Starlink, the Internet satellite service owned by billionaire American entrepreneur Elon Musk, is operating illegally in Ghana, according to the country's National Communications Authority (NCA).
The authority stated that it had neither licensed Starlink to operate in Ghana nor type approved any of their equipment.
Thus, the operations of the company violate the country's Electronic Communications Act, which prohibits the operation of an electronic communications network without a proper license, the NCA added.
The Act states that "except as otherwise provided under this Act, a person shall not operate a public electronic communications service or network or provide a voice telephony service without a license granted by the Authority."
The agency advised the public not to use or supply Starlink equipment.
"[...] The general public is cautioned to desist from patronizing any equipment or service purported to be from Starlink. Persons engaging in the sale or operations of the service are also directed to cease and desist immediately," the statement said.
On its website, Starlink indicates that it is targeting service in Ghana in the third quarter of 2024. It adds that availability is subject to regulatory approval.
In early November, Starlink announced the availability of its services in Benin. It was the seventh African country to receive US satellite broadband, joining Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, Malawi and Zambia.