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The National Communications Authority (NCA) has refuted claims by the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, that the Authority might shut down the Internet on December 1.
The Authority has further refuted claims that it deliberately took Kumasi-based Abusua FM off air ahead of a scheduled interview with Mr Mahama.
“Finally, a break in transmission of a documentary by Accra-based station, Joy FM, which was, apparently, experienced on multiple digital platforms on the night of 18th November, 2020, was also erroneously attributed by some to deliberate interference by the NCA,” the Authority said.
Interference with Internet Communications
According to NCA, as part of its mandate, it has licensed several categories of service providers to deliver Internet connectivity to Ghana, which include Internet Service Providers, Broadband Wireless Access Service Providers and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
It explained that there are also multiple international undersea fibre optic cables and several satellite systems which provide Ghana with access to the Internet.
“The NCA does not have access or ‘keys’ to any of these networks, and therefore cannot remotely shut the internet down. To block Internet or restrict access to a particular website, all submarine cable companies, MNOs and other service providers would have to agree to do so.
“The Authority has not directed any of its licensees to shut the Internet down on Election Day as claimed in the news report, and there is no intention to do so,” it said.
It has, therefore, urged Ghanaians to disregard the remarks by the NDC flagbearer since it is “completely unfounded.”
Interference
The Authority also added that it does not have the capability to block, jam or interfere with broadcasting signals.
“As a telecommunications and broadcasting regulator, and in line with global best practice, the NCA has frequency spectrum monitoring equipment whose ability is limited to receiving signals and detecting their source, but not to jam them.
“Where necessary, Section 13 of ECA, 2008, Act 775 provides the basis and procedure for shutting down a radio communication service provider. The NCA serves notices and subsequently physically closes the facilities down and then monitors thereafter for compliance,” the Authority said.
“The NCA does not interfere in the work of its broadcasting and Internet Service Licensees. On the contrary, the NCA assists them to promptly resolve cases of interference when they arise. Licensees are therefore advised to report outages or cases of interference to the NCA for prompt investigation and resolution, and not misinform their audiences and clients,” it added.
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