NCA Executes Measures To Help Sanitize The Importation Of Electronic Communication Equipment Into Ghanaian Market

As part of its effort to help halt the importation of inferior electronic communications equipment which poses harmful threat to human health, National Communications Authority[NCA] has launched an online Portal Type Approval which will help certify all the devices before entering the Ghanaian market.

Speaking at the launching ceremony , the Deputy Director General of the National Communications Mr. Albert E. Enninful , explained that the main goal of the Type Approval procedure is to streamline the Type Approval Framework in accordance with the Electronic Communications Act.

According to him, the Section 6(n) of the Electronic Communications Act of 2008, Act 775 empowers the NCA to certify and ensure the testing of communications equipment for compliance with international standards ; and environmental health and safety standards including electromagnetic radiation emissions.

Adding that, Section 66 and 67 of the same Act States that the Authority has the power to certify terminal equipment and adopt technical standards and processes aimed at ensuring safety use of equipment to the user. More so, to ensure that the, equipment complies with international standards and does not pose a risk of physical harm to the network.

This he said, the Type Approval Online Portal will provide stakeholders including consumers and the general public with relevant information regarding application procedures and databases of electronic communications equipment imported and sold in Ghana.

He said the database will be updated continuously as and when there are newly approved equipment as well as when importers and local vendors receive approval from the Authority.

" This we believe will further promote consumer confidence in utilizing their purchasing power , knowing that transparent and current source of information is available for their use" he noted.

He said the Authority will be consistently conducting random monitoring exercises to ensure that the

importation and retailing of inferior equipment is reduced to the minimum level.

According to him, their analyses of complaints have also indicated that quality of services experience of consumers can also be affected by the quality of electronic communications equipment used by the user.

" In line with the Online Portal, the Authority has intensified collaboration with the Customs and Exercise Preventive Services [ CEPS] to ensure that the country's entry points are manned by well informed personnel of the security services".

Mr. Enninful , emphasized that the National Communications Authority is committed to ensuring that Ghanaians continue to have access to an evolving communications system which will invariably promote socio- economic development of the country.