News
NCA debunks claims to disrupt internet, broadcast signals on Election Day
The National Communication Authority (NCA) has debuked claims that it intends to cause disruptions in media broadcast and internet service on December 7, 2020.
This comes on the back of media reportage attributed to the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, suggesting that the NCA is scheming to interfere with broadcasting signals and internet connectivity.
In a statement, the NCA asked the public to disregard the “misleading” publication because it has no basis.
“The National Communications Authority (NCA) has taken note of remarks on the online news portal Ghanaweb, dated 22nd November 2020, and attributed to former President John Mahama in which he claims the NCA might shut down the internet on Election Day, 7th December 2020. The NCA hereby advises Ghanaians to disregard the remarks as completely unfounded”, portions of the statement read.
Additionally, the NCA also described as “wholly false”, accusations in a separate publication that were attributed to a Deputy Communication Minister, Ato Sarpong, who blasted the NCA for allegedly taking Abusua FM off-air before an interview with Mr. Mahama.
The Authority, in furtherance, expressed worry over allegations that it orchestrated the break in transmission experienced by Accra-based Joy FM during the airing of a documentary on the NLA on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
“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 statement added.
The NCA explained that, as part of its mandate, it has licensed several categories of service providers to deliver
internet connectivity to Ghana and thus does not have access or “keys” to any of these networks, and therefore cannot remotely shut the internet down.
It, therefore, stated that” “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. The NCA 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.”
Veteran Nigerian actor and African screen legend, Pete Edochie, has paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, during his visit to Ghana.
Edochie is in Ghana to launch the African Legacy Project, which includes a book, documentary film and an African Youth Mentorship Initiative targeting about 500,000 young people across the continent.
Mr. Gyamfi welcomed the opportunity for GoldBod to support the mentorship initiative, noting that it aligns with the Board’s Special Intervention Programme and its focus on social impact and economic empowerment.
GoldBod’s work is also referenced in Pete Edochie’s new book, which highlights Ghana’s efforts to ensure its gold resources contribute to national development.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned Ghanaians seeking employment in Zambia to be cautious of fraudulent job offers that could expose them to human trafficking and forced involvement in cybercrime.
The warning follows the arrest of six Ghanaians in Lusaka, Zambia, during a joint operation by the Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Department of Immigration on August 23, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the operation targeted a facility suspected of being involved in organised cybercrime activities and led to the arrest of 79 people, including 10 Zambians and 69 foreign nationals.
The Ministry said six of the foreign nationals arrested were Ghanaians.
It explained that reports received by the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka indicated that some of those arrested had been recruited through what appeared to be legitimate employment opportunities, including online data entry jobs.
However, the Ministry said some were allegedly forced into online scam activities after their passports were confiscated by their employers.
It warned that the situation highlights how human trafficking groups are using fake employment opportunities to lure unsuspecting job seekers into illegal activities.
The Ministry has therefore advised Ghanaians travelling to Zambia or seeking employment there to thoroughly verify job offers, recruitment agencies and prospective employers before travelling.
Ghanaians living in Zambia have also been urged to remain vigilant when responding to online job opportunities and maintain regular contact with the Ghana High Commission in Lusaka for consular assistance when necessary.
The Ministry said the government remains committed to protecting the welfare and interests of Ghanaians travelling to or living outside the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
