Communication Minister, Sam Nartey George, has announced that Ghanaians will benefit from more affordable and improved data bundles on five selected national holidays this year, thanks to a new agreement reached with telecommunications companies.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, the Ningo Prampram MP shared details of the arrangement following discussions with telco CEOs, as part of broader efforts to reduce data costs in the country.
He explained that he initially proposed all 18 national holidays for the offer, using the discounted Independence Day data bundles as an example, but the telcos raised concerns about the financial strain such a move would cause. After extensive discussions, both parties settled on five holidays: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day. On these days, customers will enjoy special, discounted data packages.
Sam George noted that this initiative builds on the successful rollout of enhanced data bundles during the recent Independence Day celebration and emphasized that the goal is to replicate that experience.
He also clarified a previous statement, explaining that he did not promise an immediate price drop within 14 days, but rather pledged to present a roadmap within that period. True to his word, a committee delivered the proposed roadmap in 13 days, offering a plan with short, medium, and long-term solutions for addressing data costs.
In the short term, he admitted, a general price reduction across the board isn’t yet possible, so the focus will be on specific groups, with databases currently being developed to identify and target these demographics. Once this is completed, a formal announcement will follow.
George highlighted that all three major telecom CEOs acknowledged the need to address the high cost of data and fully supported the initiative. He also pointed to structural challenges like taxation and electricity costs, which significantly influence data prices. To address this, he revealed plans to work with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to introduce a dedicated telecom power tariff, similar to the preferential rates offered to the mining sector, since telecom towers also consume substantial amounts of electricity.
Through this comprehensive strategy, Sam George is confident that lasting solutions to high data costs will be achieved. He emphasized the government’s commitment to action, not just promises, and expressed gratitude to the telecom operators for their cooperation and willingness to support the initiative. While acknowledging that change will take time, he assured Ghanaians that the benefits will soon become visible.
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