Telcos Demand Government Incentives to Unlock Returns on Long-Term Investments
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, has called on the government to introduce targeted incentives to ensure telecom operators can realise returns on their heavy long-term investments, warning that without policy stability and support, industry growth could stall.
Speaking at an industry engagement, she emphasised that while telecom companies have consistently invested in expanding Ghana’s digital infrastructure, the nature of the sector requires deliberate policy backing to sustain those investments.
“Telecommunications is not a fast-return industry. It is a long-term capital expenditure, and for that investment to make sense, there must be stability and incentives that allow operators to recover costs,” she said.
Madam Owusu-Ankomah stressed that investor confidence is built not only on market potential but also on how predictable and supportive the policy environment is.
According to her, operators are committing significant resources to network expansion, digital platforms, and nationwide coverage obligations but require assurance that regulatory and financial conditions will not shift unexpectedly.
“It calls for government to bring on board incentives that ensure investments made into the industry can generate returns,” she noted, adding that stability is critical to maintaining momentum in the sector.
She warned that sudden regulatory changes, additional charges, or policy inconsistencies could undermine business plans and discourage further capital injection into the industry.
Reflecting on the evolution of Ghana’s telecom industry, she noted that increased competition, including the entry of multiple operators and service providers, has driven innovation and improved access.
However, she cautioned that competition must be balanced with sustainability to avoid weakening the industry.
“We have seen the industry grow from a few players to many, which is good for competition and the economy. But we must also reflect on the lesso ns from exits and challenges to ensure we are not creating conditions that could destabilise the sector,” she said.
Despite significant progress in network expansion, Madam Owusu-Ankomah highlighted a persistent “usage gap”, where infrastructure exists but is underutilised.
She explained that while Ghana has achieved high levels of coverage, many consumers still lack access to affordable smart devices needed to fully utilise digital services.
“This is where incentives become critical not just for operators but for consumers as well. We need policies that make devices more accessible so that investments in infrastructure translate into real usage,” she said.
She also pointed to the need for policy alignment with emerging technologies, noting that Ghana risks falling behind if it does not move quickly to support next-generation connectivity.
According to her, while operators are prepared to invest in advanced technologies, including 5G, the pace of deployment will depend on how supportive the broader policy and investment environment is.
Madam Owusu-Ankomah acknowledged the role of the National Communications Authority in driving key reforms, including infrastructure sharing, tower co-location, and mobile number portability, which have improved efficiency and reduced duplication.
“These interventions have helped the industry grow and innovate, and they show what is possible when regulation supports investment,” she said.
She concluded by urging policymakers to adopt a long-term approach to telecom regulation, ensuring that licensing conditions, fees, and operational frameworks remain consistent over time.
For her, the future of Ghana’s digital economy depends not just on infrastructure deployment but also on creating a stable environment where investors are confident their capital will yield returns.
“Our priority is clear: if we want to unlock the full potential of the digital economy, we must create the conditions that allow investments to thrive and deliver value over time,” she said.
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