Ghana Networks to Need Environmental Permits for New Towers

Ghana's phone networks will be required to seek environmental permits for all proposed mast sites before installation under new rules announced by the Ministry of Environment Science and Technology.

A statement signed by Miss Sherry Aryittey, Minister for Environment Science and Technology said each investor must complete an environmental assessment registration form and submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a site plan duly signed by licensed surveyor, block plan, evidence of neighborhood consultation and a lease agreement.

"This directive has become necessary because investigations conducted indicate that the installation of most of these masts were mounted without the necessary permit from the EPA and these have resulted in numerous complaints concerning potential public health risks and safety of such installations particularly those located in residential areas," the statement said.

The statement also warned land owners not to permit the construction of towers on land which is not approved for that purpose. The warning was particularly aimed at residential properties in towns and cities where space for towers is in already short supply.

The country has five mobile networks, with a sixth due to start shortly - and estimates from the Mobile World analysts shows that the country ended Q1 '09 with just under 11.8 million customers, representing a population penetration level of 50%.