NCA organises workshop for stakeholders in Accra

 

The National Communications Authority (NCA) organised a public sensitisation workshop on ICT equipment-type approval in the communications industry on Wednesday in Accra for organisations, telecommunications network operators, individuals, importers and dealers in communication.

The aim of the workshop was to educate stakeholders on the regulatory framework for Type Approval in the communications industry, improve and streamline the existing Type Approval procedure, as well as to introduce them to the new interactive portal to facilitate their application process.

In addition, participants were sensitised on an upcoming database of licenced dealers of communications equipment and approved telecommunications equipment to be used in the country.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Albert E. Enninful, the Deputy Director General of the Authority, noted that granting of type-approval to radio communications and telecommunication equipment is simply to make sure that the equipment conforms to defined standards and requirements.

He said: “Type Approval was introduced by the NCA for the purpose of registering and approving radio and telecommunications terminal equipment that may be used in Ghana. It was designed to facilitate easy access to the market, introduce variety of equipment choice for the consumer, and most importantly to maintain consumer rights in the quality and safety of the equipment”.

The NCA is mandated by the Electronic Communications Act of 2008, Act 775, to certify and ensure the testing of communications equipment for compliance with international standards; and environmental health and safety standards including electromagnetic radiation and emissions.

Over 100 people attended the workshop. Participants said they appreciated the fact that the NCA had sensitised them on the new procedures for Type Approval and Dealership Licences.

Mr. Patrick Laryea, the Deputy Director of Regulatory Administration, said that an online portal that will ease the application process for Type Approvals and Dealership Licenses will be ready by second quarter of the year. He urged the public to make use of the database that will be part of the portal as it will give them first-hand information on equipment that has been type-approved for safe use in Ghana, as well as to indicate approved Dealers of various telecommunications equipment.

He said guidelines are available on the NCA website, and urged the public to go through for the information.

The workshop was part of the public consultation process, and the Authority will be organising a similar workshop in Kumasi for stakeholders in the Northern part of the country.

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