Ghana Government Under Watch - AFAG

*THE ACCOUNTABILITY LENSE ON REVENUE GENERATED THROUGH GVG/NCA MONITORING OF
THE TELECOMMUNICATION SECTOR BY THE ALLIANCE FOR ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE,
AfAG. 20-12-2010.*



The Alliance for Accountable Governance read with joy the news that
Government Revenue generated through the partnership with GVG in the
telecommunication sector has hit an all time height of $14M as at September,
2010 when the ITU conference was held in India. This figure represents an
increase over what revenue was generated from the TeleCom industry.
Definitely,
this is a good mechanism.

We have held the position that the Telecom sector which is the fastest
growing industry in Ghana is a multibillion dollar industry which can help
propel our economy into a greater status than we have had in the past.

It is instructive to note that the withdrawal of our case on the GVG matter
from court was informed by the assurance that the device was not for
eavesdropping purpose but that it was going to monitor the Telecos and help
improve on government revenues from that sector. We then assured the
Ghanaian citizenry that we would be monitoring the activities of the GVG
monitoring device and its operations and would inform them of any
development thereof. We indeed are monitoring and continue to assure the
Public that we shall not renege on our promise.

We want to see that the amount generated from this activity is directed at
improving the telecommunication sector where we shall get value for the
money we pay to the Telecos. We want to see an end to call drops which is
avoidable. The call misrepresentation must end. We want to see an
improvement in the quality of our voice connection without interruptions and
interference of any sort. We want to see the springing up of ICT centres for
students especially in the less endowed schools from basic to tertiary
institutions all around the country. We want to see an improvement in
network connectivity at all spots in the country without being told ‘no
service’ or ‘out of coverage’ areas.

It is our belief considering the high level of revenue generated that, the
NCA’s monitoring activity has significantly improved. We therefore expect
the full disclosure of the performance of the various players in the telecom
industry. We need to know how each company is faring by the indicators that
are used to measure performance and track in-bound and out-going calls. This
publication will help put companies on their toes and enhance a healthy
competition among them thereby giving the consumer optimum satisfaction in
service delivery.

Surely, Ghana will take the lead in showing that we have learnt a big lesson
from the maxim that “Talk, is no longer cheap!” The talk industry is really
expensive. Let us make the best we can from that industry.

Our lenses are on the industry and all the stakeholders. Nobody should make
a mistake to take the People of Ghana for granted. We shall keep track and
make sure that every pesewa is properly accounted for.

God bless our homeland Ghana.

Signed:

Arnold Boateng

General Secretary