Communications Minister vows to reduce data costs by year-end

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr. Sam Nartey George, is committed to reducing data costs for Ghanaians by the end of 2025.

He spoke at the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day event on Sunday. His comments came in response to public pressure on social media. Many users on X (formerly Twitter) want tariffs removed that inflate data prices by over 39%.

“I’ve been trending over the weekend on X,” he said. “People think data costs must be cheaper with just my pen.”

Mr. George acknowledged the public's concerns but emphasized that lowering data prices requires a strategic approach. He mentioned a committee he set up to address this issue had completed its work ahead of schedule.

“I set up a committee with a 14-day mandate to develop a roadmap,” he explained. “In just 13 days, they delivered that roadmap.”

The Minister pointed out that pricing challenges come from structural market issues built over eight years. He warned that quick decisions could lead to more market distortions.

“We’re dealing with eight years of market distortion,” he said. “I wish I could fix it arbitrarily, but it takes careful effort.”

Mr. George reassured the public about his commitment: “My promise was that by the end of this year, we will see prices drop—and my promise remains.” He urged everyone to trust the process.