Telecoms CEOs make no-show at industry forum

Haruna Iddrisu

Chief executives of the major telecoms companies in the country failed to turn up for an industry forum meant to discuss best practices in the industry, much to the disappointment of the Communications Minister, Haruna Iddrisu.

The Industry Forum, held on Wednesday, a key requirement of the new Communications Act, was expected to bring together operators in the sector and consumers to discuss matters of common interest, including development of key standards and codes of practice.

But the chief executives, who Mr Iddrisu said had all been invited, were visibly absent, although there were some middle class representations.

MTN, Vodafone, Globacom and Zain are said to have sent representatives to the event which was held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

The industry forum was, howbeit, inaugurated is expected to be a regular programme to work towards better service delivery in broadcasting and telecommunications in the country.

Mr Iddrisu said although letters were sent to the CEOs of the major telecommunication companies, none of them turned up for the event.

“Since this was the first of a kind of an industry forum, my personal inclination was that the chief executives will oblige us with their presence to demonstrate a commitment to working with the National Communication Authority and the government of Ghana to set better standards for improved telecommunications and broadcasting generally in Ghana,” Mr Mahama said.

Consumer Rights Advocate, Kofi Capito, also expressed concern about the lack of representation for consumers.

The Chairman of the National Communications Authority, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, told Joy News that the situation would be corrected.