The National Communications Authority (NCA) has begun the process of introducing a new licensing regime for managed services in Ghana’s telecommunications sector, a move aimed at tightening oversight of third-party operators that run or support critical communications infrastructure.
In a public notice, the regulator said it is developing a regulatory framework for the operation of Managed Services, covering entities that manage network infrastructure or provide technical and operational support to licensed Electronic Communications Service Providers and Network Providers. The proposed authorisation will be designated the Electronic Communications Managed Service Licence.
The initiative is being undertaken under Section 27 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and Section 4.1 of the National Telecommunications Policy, 2005, which empower the Authority to regulate emerging service models within the communications ecosystem.
As part of the process, the NCA has opened a public consultation, inviting views from licensed service providers, ICT consumers and the general public on the draft licensing framework. The consultation runs from February 6 to March 6, 2026, after which the Authority will publish the outcome and proceed with implementation.
The regulator said stakeholders are encouraged to provide detailed feedback, including specific areas of agreement or concern within the document. Submissions are to be sent electronically in Microsoft Word format to the Authority, accompanied by a completed response cover sheet.
In line with its transparency policy, the NCA noted that all submissions will be treated as non-confidential and published on its website. Intellectual property contained in the responses will be deemed licensed to the Authority for regulatory and legal purposes.
The proposed framework reflects the growing role of managed service providers in Ghana’s telecoms market, as operators increasingly outsource network operations, maintenance and specialised support services. Industry analysts say formal licensing could improve accountability, service quality and network resilience, while also clarifying regulatory responsibilities across the value chain.
Once the consultation concludes, the NCA is expected to finalise the framework and outline next steps for implementation, marking a significant regulatory shift for infrastructure management in the communications sector.
