The Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a significant reduction in data prices in Ghana by the end of 2025.
Speaking publicly after trending over the weekend on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), due to widespread discussions around data costs, the minister clarified the government’s ongoing approach to achieving affordable data for Ghanaians.
In an impassioned response to public concerns and misconceptions, Hon. Sam George addressed what he termed a misinterpretation of his earlier announcement regarding a committee set up to address high data costs.
“Let me be clear about this, and because the media is here, the NCA Director General has spoken about the work that we’re doing. I set up a committee in February, and people failed to listen to exactly what we set out to do with that committee”.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
The Minister emphasised that the committee’s mandate was never to reduce data prices within fourteen days, but rather to develop a road map within that period, which would eventually lead to a reduction in data prices over time.
He stressed that the committee, comprised of telecom companies, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and other sector stakeholders, was to outline actionable steps to lower prices in the short, medium, and long term.
“In thirteen days, that committee, working without receiving a penny from the taxpayer’s coffers, delivered a road map. Based on that road map, I tasked the Director-General of the NCA and the regulator to engage with stakeholders, including telecom CEOs, on what we could do immediately and in the long term.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
The Minister’s comments are made in the context of Ghana’s digital transformation, where internet connectivity is becoming a necessity for civic engagement, business, and education.
However, a lot of Ghanaians still gripe about expensive data plans and demand that policies be changed to lower the cost and increase accessibility of connectivity.
Addressing Market Distortion
Acknowledging the structural complexity of the issue, Hon. Sam George explained that the country is currently dealing with the ramifications of “eight years of distortion of the market.”
He noted that while the public clamour for immediate action is understandable, any rash intervention could backfire. “I wish I could fix it arbitrarily, but it takes a very calculated attempt not to create further distortions by acting irrationally”, the Minister remarked.
To further support evidence-based policymaking, the Minister revealed that he has engaged with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is marking its 160th anniversary, to conduct an independent study of Ghana’s data tariffs.
According to Hon. Sam George, he has tasked Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, head of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, to deliver a comprehensive tariff analysis report within eight weeks.
The results of the ITU’s study, the Minister assured, will then be aligned with the NCA’s findings to inform a more holistic and sustainable pricing policy.
“I will not act habitually. I will not give directives that will affect the industry. What I will do is to consult with industry, consult with stakeholders, and make decisions that protect investment in Ghana but also ensure that Ghanaian customers and citizens have the best quality of service and get the best pricing.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
Open and Consultative Leadership
Hon. Sam George, who took office as Minister earlier this year, has already been praised by some within the sector for his open and consultative leadership style.
During the event, Estelle Akofio-Sowah, a leading voice in Ghana’s digital ecosystem, commended his collaborative approach to addressing complex industry challenges.
In closing, the Minister reiterated his commitment to reducing data prices before the year ends and urged the public to be patient and “trust the process.”
“My promise was that by the end of this year, we would see prices of data drop, and I remain committed to it. We will deliver on that. But trust the process, you have my promise.”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Innovation and Technology
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