Trust the process – Sam George on data price reduction

Sam Nartey George is the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations. He promised Ghanaians that data prices will drop by the end of this year.

George noted that many believe data costs can be lowered easily. He urged Ghanaians to trust the process he has initiated. A committee was formed to create a roadmap for reducing data prices within 14 days.

Recently, Sam George trended on X due to public pressure. Many are asking him to remove the over 39% tariffs on data purchases. This removal would help lower data costs.

At the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day event, he addressed these concerns. He said, “I’ve been trending because people think I can change prices with a pen.”

He explained that his committee delivered a roadmap in just 13 days. However, he emphasized that fixing eight years of market distortion takes time and effort.

“My promise remains: we will see price drops by year-end,” he stated. He asked people to trust the process.

In a post on X, George acknowledged public enthusiasm about tariff reductions. However, he clarified that only the Finance Minister can remove taxes or tariffs affecting government revenue.

He expressed appreciation for ongoing discussions with Finance and Energy Ministers for medium-term solutions. In the short term, regulators will implement policies for immediate relief.

In response to his post, critics pointed out contradictions in his statements. They reminded him of past criticisms against former ministers regarding regulatory tariffs not approved by Parliament.

They questioned why he now claims only Parliament can reverse such decisions while in office.