The Minister for Communication, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and her two deputies, George Nenyi Andah and Vincent Sowah Odotei, have paid a working visit to the head office of mobile network operator, Tigo, in Accra.
They were welcomed by the entire management team and given an overview of the business by the Chief Executive Officer, Roshi Motman. This included the evolution of Ghana’s first telecom company, the investment strategy – to modernize network infrastructure, build resilience and transform IT platforms towards virtualization.
They were also briefed on the operations of Tigo Business to support SMEs, Corporate and Government agencies and Tigo’s commitment to deepening digital and financial inclusion through various Social Investment and Mobile Financial Services.
The Minister for Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful applauded Tigo for remaining a strong competitor in the industry over the past 25-years through continual and timely transformation to the needs of the industry and Ghanaians.
“The gains you have made operationally and financially over the last few years are really impressive and I commend you for that. I have seen the remarkable improvement in your network quality and I want to assure you of my commitment to building the right foundation for this industry to thrive. I am enthused that we share a common agenda on digital and financial inclusion. The ministry is keen on using digital financial services and mobile money to increase uptake and mop up excess liquidity in Ghana,” she said.
She revealed that they will soon begin a review of all the policies on telecom regulation and mobile financial services. “It is no secret that Ghana’s telecom policies are outdated and need to be thoroughly reviewed. I am keen to get all your inputs for this process,” she explained.
The CEO for Tigo Ghana Limited, Roshi Motman, drew the Minister and her deputies’ attention to the challenge of fiber cuts which continues to have a negative impact on network availability. She pointed out that the company suffered from an average of 1 to 3 fiber cuts a day (depending on the season) mainly due to civil constructions along fiber routes and called on the Department of Urban Roads, Ghana Highway Authority, the Ministry of Communications and other relevant agencies to find a lasting solution. She entreated government to consider telecom infrastructure as a basic utility that need to be protected through policy formulation.
Additionally, Ms. Motman echoed the need for Right of Way privileges secured from government to be enacted fairly without discrimination when it comes to relocation of fibre infrastructure resulting from road constructions.
In response, Hon. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, pledged to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to find a solution to all the challenges. They walked through the offices and toured the flagship store and the tier-3 Data centre all on Barnes road.
