The Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has announced a series of impactful data price reforms set to take effect from Tuesday, July 1st, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference, Hon. Sam George detailed increased data values across all major network operators and outlined a comprehensive strategy to further reduce data costs through tax rationalisation and energy tariff adjustments.
The reforms are a direct result of extensive engagements with the Chief Executive Officers of Ghana’s telecommunications companies, underscoring the government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to consumers.
According to the Minister, beginning July 1st, 2025, consumers with Airtel/Tigo Ghana (AT-Ghana) will experience a 10% value increase across all existing data bundles. Notably, their GHS 400 bundle, previously offering 195 gigabytes of data, will now provide a generous 236 gigabytes.
Similarly, Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (TELECEL) customers are set to benefit from a 10% value increase on all their data bundles. Crucially, TELECEL’s GHS 400 bundle, which currently offers 90 gigabytes, will see a substantial boost to 250 gigabytes.
MTN’s Offer
Perhaps the most significant adjustment will be seen with Scancom Ghana Limited (MTN), the dominant player in the market. MTN customers will enjoy a 15% value increase across all data bundles.
Furthermore, Hon. Sam George announced the welcome restoration of the GHS 399 bundle. This bundle, which had been changed to a GHS 350 offering 92.88 gigabytes, will now be reinstated to its original price point of GHS 399 but will provide a substantial 214 gigabytes of data.
The Minister acknowledged that the adjustments for MTN are “steeper” than those for the other operators, attributing this to MTN’s Significant Market Power (SMP) status.
He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuously working with the regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and MTN to review this status and make necessary adjustments to achieve the desired market realignment.
“I am aware these increases are gonna come at a considerable cost to the network operators. However, I am glad that our engagements and the consultations are bearing fruit for the Ghanaian people.
“To the CEOs, you have my gratitude. We have pledged our continued fidelity to the people of Ghana, who are the customers of the telcos”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
July 1st Implementation
The Minister made the point that the July 1st implementation date has been set to allow networks sufficient time to recalibrate and reconfigure their systems to accurately reflect the agreed-upon value increases.
The Communications Minister directed the National Communications Authority to monitor the strict implementation of these directives from July 1st, with clear instructions to apply sanctions in cases of non-compliance.
Addressing public concerns regarding alleged arbitrary charges or changes in data prices by operators, Hon. Sam George clarified that “the facts do not support a claim” of such practices.
He cited a report from the NCA’s billing verification system, which assessed the billing integrity of mobile data services for MTN, TELECEL, and AT-Ghana in Q3 2024.
According to Hon. Sam George, this test found that all data bundles purchased were correctly credited and remained intact throughout their validity, with no unexpected data losses.
Additionally, non-expiry data bundles did not expire, and all unused data bundles were successfully rolled over after resubscription.
Accountability and Transparency Check
To ensure continued transparency and accountability, the NCA has been directed to conduct quarterly billing integrity tests for data services, with a specific focus on scenarios involving popular applications and websites. Any inaccuracies in billing, the Minister warned, would result in appropriate sanctions.
Looking ahead, Hon. Sam George outlined ambitious plans for further reductions in data prices, contingent on policy shifts from other government ministries.
He expressed confidence that a significant drop in actual data prices would occur once the Ministry of Finance takes action on the tax components within the sector.
“I’m continuing my engagement with the Honourable Finance Minister to get his approval for the rationalisation of some components in the tax builder in the sector.
“If we are able to have a proper rationalisation of the taxes, we should see a drop in the almost 39% tax build-up in the price of data in the country. If that drops, we would insist that the telcos pass that on to their customers”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
Another key area of focus for the Communications Minister is securing a “telecom tariff” from the Minister of Energy and Green Transitions and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
He argued that without a dedicated telecom tariff, similar to what the mining sector enjoys, the cost of delivering services will remain inhibitive. Granting such a tariff, he believes, would lead to further price drops for current data offerings.
Concluding his address, Hon. Sam George reiterated his unwavering commitment to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him by President John Dramani Mahama.
He pledged to continue robust engagement with stakeholders to protect investments in Ghana and position the nation as an attractive investment destination, while simultaneously encouraging further investment.
His ultimate allegiance, he emphasized, lies with the people of Ghana, promising to serve them with “heart, with sweat, and with blood” to “fix the mess that I have inherited in this ministry.“
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