'There will be cheaper and enhanced data bundles on 5 holidays this year' - Sam George 

Communication Minister Sam Nartey George announced cheaper data bundles for Ghanaians. This will happen on five national holidays this year. The announcement follows an agreement with telecom companies.

George spoke on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday. He shared details of the deal made with telco CEOs. He also discussed plans to make data more affordable.

“I approached the CEOs about 18 holidays,” he said. “I asked them to replicate what they did on Independence Day.” They initially expressed concerns about business viability.

After negotiations, a compromise was reached. “We agreed on five national holidays,” he revealed. These are Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day.

On these days, there will be special data bundles at lower rates for all Ghanaians. This initiative builds on the successful Independence Day data relief program.

George emphasized that this is not the end of efforts for lower prices. He formed a committee that has already submitted a roadmap for future actions.

“Some thought I promised price drops in 14 days,” he clarified. “I said I would get a roadmap in 14 days.” The committee delivered it in just 13 days.

The roadmap includes short, medium, and long-term solutions. In the short term, prices won’t drop across the board yet. Specific demographics have been chosen for targeted assistance.

The Ministry is working with regulators to build databases for these groups. “Once we have the target data sets, we will announce it,” he stated.

He met with stakeholders who will provide necessary data support. The effort has received full backing from telecom companies as well.

“I met all three CEOs,” George noted. “They agreed we need to address high data prices.”

He identified taxation and power costs as major barriers to reforming prices. “Taxation plays a significant role,” he explained, along with power costs affecting operations.

George announced plans to engage the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). They aim to create a telecom tariff similar to those used in mining sectors.

“Mining firms receive bulk power at preferential rates; telecoms do not,” he pointed out. This needs to change for better pricing structures.

Through this comprehensive approach, George believes sustainable reforms can be achieved in data pricing. “This is not just talk; we’re taking action,” he asserted.

He expressed gratitude towards industry players for their commitment and cooperation. While changes may take time, Ghanaians will soon notice positive impacts from these initiatives.