MTN Ghana Withdraws SMP Case From Supreme Court

MTN Ghana Withdraws SMP Case From Supreme Court

MTN Ghana has withdrawn its application filed at the Supreme Court to challenge a judgement declaring the company as a Significant Market Power (SMP).

The company explained in statement that it reached the decision after engaging with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ministry of Communication in a concerted effort to settle the procedural and administrative legal challenge concerning the NCA’s declaration of MTN Ghana as SMP.

“Given the progress made so far, in good faith, on settlement discussions with the NCA, and Ministry of Communications, the company has withdrawn its application filed at the Supreme Court on September 4, 2020,” the statement said.

“It is our expectation that this action will pave the way for further discussions and an amicable resolution, in the spirit of the renewed channels of engagement,” it added.

According to the telco, the collective goodwill and commitment demonstrated is necessary to help the entire industry thrive to support government’s agenda of enhancing connectivity and the availability of communication services in the country.

“We are convinced that this decision is in the best interest of our cherished customers, shareholders and other stakeholders”.

The company assured that it remains focused on providing the enabling technology to support Ghana’s digital economy through partnerships with the Government of Ghana and other Ghanaian telecommunication players.

Background 

MTN Ghana appealed the judgement by the High Court declaring the telecom company as a Significant  Market Power (SMP) on September 4, 2020.

MTN explained that the step was taken after a careful review of the Court’s judgment.
The judgement gives the regulator, the National Communications Authority, the power to regulate the activities of the market leader, MTN, to ensure fairness.

By Jackson Odom Kpakpo