Communications minister pushes for cheaper data for consumers
The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has said he believes that data in Ghana should and can be more affordable following public calls for mobile networks to reduce the cost of mobile data services.
“I agree that data should be and can be cheaper. That is why I set up the Data Pricing Committee. I gave them a 14-day mandate, and they deliver their report in 13 days,” Mr George said.
According to him, the report outlined a roadmap with short, medium and long-term strategies for reducing data costs and that the regulator is currently working with Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) to implement some of the short-term measures.
He noted that part of these efforts led to the granting of technology neutrality and additional spectrum to MTN Ghana.
“I have made an additional offer of spectrum to Telecel as well to improve their network,” he added.
The minister on April 10, 2025, also announced a new initiative that would allow Ghanaians to enjoy special data bundle packages on five national holidays each year.
Speaking in a television interview on Channel One's The Point of View programme on Monday night [April 14], he attributed some of the challenges with data to congestion on mobile networks, which he said negatively affects service quality.
“The truth of the matter is, the networks are congested and once the networks are congested, it affects quality of service.”
While acknowledging the need for additional spectrum to support growing data demand, the Minister issued a warning to service providers.
“I am providing them more spectrum, and I am going to drive a hard demand for quality of service. Failure to meet the quality of service, now that I have given them technology neutrality and additional spectrum, will result in very stiff fines.”
Mr George also criticised certain operators, particularly Telecel and Airtel, for failing to invest sufficiently in their networks despite being granted technology neutrality two years ago.
“You don’t just get the technology neutrality or spectrum without investing in the network. Physical cash must be put in the network,” he said.
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