Ministry of Environment lifts moratorium on telecommunication towers

Accra, June 2, GNA- The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology on Tuesday lifted the moratorium on permits relative to telecommunication towers in the country.

It said the inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has also adopted new guidelines for the deployment of the towers.

A statement issued Dr Edward K. Omane Boamah, Deputy Minister at the Ministry in Accra said the lifting of the moratorium came to effect through the collaborative efforts of the IMC and the industry Technical Committee, made up of National Communication Authority, Environmental Protection Agency), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Town and County Planning Department and telecommunication operators. It said the guidelines encapsulates issues such as pre- application requirements for new sites, application processes, requirement for various permitting agencies, operational requirements, structural requirements, co-location and penalties for breach of the guidelines. "We appreciate the co-operation, support and understanding demonstrated by the various stakeholders," the statement said. It urged telecommunication operators to adhere strictly to the new guidelines as they deploy their infrastructure.