Ghana to Reduce Mobile Data Prices, Users to Get More Value — Minister Samuel Nartey George

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, has revealed a government roadmap aimed at lowering mobile data prices in Ghana, addressing a long-standing challenge that has made internet access costly for many citizens.

In an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency, Minister George acknowledged that although Ghana’s data prices are relatively affordable compared to some African countries, the cost remains high when measured against local incomes. Currently, the average price for 1GB of mobile data is about GHS17 (approximately $1.37), nearly matching the daily minimum wage of GHS19.97 ($1.61). This pricing makes consistent internet access difficult for a large portion of the population.

Roadmap for Price Reduction

The Minister assured Ghanaians that mobile data prices will be adjusted downward in the coming months. However, he stressed that the Ministry will follow a carefully developed roadmap crafted by a 23-member Inter-Agency Data Pricing Committee, rather than acting on public sentiment or pressure.

After 14 days of deliberation, the committee produced a strategic plan that is now being implemented. Minister George emphasized the importance of ensuring that alternative networks are robust enough to handle increased demand before making pricing changes that affect dominant providers.

“If you want me to move from network A because you’ve made them more expensive, is network B going to give me the quality of service I want?” the Minister asked, highlighting the need for concurrent investment across all networks to maintain service quality.

Focus on Price, Quality, and Value

The Ministry’s strategy prioritizes not only reducing prices but also improving the value users receive. Minister George explained, “If today you were getting, say, 100 gigabytes for a certain price, value would mean that you could get more than 100 gigabytes at the same price.”

He affirmed that soon, Ghanaians will be able to purchase more data at lower prices than what is currently offered by telecom companies.

Independent Assessment by ITU

To ensure policy decisions are based on solid evidence, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has dispatched a team to Ghana for an independent assessment of the data pricing landscape. This evaluation will guide future pricing policies, ensuring affordability aligns with Ghana’s economic realities.

Challenges and Context

The Minister acknowledged that previous attempts to reduce data prices failed due to policy implementation challenges and structural issues in the telecom sector. Factors such as high taxes, infrastructure costs, and electricity expenses contribute significantly to operational costs for network providers.

Industry leaders, including the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, have welcomed the government’s approach, emphasizing the need for a balanced solution that protects consumer interests while ensuring network operators remain viable.

Public Sentiment

While some consumers have expressed frustration over high data costs affecting daily activities and business operations, others rely on promotional packages offered by telecom providers to manage expenses. Despite Ghana’s relatively low data prices compared to some neighboring countries, affordability remains a concern for many.

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The government’s roadmap to reduce mobile data prices represents a significant step toward digital inclusion and economic participation. With coordinated efforts across government, industry, and international partners, Ghanaians can expect more affordable and better-value internet access by the end of 2025.