LEGAL, REGULATORY AND INSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS AND STANDARDS Policy Context The development and implementation of a suitable legal and regulatory framework and environment can among other things support the development of the local ICT sector and in addition ensure a competitive environment for the development and provision of communications services, stimulating innovation, creating scope for price reductions, and increasing consumers’ choice. The rapid changes and developments within the communications sector brought about mainly by the advances in technologies and services has made it necessary for countries to create and operate a dynamic legal and regulatory framework that is responsive to technological changes and advances. Also given that most nation’s legal and regulatory framework most often lags behind technological developments and advances, it is imperative that countries operate in a dynamic and responsive legal and regulatory environment that takes advantage of these technological advances, promote innovation and enhances consumer choice and preferences. It is acknowledged that Ghana’s existing legal and regulatory framework for supporting the development of the communications sector was primarily designed to manage the transition from monopoly to competition and was therefore focused on the creation of a competitive market and the rights of new entrants. The Government recognizes the need to periodically review the operations, provisions and the directives making up the legal regulatory framework in the light of rapid developments in the communications industry, characterized by technological advances evolutions and the resultant changes in user demand, and choices and preferences. It is also acknowledged that rapid changes and developments in the communications industry and sector that has given rise to convergence between communications, telecommunications, broadcasting and information technologies, service, platforms and systems, need to be reflected in the country’s legal and regulatory regime and framework aimed at supporting and facilitating the development of the ICT industry and sector. It is recognized that with such foreseen and anticipated changes in the communications industry, Ghana’s legal and regulatory policy framework for guiding the development of the ICT industry will need to take account of these developments in particular The goal is to as far as possible create a flexible and dynamic legal and regulatory framework and system that restrict regulation to the necessary minimum, reinforce competition within the industry and sector, while ensuring that the basic rights, choices and preference of consumers continue to be protected, and the principle of universal access and service reinforced. The Policy Statement The Government acknowledges that the development and the exploitation of ICTs in the economy and society as well as the development of the information and knowledge economy will need to be supported and facilitated by appropriate legal provisions and legislation; regulatory framework and provisions as well as institutional structures. 68