Ursula Owusu-Ekuful: Government Set to Grant Starlink Operating License in Ghana

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has unveiled plans for the government to grant a license to Starlink, a satellite internet network, enabling its operation within the country.

Addressing Parliament on March 18, the minister highlighted this initiative as part of the government’s strategy to tackle internet disruptions in Ghana.

“We have licensed satellite gateway air stations, landing rights, and satellite air station networks. One web has already been licensed. Starlink is in the process of being licensed, and other operators are being encouraged to land in Ghana,” stated Owusu-Ekuful.

She emphasized the importance of leveraging the Regional African Satellite Company (RASCOM) to enhance satellite connectivity across the continent, advocating for collaborative efforts instead of individual countries pursuing isolated approaches.

Owusu-Ekuful urged organizations to safeguard against internet disruptions by storing their content, databases, applications, and services in multiple tier-three or tier-four data centers located in different regions of the country.

Additionally, she recommended utilizing the National Data Center for primary or backup recovery data hosting.

Highlighting the ministry’s preparedness to license satellite operators, the minister explained that the National Communications Authority (NCA) has developed a comprehensive framework for satellite licensing in Ghana, approved by its board and awaiting final policy endorsement.

“This framework will provide the policies and rules relating to the application for frequency authorizations for satellite services in Ghana.

It outlines the various categories of satellite services, the licensing requirements, and its associated fees,” she elaborated.

Notably, the ministry had previously cautioned against purchasing items from Starlink in December 2023, citing its lack of licensure in Ghana.

However, Owusu-Ekuful assured that the government had conducted thorough due diligence and was ready to grant an operating license to Starlink, aiming to enhance internet accessibility across the nation.