Ghana: National Communications Authority closes consultation on electronic communications managed service licence

On 6 March 2026, the National Communications Authority closes the public consultation on the proposed electronic communications managed service licence under Section 27 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008. The proposal applies to entities that manage or operate electronic communications networks or infrastructure on behalf of licensed electronic communications service providers or network providers. The draft framework establishes a 10-year renewable licence for third-party operators, including those operating Network Operations Centres and providing network maintenance, optimisation, benchmarking, provisioning, and infrastructure support services. Under the proposal, licensees are prohibited from providing their own branded electronic communications services to end-users, owning spectrum, owning numbering resources except Special Numbering Resources subject to approval, or owning licensed networks. The financial framework includes a licence fee of GHS 1'000'000, an annual regulatory fee of 1% of Annual Net Revenue payable quarterly, and a separate 1% contribution to the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications. The proposal further introduces obligations relating to reporting, audited financial disclosure, ownership transparency, cybersecurity governance, incident reporting within 72 hours, cooperation with the NCA Computer Emergency Response Team, data protection compliance, anti-competitive conduct restrictions, and annual regulatory audits. Non-compliance may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the licence.