Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has stated the government has started the process of developing local content legislation for the telecommunications sector.
Details
The Minister stated that the legislation aims to fortify the nation’s ability to oversee its digital infrastructure, applications, and services independently, reducing reliance on costly foreign consultants and contractors.
What They’re Saying
“We are in the process of passing local content legislation for the telecommunications sector and have directed that certain categories of managed services in the telecom sector should be reserved for local Ghanaian companies only,” she stated.
“That is the only way to build our capacity to manage our own digital infrastructure, applications and services. We have to wean ourselves of unhealthy dependence on expensive foreign consultants and contractors when we have competent local alternatives.
“Many of these foreign companies outsource their contracts to local entities and pocket the huge profits… of course, those who benefit from the current system and their collaborators will protest that we must put the interest of the country and our collective development first instead of some misguided, short-term, individual benefit,” she added.
Zoom Out
In Ghana’s Petroleum Industry, there is legislation that stipulates that Ghanaians should be prioritised in terms of employment and should benefit from the country’s resources. The law is expected to ensure that Ghana’s natural resources benefit Ghanaians.
Source: Business and Financial Times
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