/ Ghana Demands Physical Presence from Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Company
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a firm directive to Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, demanding that it establish a physical office in Accra if it intends to continue operations in the country.
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| MP Sam George warns Starlink to open a local office in Accra or face revocation of its operating license. |
The bold statement, made during an interview on TV3, highlights growing concerns about foreign tech firms operating in Ghana without local presence or accountability. Despite Starlink having received regulatory approval from the National Communications Authority (NCA) in 2024, Sam George is questioning why such a major operator is functioning in Ghana without a physical base.
“I’ve asked the regulator to inform the company that they need to open an office in Accra,” Sam George stated. “You can’t operate in our country and not have a presence here.”
Starlink officially launched its services in Ghana in August 2024, managed under a locally registered entity, SpaceX Starlink GH LTD. However, despite this legal setup, there is no brick-and-mortar office in the country where consumers or regulators can directly engage the company.
The lack of a local office has sparked criticism from the Communications Minister, who argued that this gap creates major regulatory challenges and delays in addressing consumer grievances.
“Today, if there’s a problem involving a client of Starlink and the regulator needs to speak with Starlink, we need to send an email to someone sitting somewhere in the US, and it will take them two to three weeks to come down,” he lamented. “What kind of regulation is that?”
Sam George didn’t just criticize Starlink—he also called out the National Communications Authority (NCA), suggesting that it made a strategic error by approving Starlink’s license without requiring local residency or office setup as a condition.
According to him, effective oversight requires physical accessibility, especially in emergencies or when rapid policy decisions need implementation.
“When I need to meet the CEO of any MNO (Mobile Network Operator), I can call, and in an hour, he’s sitting in my office or at the office of the regulator,” he explained. “That allows me to protect the interests of the Ghanaian people.”
Despite the regulatory criticism, Starlink’s satellite-based internet has been widely welcomed, particularly in underserved and rural communities. The technology works via a constellation of over 5,800 low-Earth orbit satellites, offering high-speed internet in areas where traditional fiber and mobile broadband coverage is limited or non-existent.
Initial user reports in Ghana have shown download speeds of over 100 Mbps, a dramatic improvement for users in remote areas who previously struggled with poor connectivity. Starlink’s presence is seen as transformational for education, healthcare, and digital commerce in the rural economy.
Sam George’s call for a local office aligns with a broader push by the Ghanaian government to ensure international tech companies contribute meaningfully to the domestic economy—not only through services but also through job creation, taxes, and local infrastructure.
By insisting on a physical presence, the government is making a stand for regulatory sovereignty and consumer protection.
“They need to have an office. It’s as simple as that,” Sam George stressed. “If you’re making money from our citizens, then you must be reachable and answerable within our borders.”
The minister’s comments are likely to spark debate across the African continent, where similar concerns have been raised in countries such as Nigeria and South Africa about tech giants operating with minimal local engagement.
While no official ultimatum has been issued yet, the message from Ghana’s Communications Minister is clear: no office, no operations.
Regulators may soon consider revoking or suspending Starlink’s license if the company fails to comply. Such a move, however, could cause tension between Ghana and international business observers, especially given the positive impact Starlink has already had on digital access in underserved areas.
Industry experts suggest that SpaceX may respond positively, as the company has already begun setting up regional offices in other African markets like Kenya and Nigeria, where similar requirements have been raised.
Ultimately, the push for a local office is about more than bureaucracy. It’s about accountability, rapid response, and effective regulation.
As Ghana accelerates its digital transformation agenda, officials like Sam George are keen to ensure that international partners play by local rules—especially when their services have widespread impact.
“We welcome innovation, but it must come with responsibility,” Sam George concluded.
With Ghana aiming to become a West African tech hub, the country is positioning itself not only as a consumer of innovation but also as a protector of digital rights and infrastructure.
Whether Starlink complies or not, one thing is clear — the days of remote-only operations are numbered in Ghana. A local presence will be the bare minimum requirement for tech firms looking to operate at scale within the country.
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