Communication Minister Sam Nartey George has announced that Ghanaians will enjoy cheaper and enhanced data bundles on five national holidays this year, following a breakthrough agreement with telecom operators.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, the Ningo Prampram MP revealed that after extensive negotiations with the CEOs of the country’s telecom companies, a deal was reached to replicate the special data packages that were introduced on Independence Day.
“I went to the CEOs with the proposal of 18 holidays in the country, asking that they do what they did on Independence Day,” he recounted. “They said I was going to collapse and bankrupt the businesses.”
After several rounds of discussions, a compromise was reached.
“We agreed on five national holidays,” he disclosed. “Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day. On these five days, there will be specialised data bundles, cheaper rates for every Ghanaian.”
The initiative builds on the enhanced bundles offered during the Independence Day celebrations.
“What we did on Independence Day — the enhanced bundles — that’s going to be replicated,” he confirmed.
Sam George also addressed public expectations regarding broader data price reductions, clarifying that a committee had been tasked to chart a roadmap for future reforms.
“People said I promised prices would drop in 14 days. No. I said I would get a roadmap in 14 days,” he explained. “And in 13 days, the committee submitted it.”
The roadmap, according to the minister, contains short, medium, and long-term solutions aimed at addressing the cost of data.
“In the short term, we are not in a position to drop prices across the whole spectrum,” he admitted. “So we’ve picked specific demographics.”
The Ministry, in collaboration with the regulator, is building a database to identify and target those groups.
“Once we have the data sets of individuals we are targeting, the announcement will be made,” he added. “I met with the stakeholders today who must provide that data.”
The minister praised telecom companies for their collaboration.
“I met all three CEOs. And all three agreed we needed to do something about data prices,” he said.
Beyond immediate relief, the minister highlighted structural issues such as taxation and power costs as major contributors to high data prices.
“Taxation is a big part of it,” he noted. “And the cost build-up in terms of power.”
He further announced plans to engage the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to introduce a telecom-specific tariff, similar to what is offered to mining companies.
“Mining gets bulk power at a preferential rate. Telecom doesn’t, even though towers across Ghana are consuming power. That must change,” he stressed.
Sam George expressed confidence that the government’s multi-pronged strategy will deliver meaningful and sustainable reforms.
“This is not just a talk shop,” he assured. “We’re putting in the work.”
He also acknowledged the cooperation of industry players.
“I must say I’m extremely grateful to the three telcos. They’ve shown commitment.”
While admitting that the process will take time, the minister was optimistic that Ghanaians will soon feel the impact.
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