Reported by Ngresangma Martha-13/03/2024
During the unveiling event of telecel, previously known as Vodafone, in Accra, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, transparency, and good corporate governance in the telecommunications sector. He highlighted the pivotal role of telecommunications in shaping modern society, connecting people, empowering communities, and facilitating government services.
Dr. Bawumia underscored the necessity of reliable communication for socio-economic development, stating that it’s no longer a luxury but a fundamental need in today’s fast-paced world. He also mentioned the government’s efforts to promote digital inclusion, such as increasing the number of rural telephony sites and introducing technology neutrality to enhance capacity within the industry.
Over the years, Ghana’s telecommunications landscape has undergone significant transformation, from the introduction of mobile telephony to the expansion of broadband internet services. The country has witnessed various rebranding phases, starting from Ghana Post and Telecommunications to Vodafone Ghana.
Regarding regional collaboration, Dr. Bawumia mentioned the implementation of ECOWAS free roaming services with Cote D’Ivoire and the ongoing engagements with Togo, Benin, and The Gambia to establish similar agreements. These initiatives aim to keep Ghana ahead in the ever-evolving technology landscape and provide accessible, safe, affordable, and reliable networks to customers.
Highlighting the importance of mobile money transactions, Dr. Bawumia noted a significant increase in mobile money transactions, emphasizing its role in promoting financial inclusion. He praised the introduction of mobile money interoperability and encouraged telecel to further enhance its mobile money services.
Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for Vodafone Ghana’s exit from the market. She assured continued oversight to uphold standards and fair competition in the industry.
Co-founder of telecel, Moh Damush, expressed confidence in Ghana’s talent pool for achieving positive transformations. CEO Patricia Obo-Nai highlighted telecel’s 4G+ network covering over six million customers and its mobile financial services benefiting three million customers.
In summary, the launch of telecel marks a new chapter in Ghana’s telecommunications sector, emphasizing ethical operations, digital inclusion, and collaboration for socio-economic development.
