Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced the commencement of a public consultation on the National Communications Authority Bill, 2025, a landmark legislative proposal aimed at overhauling the country’s communications regulatory framework. The Bill, which seeks to repeal and replace the existing National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), represents a major step toward strengthening the independence, efficiency, and accountability of the Authority. It is designed to bring Ghana’s communications governance in line with current technological advancements and global best practices.
According to the NCA, the proposed legislation will modernize how the country manages its communications networks, services, and resources. The Bill emphasizes transparency, fairness, and institutional reform within the regulatory space. It also seeks to improve coordination between the NCA, the Government, and other sectoral regulators to ensure consistent policy direction and effective oversight of the communications ecosystem. This move reflects the growing need to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital and technological landscape in Ghana and across the world.
The NCA has officially invited comments and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including licensed service providers, civil society organizations, consumers, and the general public. The consultation period runs from October 16 to October 29, 2025, during which participants can submit their responses electronically to info@nca.org.gh. Respondents are encouraged to specify the sections of the Bill they support or oppose and to provide suggestions for improvement. In the interest of transparency, all responses will be treated as non-confidential, and the NCA retains the right to use submitted materials to fulfill its legal and regulatory obligations.
The National Communications Authority Bill, 2025 outlines a comprehensive list of objectives and functions for the Authority. These include the development and enforcement of national communications standards, the licensing and regulation of communication service providers, and the monitoring of compliance within the industry. The Authority will also be responsible for managing the radio frequency spectrum, resolving disputes between operators, protecting consumer interests, and promoting fair competition. Additionally, the Bill empowers the NCA to support universal access initiatives, encourage innovation, and promote local participation in the telecommunications industry.
Another key aspect of the Bill is its emphasis on good governance, accountability, and consumer protection. The NCA is mandated to uphold principles of transparency, proportionality, and consistency in decision-making. It must also safeguard the interests of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and low-income earners, while ensuring that telecommunications services are affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable. The legislation calls for adherence to international standards, particularly those set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other regional and bilateral agreements.
Upon the conclusion of the consultation process, the NCA will review all stakeholder feedback and finalize the Bill before presenting it for legislative approval. According to the Acting Director General of the Authority, the final version of the Bill will help create a more robust and responsive regulatory environment that supports innovation, investment, and sustainable growth in Ghana’s digital economy. The new legal framework is expected to position the NCA as a modern, independent, and efficient regulator capable of guiding the nation’s communications industry into the future.
