed services to be exclusively handled by Ghanaian firms.

During the launch of Dynamic Data Solutions LTD in Accra, the minister emphasized that the legislation aims to enhance the nation’s governance over its digital resources while reducing dependence on expensive foreign expertise. “We are committed to fortifying our ability to independently manage our digital infrastructure, applications, and services,” Owusu-Ekuful stated.

Encouraging Local Participation and Reducing Foreign Dependency

The minister highlighted the presence of capable local companies that can replace foreign contractors, who often repatriate substantial profits. “It’s imperative to build our capacity with local resources to manage our own digital needs without an unhealthy reliance on costly international consultants,” she explained.

Owusu-Ekuful criticized the existing system that favors foreign companies and called for a prioritization of national and collective development over individual gains. “The protests from beneficiaries of the current arrangement are expected, but our focus should be on the broader benefits to our country,” she added.

Support for Indigenous IT Firms

The focus on local empowerment extends beyond legislation. The minister urged support for indigenous IT companies, stressing that national progress relies significantly on the growth of local enterprises alongside foreign investments.

“We need a shift in mindset towards appreciating and valuing what we create here in Ghana. Supporting local businesses is crucial for nurturing their development and building confidence in Ghanaian capabilities,” Owusu-Ekuful remarked. She called for the revival of the ‘Buy Made-in-Ghana’ campaign, encouraging citizens to prefer local products to foster demand, drive innovation, and strengthen the economy.

Conclusion

This legislative initiative represents a significant step towards self-sufficiency in managing Ghana’s digital landscape and supporting local businesses, aligning with broader economic empowerment and sustainability goals.

Meta, the parent company behind major social platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, has officially expanded its AI services to seven Sub-Saharan African countries, notably including Nigeria and Ghana. The rollout also encompasses South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, marking a significant enhancement in digital connectivity and productivity tools across the region.

Overview of the Expansion

Last Thursday, Meta announced that its AI assistant is now accessible in English across its various applications including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. This deployment aims to augment the creative, expressive, and productive capacities of millions of users in these countries. The AI can be utilized in multiple aspects such as feeds, chats, and searches, enabling users to accomplish tasks and access real-time information without switching apps.

Features and Integration

Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, highlighted the advancements of Meta AI in a recent Facebook post. He described the AI as “the most intelligent AI assistant that you can freely use,” emphasizing the integration of real-time knowledge from external search engines like Google and Bing to enhance usability.

Moreover, the AI has been upgraded with the new state-of-the-art Llama 3 AI model, which Meta has decided to open-source. This upgrade introduces unique creative features, including the capability to animate photos, modify them stylistically, and even transform these images into GIFs. These innovations are designed to foster creativity and offer new ways of interaction, which were first introduced at the 2023 Meta Connect conference.

Implications for Africa

The introduction of Meta AI to these African countries is expected to drive greater digital engagement and innovation. By providing tools that support creativity and connectivity, Meta aims to enrich the digital experiences of millions of Africans, thereby fostering a more interconnected continent.

Meta’s expansion of its AI services in Africa aligns with its global strategy to lead in AI development and accessibility, ensuring that more people worldwide can benefit from advanced technological capabilities.

Accra, Ghana — SES HD PLUS Ghana, a leading provider of high-definition (HD) satellite broadcast services, has announced a significant shift in its business model, transitioning from a subscription-based service to a free-to-air (FTA) platform starting June 13, 2024. This change is set to revolutionize the television landscape in Ghana by making HD broadcasting accessible to a broader audience.

Transforming Television Access in Ghana

Under the new FTA model, SES HD PLUS Ghana aims to extend the reach of HD channels to approximately 5 million homes across Ghana, leveraging the West African Platform Services (WAPS) platform, also known as MultiTV. This strategic decision not only aligns with the evolving market dynamics but also positions SES to foster growth and innovation within the West African broadcasting sector.

Key Changes and Dates for Consumers

• April 16, 2024: End of sales for HD+ subscription packages and activation of new HD+ devices.
• May 30, 2024: Decommissioning of the My HD PLUS TV operator and mobile Apps. Users must update their HD+ Decoders with new software to access the FTA HD channel lineup.
• June 13, 2024: Official switch to the FTA model. Active HD+ subscriptions will continue until this date, and subscribers with service extending beyond this date will be contacted for compensation starting April 30, 2024.
• June 20, 2024: Support for the decoder software update concludes.

Impact on the Market and Consumer Benefits

The shift to an FTA model is anticipated to significantly enhance the advertising reach of channels on the WAPS platform, scaling up from 250,000 to 5 million homes. This expansion is not only a boon for broadcasters but also for advertisers who will now have a much larger audience at their disposal.

Leadership Insight

Adelaide Abbiw-Williams, CEO of SES HD PLUS Ghana, expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating, “We are proud to enable this game changer for the Ghana market. At SES HD PLUS Ghana, we believe that everyone deserves access to premium TV pictures, and this transition underscores our unwavering commitment to making that vision a reality.”

Future Prospects

As SES HD PLUS Ghana integrates its operations with West African Platform Services by the end of June 2024, the company remains committed to driving innovation and enhancing the quality of television viewing in Ghana.

With this strategic shift, SES HD PLUS Ghana is set to empower viewers with the best of television entertainment, making premium HD content available to all, without compromise.