11/04/2025
Sure! Here’s a restructured version of the article for clarity and flow:
“You Can’t Operate In Our Country Without an Office Here” – Sam George to Elon Musk’s Starlink
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, has firmly stated that Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk, must establish a physical office in Ghana to continue operating in the country.
In an interview with TV3, the minister emphasized the need for regulatory accountability, expressing dissatisfaction with Starlink’s current mode of operation, which lacks a local presence.
“I’ve asked the regulator to inform the company that they need to open an office in Accra,” he said. “I don’t understand how they can operate here without one. You can’t operate in our country and not have presence here.”
Sam George criticized the National Communications Authority (NCA) for what he called a “strategic oversight” in granting Starlink a license without requiring a local office.
He highlighted the challenges this setup creates, particularly when regulators need to resolve customer-related issues:
“Today, if there’s a problem involving a Starlink client and the regulator needs to speak with the company, we have to send an email to someone in the U.S. It can take two to three weeks for them to respond or visit. What kind of regulation is that?”
He pointed out that all other telecom operators in Ghana maintain local offices, making them more accessible for swift engagement and regulatory discussions.