This is why Ghana wants Elon Musk’s Starlink to open an office in the country
Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called for Elon Musk’s Starlink to establish a physical office in Accra as a condition for operating in the country, citing regulatory accountability and the need to protect Ghanaian consumers.
In an interview with TV3, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the current operational model of Starlink, which has no physical presence in Ghana despite having received approval to roll out services.
“I’ve asked the regulator to inform the company that they need to open an office in Accra. I don’t understand. They need to have an office,” Mr George said, adding: “You can’t operate in our country and not have presence here.”
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According to him, it was a strategic oversight for the National Communications Authority (NCA) to grant a licence to Starlink without requiring local residency.
He noted that the absence of a local office makes it difficult for the regulator to engage effectively with the company on matters that affect consumers.
“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. What kind of regulation is that?” he questioned.
Mr George further argued that all other telecom operators in Ghana have a local presence, making them accessible for swift consultations.
“When I need to meet the CEO of any MNO, I can call, and in an hour, he’s sitting in my office or at the office of the regulator for me to protect the interest of the Ghanaian people.”
He disclosed that the concern is not unique to Ghana, revealing that ICT ministers across the West African sub-region are collectively pushing for Starlink to establish local operations in each country.
“It’s a cause of concern, not just here in Ghana, across the sub-region. Most of the ICT ministers are worried about it… We [are] taking collective action. They must show physical presence in our countries,” he said, hinting that Starlink would “be hearing from us.”
I have asked the regulator (StarLink) to open an office in Ghana. They must have physical presence in the country - @samgeorgegh #TV3NewDay
pic.twitter.com/PkiFBQUbsI— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) April 11, 2025
Background
Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, received approval from the NCA to operate in Ghana and is expected to officially launch by the end of August 2024. The service is being managed locally by SpaceX Starlink GH LTD.
The technology uses a constellation of over 5,800 low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet, with some users enjoying download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. Starlink’s entry is expected to revolutionise internet access in underserved rural communities where traditional infrastructure is limited.
However, the affordability of the service remains a challenge. In Nigeria, for example, Starlink charges $314 for initial setup and $27 monthly—costs far above those of local providers.
Prior to its official approval in Ghana, a black market allowed unauthorised users to access Starlink through its global roaming feature.