Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing internet data prices by the end of 2025, pledging that a strategic roadmap is already in motion to address long-standing concerns over affordability.
Speaking at the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day celebration on May 19, Minister George acknowledged public frustration over high data charges, which are burdened by cumulative tariffs exceeding 39% per purchase.
“My promise was that by the end of this year, we will see prices drop and my promise remains. Just trust the process,” he said.
In February, the government inaugurated an inter-agency committee including telecom operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to draft a plan to guide the reduction.
The committee delivered its recommendations in just 13 days, ahead of its two-week deadline.
Minister George attributed current pricing challenges to market distortions that have accumulated over the past eight years.
He emphasized the need for a measured and strategic rollout to prevent unintended market disruptions.
As part of interim relief, he announced that Ghanaians can expect discounted and enhanced data bundles on five national holidays in 2025: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day. This follows agreements reached with telecom companies.
However, George noted that, eliminating or reducing the existing data tariffs is a key contributor to high prices falls under the Ministry of Finance’s jurisdiction.
He expressed optimism about ongoing inter-ministerial collaboration to address this issue.
“We’re doing the hard work now so that Ghanaians can enjoy long-term, sustainable reductions in data costs,” he added, encouraging citizens to remain patient as implementation progresses.
The initiative is a central part of the government’s broader digital inclusion agenda aimed at expanding affordable internet access nationwide.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
