An Accra Human Rights Court today declined to rule on an application for interim injunction on the establishment of interconnect clearing house.

The court said some of the issues raised in the application border on the substantive matter and ruling on same may prejudice the case.

The National Communication Authority (NCA), is seeking to institute an Interconnect Clearing House which it claims would help deal with simboxing and other fraudulent activities in the telecommunications industry through which the state is losing money.

Telecom companies and other players in the telecommunications sector are opposed to ICH, insisting it is an unnecessary bureaucratic system which will increase the cost of telecoms service and achieve no tangible results.

 But the regulator is convinced the system is necessary.

New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Obuasi, Kwaku Kwarteng, went to challenge the NCA’s decision to establish the ICH.

He argues the system will violate the rights of mobile subscribers – a position the NCA vehemently contests.

Even before the substantive matter is heard, Mr. Kwarteng filed an application for interim injunction, demanding that the NCA be stopped from doing anything that could impact the subject of his suit.

But the court declined to rule on it.

Joy News’ Kwakye Afreh Nuamah who was in court said counsel on both sides interpreted the decision as a victory.

More soon