The Minister for Communication Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, has cast mobile data affordability as a pressing issue of economic fairness, revealing that the government is rolling out a targeted roadmap to make internet access more financially accessible for Ghanaians.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. George pointed out that while Ghana’s data prices may appear moderate compared to other African countries, the reality is starkly different for the average citizen, especially when measured against income levels. With 1GB of data costing nearly GHS17 — almost equal to the GHS19.97 daily minimum wage — many Ghanaians are effectively priced out of consistent internet access.
“This isn’t just about data prices; it’s about access to opportunities. If people can’t afford to stay connected, they are cut off from education, commerce, and social participation,” the Minister said.
To address this, the Ministry is executing a plan developed by the Inter-Agency Data Pricing Committee — a 23-member body that completed a two-week deliberation to produce a comprehensive pricing roadmap.
Mr. George clarified that the government’s approach will not be driven by political pressure or public sentiment but rather by evidence-based policy. A critical step includes ensuring that competition in the telecom space is underpinned by quality service across all networks, so price shifts do not disadvantage consumers.
“If you’re being nudged away from one network due to pricing, the alternatives must be equally capable of delivering reliable service,” he stated, highlighting the need for balanced infrastructure investment.
The strategy prioritises affordability, quality, and data value. Mr. George noted that future changes may not only lower prices but also increase the volume of data customers receive for the same price.
To ensure transparency, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has deployed an independent team to Ghana to assess the local telecommunications market. Their findings will be used to guide final policy decisions, ensuring that reforms are grounded in data, not assumptions.
The Minister concluded with a promise: “Ghanaians will soon see tangible changes — more data, less cost — as we make digital access a right, not a privilege.”
