Accra, June 1 - Mr. Samuel George, the Minister for Communications, Digitalization Technology, and Innovation, has called upon the three telecom operators within the nation to enhance their service quality or be subject to penalties outlined under the ministry's regulations.
He stated that the administration would guarantee that between 40 percent and 50 percent of the penalty, which was imposed as monetary fines, would be distributed to the customers through additional data or talk time on their service providers.
The Minister made these remarks in Accra during a gathering with the CEOs of the three telecommunication firms operating in the nation.
Mr. Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana; Mr. Skarlator Leo, CEO of AirtelTigo; and Mr. Mohamad Ghaddar, COO of Telecel participated in the gathering.
The gathering took place following a survey carried out by the National Communications Authority regarding customer contentment with telecommunications companies within the nation.
The survey took place during the initial three months of the year, encompassing 48 different areas.
The report, amongst other findings, disclosed that the majority of customers were dissatisfied with the level of service provided by the telecommunications companies.
He mentioned that the government is presently engaged in talks with a strategic ally to overhaul and assume control of AirtelTigo.
We have initiated these discussions, and we've set up a 60-day period for completing the negotiations. This way, we aim to launch the enhanced AirtelTigo services across the board by the close of the third quarter.
Mr. George stated that the cabinet had approved the provision of spectrum to both Telecel and MTN in order to enhance the quality of service they offer to the public.
We aim to witness the commencement of utilizing the allocated spectrum resources by the end of September 2025, and by the conclusion of December 2025, we expect to observe a significant improvement in the quality of service.
Regarding data pricing, the Minister stated that the government established a committee in February with the aim of formulating a plan that will result in decreased data costs by the end of December 2025.
Nonetheless, we'll proceed with this approach to avoid causing an ecological disruption that could impact strategic planning and the feasibility of investments within the sector.
"We won’t be doing this with a single dramatic change; instead, it will involve a phased strategy to reach our goals before making an initial impact on value," he stated.
He said the government would be very happy to see some improvement on the three variables – price, value, and quality – of the three telcos.
Mr. George stated that during the initial week of July, he will update the nation regarding cost efficiency from the viewpoint of telecommunications companies.
He stated that an announcement will be made regarding enhanced benefits across all package deals offered by network providers, ensuring that Ghanaians receive greater value for their money.
He stated that the government was dedicated to transforming the sector by making sure the appropriate actions were taken.
"You will continue to be profitable for those who are already making profits. Conversely, for those losing money, you will turn them into profit since providing a superior experience leads to increased spending," he stated.
The Chief Executives recognized the significance of the gathering for mapping out the way ahead aimed at enhancing the sector.
They committed themselves to diligently tackle the issues within the sector and fulfill the timelines established by the Ministry in order to enhance the standard of service.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie
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