Ghana needs effective partnership in the communications industry

Accra, March 31, GNA - Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Communication= s, on Wednesday called for effective partnership between consumers and servi= ce providers in the communications industry to address challenges facing the=

sector and facilitate its development. "The consumers of communications services are major stakeholders of the industry and efforts should be made to respond to their needs and service=

providers must consider themselves as major partners and engage each othe= r in a progressive manner," he said. Mr. Iddrisu made the call at the inauguration of the National Communications Authority (NCA) Industry Forum to bring stakeholders in th= e industry together to discuss matters of common interest. He urged service providers to address problems about deteriorating quality of service to ensure that consumers were not taken for granted in=

line with the NCA's mandate to establish and maintain effective arrangeme= nts for consultation with consumers. "The NCA is to prepare a consumer code for engagement with consumers=

and the industry forum should provide an opportunity to discharge this responsibility," Mr Iddrisu said. Mr. Iddrisu advised the management of NCA to intensify its monitori= ng activities to ensure compliance to its guidelines, including issues of inter-connection and quality of service. "The NCA should immediately disseminate information on quality of service standards, obligations of service providers and monthly performan= ce report of the operators," he added. Mr Iddrisu gave the assurance that government is committed to review=

Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) for development policy as=

well as the passage of the National Broadcasting Bill into Law. He explained that review of the ICT policy would pave the way for th= e provision of multi-media services and preparation for future generations. Mr. Iddrisu urged operators to avoid needless competition and share infrastructure to achieve customer satisfaction. Mr. Kofi Totobi-Quakyi, Chairman of NCA Board advised participants a= t the forum not to allow their corporate interests to supersede the nationa= l goals during their deliberations. He said the NCA would hold operators accountable and ensure that the= y abide by the etiquette of the communications industry. Members of the forum sworn into office were; Mr. Eben Alabertyn, Scancom Ghana Limited, Mrs. Susan Barbara Kumpley, Ghana Telecom, Mr. Praveen Sadalage, Ghana Internet Service Providers Association , Mr. Eric=

Akumah, Internet Service Governing Council and Mr. Kwadwo Agyiri Danso, Millicom Ghana Limited. The rest are; Mr. Michael Awuah, Kasapa Limited, Mr. Maruf Lawal, Za= in Ghana, Mr. Augustus Yamson, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Derek Obuobi, Glo Communications and Mr. Michael Quarshie, Ghana Association of=

Software and Information Technology Services. 31 March 10