Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Registering as a Value-Added Services (VAS) Provider in Ghana

What are Value-Added Services in Telecommunications?

Value Added Services (VAS) may be described as enhanced non–core telecommunication services that add value to the standard telecommunication offerings like voice calls, data and text provided by Telecom Networks to subscribers.

Some examples of Value-Added Services (VAS) include call waiting, call forwarding, multiparty conferencing, voice mail, mobile payment systems and m-commerce-based services, Mobile advertising, mobile health and mobile insurance services, location-based services, online gaming services and vehicle tracking services.

What are the relevant government bodies that regulate Value Added Services in Ghana?

The provision of Value-Added Services in Ghana is regulated by the National Communications Authority (NCA).

What are the requirements for registering as a Value-Added Service Provider in Ghana?

To establish and operate as a VAS provider in Ghana, the entity must first be incorporated within the country. Following the incorporation, the company must apply to the NCA for registration as a recognized Value-Added Service Provider before commencing its services.

Are there any requirements for ownership by indigenous persons or entities?

A company with foreign participation established to provide Value Added Services in Ghana, is required to have a Ghanaian partner who holds at least thirty per cent (30%) equity participation in the joint enterprise.

Registration Requirements

To commence the Value-Added Services (VAS) registration in Ghana, an application for registration using the prescribed form must be submitted to the Regulatory Authority together with the following information:

1. Corporate Profile: An applicant must provide the company registration documents, including the certificate of incorporation, articles of association, Information on the experience and qualifications of key personnel involved in the VAS operations and any other necessary legal documents.
2. Type of value-added services to be provided: An applicant is required to provide service description details of the VAS offerings and technical implementation layout.
3. Market Plan: This must include the applicant’s target group, area of coverage and roll-out plan.
4. Particulars of the equipment to be used and Type approval certificates,
5. Company’s audited financial returns: Start-ups are required to submit their financial forecasts while existing companies must submit a minimum of one year audited financial returns.
6. Letter of Commitment indicating the applicant’s compliance with existing ITU regulations, communications laws of the country, and other relevant rules, guidelines, and regulations.
7. Fees: The applicant is required to pay the prescribed fees as stipulated by the regulatory authority. The specific fee amount will be determined by the authority.

By fulfilling these requirements and paying the applicable fee, the company can proceed with the application for Value Added Services (VAS) registration in Ghana.