The Communications Minister, Haruna Iddrisu is unhappy that some mobile operators are still importing scratch cards in blatant disregard of a government directive that all cards be printed locally. The directive was first issued in June last year in an initiative government says would boost business opportunities for local printing companies. It was also to create more jobs locally. The low level of compliance compelled government to follow-up with a thirty-day ultimatum, which ended in March this year, warning there would be sanctions. Mr. Iddrisu however tells Joy Business the National Communications Authority is currently verifying reports that consignments of scratch cards are still coming through the ports. “I am reliably informed that a lot of them are still importing the scratch cards into the country. We are in discussions with the Custom Exercise and Preventive Service and the people at the ports to give us evidence of the level of importation." He says much as government appreciates that the directive may conflict with the procurement policies of these companies, government is serious about creating opportunities for local companies. He said the NCA is investigating the alleged importation of the scratch cards and will take appropriate sanctions afterwards. Source: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana