Telcos spends GHC4.92bn in over five years

Telecommunication operators in the country spent a total of GH¢4.92 billion in tax contributions, public funding and network improvement over the last five years.

Out of the amount, the telcos, comprising MTN, Vodafone, Airtel, Tigo, paid GH¢1.42 billion in taxes in 2015 as compared to GH¢1.05 in 2014.

A total of GH¢3.82 billion was used in capital expenditure while other remittances amounted to GH¢595 million.

Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists at the launch of 5th Anniversary celebration of the Chamber at Kaneshie Market, Accra, said the telcos have contributed a lot to the growth of the economy of Ghana.

He said the telcos have created over 6,200 direct jobs and about 1.6 million indirect jobs over the last five years.

Mr. Sakyi-Addo said the formation of the Chamber has helped the telcos to fight for a common cause in the areas of taxes, regulations and legislations, among others.

He said the telecos engage in discussions at the Chamber and find solutions to their problems.

Mr. Sakyi-Addo said currently the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications was working closely with the National Telecommunication Authority and community leaders to develop a formula for charging for mobile infrastructure in various communities.

The formula, when agreed upon, would make fees charged for mounting mast and other infrastructure more predictable and transparent, he added.