Ghana Warns Telcos: Improve Network Services by December 2025 or Face Fines

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, has issued a firm deadline to mobile network operators to enhance their service quality by December 31, 2025, or face heavy regulatory fines. This move comes after widespread complaints about poor network coverage, slow internet speeds, and low call quality. The National Communications Authority (NCA) confirmed these challenges in a report covering 48 towns, revealing performance issues across MTN, Telecel, and AT.

Step-by-Step Guide/Instructions:
Here’s what mobile users and telcos can expect:

1. Deadline for Service Improvements

   • Telcos have until December 31, 2025, to show clear progress in service delivery.

2. Second Nationwide Quality Test

   • The NCA will conduct another test before the end of 2025 to assess improvements.

3. Consumer Compensation Plan

   • 40% of fines imposed on defaulting telcos will be returned to consumers via bonus data or call time.

4. Spectrum Acceptance Deadline

   • Telcos must accept new network spectrum allocations by June 30, 2025.

5. Progress Check by Year-End

   • Although upgrades don’t need to be completed in three months, visible results must begin to show before the end of 2025.

Quotes or Official Remarks:

“We are not doing sentiments. We are doing engineering. If you have infrastructure in place but your service is poor, we must begin to take regulatory action.” – Samuel George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations

“The Ghanaian people must feel the impact of the spectrum rollout by the end of this year.” – Samuel George

“We are investing $230 million to upgrade our network, open 300 stores, and recruit 400 new staff.” – Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana

“Our service improvements will be clearly visible by the first quarter of the following year.” – Leo Skarlatos, CEO of AT

FAQs or Common Concerns:

Q1: Why is the government threatening to fine telcos?
A: Due to persistent poor service quality reported across many towns despite claims of improved infrastructure.

Q2: How will affected customers benefit from the fines?
A: 40% of any fines imposed will be returned to customers through bonus airtime or data.

Q3: What is the significance of the new spectrum allocation?
A: It is meant to help telcos expand and improve their coverage and service delivery.

Q4: What happens if telcos fail to meet the December 2025 deadline?
A: Regulatory fines will be enforced, and compensation will be distributed to consumers.

Call to Action (CTA):
Stay informed about your network’s performance and report poor service through the NCA complaint portal. Telcos are under pressure to deliver—make your voice count.