Ghanaians will benefit from cheaper and enhanced mobile data bundles on five national holidays this year, following an agreement between the government and telecommunication companies.
The announcement was made by Communication Minister and Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday.
According to Mr George, the move is part of a broader plan to reduce the cost of mobile data in the country. The minister revealed that the deal, reached after negotiations with the chief executives of the major telecom providers, was inspired by the success of special Independence Day data offers.
“I approached the telco CEOs with the idea of implementing cheaper data on all 18 national holidays. They told me that would collapse their businesses,” he said.
Following further discussions, a compromise was struck to limit the initiative to five key national holidays: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day.
“What we did on Independence Day with enhanced bundles — that’s going to be replicated,” Mr George confirmed. “Every Ghanaian will benefit from special packages on those days.”
Roadmap for Broader Reform
The minister also addressed public expectations around data price reductions, clarifying previous statements. “People said I promised prices would drop in 14 days. No. I said I would deliver a roadmap in 14 days — and we delivered it in 13.”
That roadmap, he explained, includes short, medium, and long-term strategies to make data more affordable. While an across-the-board price reduction is not immediately feasible, the Ministry is identifying specific demographics to target with lower rates.
To this end, a committee has been formed to build databases with the help of regulators, and the relevant data collection is underway.
Support from Industry and Structural Changes Ahead
Mr George praised the cooperation of the telecom operators, stating, “I met all three CEOs, and all three agreed we needed to do something about data prices.”
He also pointed to broader structural issues, such as taxation and electricity costs, as key challenges in bringing down data prices in the long term.
“Taxation is a big part of it,” he said. “And telecom towers across the country consume significant power. Unlike mining companies, telcos don’t benefit from preferential electricity rates — that must change.”
The Minister said his office would engage the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission to consider a dedicated telecom tariff similar to what exists in the mining sector.
Commitment to Reform
Emphasising the government’s commitment, Mr George insisted the initiative is not merely symbolic.
“This is not just a talk shop — we’re putting in the work,” he said, while expressing gratitude to industry stakeholders for their support.
Though immediate nationwide price reductions may not be forthcoming, the Minister believes Ghanaians will begin to notice the impact of the reforms soon.
Source:TheDotNews