Data cost to reduce by end of year — Sam George

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation is taking steps to reduce data connectivity costs in Ghana by the end of 2025.

Sector Minister Samuel Nartey George announced that a committee established in February 2025 has developed a roadmap aimed at lowering data prices. The committee comprises representatives from telecom companies, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and other key stakeholders. Remarkably, the group worked for 13 consecutive days without receiving any remuneration from taxpayers.

“Based on that roadmap, I instructed the Director-General of the NCA and the regulator to engage with stakeholders to explore short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions,” Mr. George said.

“To the citizens of this country, my promise is that by the end of this year, data prices will drop — and I remain fully committed to that. We will deliver on this promise. I trust the process,” he added.

Mr. George, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, made the remarks during an event in Accra to mark this year’s World Telecommunications and Information Society Day. The event, held on Monday, was themed: “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.”

Addressing recent social media commentary, the minister clarified that his earlier statement on reducing data costs had been misinterpreted.

“I was trending over the weekend on Twitter — not for my looks or my work — but because, whether intentionally or not, people misunderstood my statement to mean data prices could be cut instantly, with the stroke of a pen,” he said.

He emphasized his confidence in the technical expertise of the regulator and the ongoing collaboration with telecom companies to ensure both business sustainability and value for consumers.

Independent Tariff Review

Mr. George also disclosed that the ministry has engaged the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to conduct an independent study of telecom tariffs in Ghana. The report is expected within eight weeks.

He explained that the findings from the ITU will be compared with those from the NCA to help the ministry make informed policy decisions.

“I will not issue directives that negatively impact the industry. Instead, I will consult with industry players and stakeholders to ensure decisions protect investment while also delivering affordable, high-quality service to consumers,” he assured.