Communications Minister Haruna Iddrissu has downplayed concerns that the implementation of a monitoring system for international calls could result in a hike in phone call charges. According to pro-opposition pressure group Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), the Intelligent Signaling Monitoring System or ISMS for the telecommunications sector could also be used to violate the privacy of telecom subscribers because it allows for the screening of phone calls. The government is planning to introduce the system to plug revenue leakages. But AFAG member, Arnold Boateng tells Joy Business the plan to raise more revenue for the state could backfire. Communications Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, however, says the concerns about cost and the violation of privacy being raised by AFAG are unfounded. “The signaling point has no effect to end users,” he said, explaining that "international bodies that terminate calls and keep the money to the disadvantage of the country and operators will be checked." Contrary to privacy issues being raised by AFAG, the Communication Minister said the signaling system would not allow for the monitoring of data, claiming AFAG is not abreast with the new law that has been promulgated. Source: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana