The Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, has dismissed widespread fears linking telecom towers and radio waves to cancer, stating emphatically that there is no scientific evidence to support such claims.
In an interview, Mr Fianko stressed that concerns about cancer risks from telecommunications infrastructure are unfounded, citing global research and local measurements that show radiation levels from telecom towers in Ghana remain far below internationally accepted safety thresholds.
“The concern that towers will give cancer is unfounded. There has been no study that proves that radio waves cause cancer,” he said.
He explained that while radio frequency waves used in telecommunications can generate heat, similar to how microwave ovens function, this effect does not translate into cancer risk.
“The only thing we know radio signals can do is heat body tissue slightly. But as for cancer, for hundreds of years we have used radio waves, and there is no evidence that they cause cancer,” he added.
Mr Fianko further noted that studies referenced by the World Health Organization indicate that radiation from telecom infrastructure operates well within safe exposure limits, a position corroborated by Ghana’s Radiation Protection Institute through ongoing measurements.
He also challenged public perceptions about proximity to telecom towers, explaining that being closer to such infrastructure can actually improve service quality and reduce the amount of radiation emitted by personal devices.
“The closer you are to a tower, the better your service, and the less power your phone needs to transmit. When you are far, your device uses more power to connect,” he explained.
The NCA boss acknowledged that resistance from some communities often driven by fears about health risks has delayed the construction of new telecom sites, ultimately affecting service quality in underserved areas.
He therefore urged the public to support infrastructure deployment, assuring that regulatory bodies conduct rigorous checks, including structural integrity assessments and compliance with environmental and safety standards, before approving any installations.
Beyond addressing health concerns, Mr Fianko reiterated the NCA’s mandate as a technical regulator, noting that it does not have authority over broadcast content but focuses on ensuring quality service delivery, infrastructure safety, and consumer protection.
He added that the Authority is intensifying public education campaigns to help consumers better understand telecom services, their rights, and the science behind connectivity, aiming to dispel misconceptions and foster informed decision-making.
