Ghanaians to enjoy cheaper data on five national holidays – Sam George

Ghanaians will soon benefit from more affordable and enhanced data bundles on five key national holidays, following a new agreement between the Ministry of Communications and telecommunications companies.

Communication Minister Sam Nartey George announced the initiative during an interview on Joy News’ PM Express, revealing that the deal was reached after extensive negotiations with the CEOs of major telecom providers.

Initially proposing data relief on all 18 public holidays, the minister encountered resistance from the telcos, who warned that such a plan could threaten their financial stability.

“They told me I was going to collapse and bankrupt the businesses. After further discussions, a compromise was reached,” he recounted.

Under the new agreement, enhanced and discounted data bundles will be offered on five holidays: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day. The initiative builds on the success of the data relief offered on Independence Day, which saw Ghanaians receive improved data packages.

“This isn’t just a one-off, the same enhanced bundles from Independence Day will now be replicated on these five occasions,”Sam George stated.

He also addressed public expectations about broader price reductions, clarifying that he had promised a roadmap in 14 days, not an immediate drop in prices.

“In 13 days, the committee submitted that roadmap,” he emphasized.

The roadmap outlines short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to tackle the cost of data. While universal price reductions aren’t immediately feasible, the government is targeting specific demographics for relief and is building the necessary databases with support from regulators.

The minister acknowledged deeper structural challenges driving high data costs, including taxation and energy expenses. To address this, he announced plans to engage the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission to establish a special electricity tariff for telecom firms, similar to what is already in place for the mining industry.

“Our telecom towers consume significant power across the country, yet the sector doesn’t receive bulk power rates like the mining companies do. That has to change,” he said.

Sam George commended the telecom industry for their cooperation and commitment to the reforms, stressing that these efforts are far from symbolic.

“This is not just a talk shop. We’re putting in the work,” he affirmed, assuring Ghanaians that while reforms will take time, they will soon begin to feel the difference in data pricing.