Dr. Joe Anokye, the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), says the NCA has been actively engaging with Internet Exchanges and developing a roadmap for key utility service providers to connect to these Exchanges.

This strategic initiative aligns with the NCA's broader objective of promoting a collaborative regulatory environment and ensuring sustainable service delivery in the telecommunications sector.

The initiative comes in response to recent disruptions experienced in the telecommunications sector, including a notable internet service disruption on 14th March, 2024. Dr. Anokye emphasised the necessity of developing robust backup and redundancy plans to ensure business continuity and seamless connectivity to data services in the face of unforeseen events.

Dr. Anokye was speaking at a Consumer Forum held by the NCA in Tamale on 17th April, 2024. The Forum was on the theme "Safeguarding Consumer Rights Through Effective Communication”. Stakeholders that participated in the Forum included a cross-section of Consumers made up of students, artisans, hairdressers, market women and tailors, Service Providers, Chiefs, Consumer Protection Groups, Government institutions and the media.

Addressing participants, Dr. Anokye detailed NCA's response to the internet disruption incidents, including directives issued to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure business continuity for service providers. He outlined the Authority's initiatives with regards to consumer protection, highlighting investments in regulatory and monitoring tools such as Broadcasting Monitoring Centre, Quality of Service monitoring tools, and a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Additionally, he explained the Authority’s consumer complaints process and channels, including social media platforms, email, toll-free numbers, and zonal offices, demonstrating the Authority’s commitment to upholding consumer rights and protection in this digital age.

The Honourable Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who was present at the Forum, commended the NCA for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and promoting effective communication within Ghana's telecommunications sector.

Hon. Owusu-Ekuful highlighted some of Government's Digitalisation Agenda, anchored on principles of accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity, with telecommunications playing a central role. She applauded the NCA's leadership in aligning with the Government's agenda and facilitating initiatives to bridge the digital divide and ensure access to affordable and reliable communication services for all Ghanaians.

The Forum provided a platform for stakeholders across the communications industry to converge, dialogue, and address pertinent issues concerning consumers as per the Electronic Communications Act of 2008 (Act 775).