By Sheku Putka Kamara
The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Salima M. Bah has urged mobile network operators (MNOs) to increase accessibility, affordability & quality in providing services to people. She was speaking on Friday, December 15th, 2023 during the official launching and unveiling of the former National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) now National Communications Authority (NatCA).
In delivering the keynote, the communication minister said that NatCA has not only done a change of name, nut that the process signifies growth. She remarked how financial inclusion was very pivotal in achieving the big five game changers of government, adding that her ministry will play a crucial role in achieving such laudable strides. She referred to internet and mobile as basic human rights, noting technology is a great enabler that should not be treated with levity. She therefore added that connectivity is very crucial. She also urged the communication sector players to increase penetration in the best interest of all and sundry.
Minister Bah said that the private sector and the regulatory agencies should also ensure that customers get value for money, adding that innovation was therefore crucial too.
Chairman of the event, Tamba Juana, Permanent Secretary of the Communication Ministry said that the change of name is vital and that it will aid in making sure that NatCA continues to deliver on its mandate. He said that the broadened scope means more work for the Authority. He therefore used the opportunity to call for more and quality works.
Deputy Director General of NatCA, Mariama Sewah Koroma said that as an electronic communication regulator, the Authority has a responsibility of making sure that things are proper and in place across the board. She spoke of how the sector can boost the socio-economic development of the country. She said that they will continue to carryout the appropriate regulatory processes and to make sure that the right things are done and adequately too.
Board Chairman of NatCA, Ambassador Bell gave a succinct historical background about the company and stated that the transformation has brought about specific changes that will be in the best interest of development at the Authority.
Director General of NatCA, Amara Brewah expressed appreciation to all attendees for gracing the occasion, whiles specifically thanking key sector players and NatCA staff. He said that the then Commission, now Authority needed more powers to effectively regulate the sector and man its affairs. He said that the task to oversee the rapidly evolving communication and ICT sector is huge and therefore called for continued partnership and collaboration.
The official unveiling of the new NatCA logo and the taking of photos rapped up the activity.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Monday, December 18th, 2023 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)