Ghana gives Elon Musk’s Starlink one-month deadline to comply with regulations

Key Points

• Elon Musk’s Starlink given 30 days to comply with Ghana’s regulations or face market ban amid rising tech sovereignty demands. 
• Ghana demands Starlink establish local offices, customer support, and tax compliance, reflecting Africa’s push for tech accountability and digital economy control. 
• Starlink’s Africa growth hits regulatory roadblocks as Ghana joins Nigeria, Kenya in enforcing local laws on global tech giants.

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has one month to align with Ghana’s regulatory framework, or risk being shut out of the market. Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, issued the ultimatum after a recent meeting with representatives from SpaceX, citing non-compliance with local requirements.

Currently operating in Ghana without a physical office, toll-free customer support, or formal licensing, Starlink is under fire for what the government deems a lack of accountability and local engagement. “It’s not just about offering connectivity—we want structures in place that serve Ghanaians and respect our sovereignty,” George said.

Mandatory registration, tax compliance, now key hurdles for Starlink

The West African nation is demanding that Starlink set up a local office, establish a customer service center, register with relevant authorities, and begin paying taxes like any other business operating in the country. The move aligns with Ghana’s broader push to tighten oversight of big tech and ensure equitable participation in its growing digital economy. 

The minister left room for collaboration, indicating that once Starlink complies, the government is open to partnerships, especially to improve rural internet access—a key challenge in sub-Saharan Africa.

Africa’s tech awakening: Countries push back on global tech giants 

Ghana’s tough stance mirrors actions by regional peers. Nigeria, for example, required Twitter (now X) to open a local office before lifting a ban in 2022. Kenya has also demanded greater compliance from multinationals like Starlink, Uber and Meta, underlining a growing trend: African governments want foreign tech firms to invest locally and respect national laws. 

This regulatory awakening reflects the continent’s dual ambition—embracing innovation while ensuring sovereignty and tax accountability in the digital age. 

Starlink’s expansion continues, but not without resistance

Elon Musk, currently the world’s richest person with a net worth of $381 billion, has made Starlink a centerpiece of his global tech portfolio. With operations spanning all continents, the satellite internet venture aims to bridge connectivity gaps in emerging markets, particularly across Africa. 

Despite regulatory friction, Starlink continues to scale. In 2025 alone, the service has secured licenses in Liberia, Niger, Somalia, Guinea-Bissau, and Lesotho—where it inked a 10-year permit aligned with U.S. cooperation goals. Just last month, Congo reversed a prior ban, allowing Starlink to enter its market amid national security negotiations. 

But Ghana’s stance signals a shift: governments may welcome the tech, but not at the cost of regulatory control. Ghana is laying down the law—and global tech players like Elon Musk’s Starlink must now choose: comply or leave.