Accra, Nov 23, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama has said the frequent introduction of different services and facilities in the mobile telephony industry was a demonstration of a healthy competition for the betterment of Ghanaians.

"Considering where we started from and where we are now, I can proudly say that a lot of innovations have been churned out putting us at par with other people throughout the country."

Vice President Mahama said this during the launch of re-branded Zain Ghana Limited to Airtel Ghana Limited. The Company, now Airtel Ghana, is a subsidiary of the Indian telecommunication giant, Bharti Airtel, which is operating in 19 African Countries.

Vice President Mahama paid tribute to late Mr Edward Salia, a former Minister of Communications, for initiating the deregulation of communication in the country and added "It is unfortunate he did not live to enjoy what he started for the country."

The Vice President, also a former Minister of Communications, commended the mobile phone operators for their downward review of call tariffs, adding that such reductions would further encourage more Ghanaians to patronize their products and services. He appealed to them to continue to come out with quality products and services that would attract more people. "There is serious and healthy competition and Ghanaians are waiting to take the best and it is now incumbent on you to satisfy them with quality services."

Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Communications, said Ghana had put in appropriate legal and regulatory measures that would favour investment in telecommunication. He said his ministry had requested the National Communications Authority to decentralize to regions and districts in order to reach out to more people in the country. Mr. Iddrisu appealed to Airtel Ghana to come out with innovations that would promote competition among their compatriots in the telecommunication business. Mr Philip Sowah, the Managing Director of Airtel Ghana, promised to satisfy the needs of Ghanaians with affordable and available services.