By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has confirmed that it recently conducted a stakeholder visit to Ghana in response to growing rumors regarding its procurement of a surveillance machine from HASHCOM Ghana Ltd.
This visit, according to Macra, was organized to address concerns and provide clarity on the allegations surrounding the purchase of the surveillance technology.
A diverse group of stakeholders participated in the visit, including representatives from various media houses, members of the parliamentary media committee, and officials from the ICT Association of Malawi.
The primary objective of the trip was to gain a better understanding of the machine’s functionality and to learn more about HASHCOM Ghana Ltd., the company responsible for the product.
During the visit, the stakeholders were able to observe firsthand how the machine works and how it might be utilized in Malawi.
Daud Suleman, the Director General of Macra, shared with MIJ Online that, in addition to gaining insight into the company’s history and experience, the stakeholders were given a thorough explanation of how the surveillance machine operates.
Paul Nkhoma, the Co-chair of the Cluster Committee on Communications, also expressed his satisfaction with the detailed clarification provided by Macra during the visit.
He noted that the trip had been instrumental in dispelling any misconceptions surrounding the surveillance machine and its intended use.
The stakeholders left Ghana with a better understanding of the machine’s capabilities, the company’s reputation, and its potential application in Malawi.
In light of the clarifications, the stakeholders have assured the public that the machine will be used responsibly and in line with Malawi’s regulatory standards.
The visit to Ghana has proven to be an important step in clearing up any misunderstandings and fostering greater transparency around Macra’s activities.
This move by Macra highlights the importance of communication and collaboration with key stakeholders, especially when addressing rumors that could potentially affect public trust in regulatory authorities.
