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