The ECT was established in 2008 under the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). The ECT is an appeal tribunal which sits on appeals from decisions or orders made by the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Dispute Resolution Committee of the NCA in respect of the regulation of electronic communications, the regulation of broadcasting, and the use of the electro-magnetic spectrum and related matters.
The Tribunal is composed of a three (3) member panel – a chairman and two other members appointed by the chairperson of the Public Services Commission for specified periods. The current membership is as follows:
Kissi Agyebeng – Chairman
Naa Odofoley Nortey – Member
Dr. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng – Member
A decision of the Tribunal has the same effect as a judgment of the High Court. A person dissatisfied with a decision of the Tribunal may appeal to the Court of Appeal on points of law.
The Tribunal is mandated to either affirm or quash the decision or order appealed against in whole or in part. The Tribunal conducts its hearings like a court in public, unless it decides to do so in chambers. However, it is mandated to hear or consider evidence of any kind, including evidence which is not admissible under the strict rules of evidence, if it considers it necessary to ensure justice.
The Tribunal has its own rules of procedure, but may rely on the Rules of Court where there is no provision in its rules regarding a particular issue.
The decisions of the Tribunal are by unanimous or majority vote. The Tribunal, like a court, is required to write out its rulings and state the reasons for its decisions.