Communication Minister Sam Nartey George has announced a new initiative aimed at providing Ghanaians with cheaper and enhanced data bundles on five national holidays this year.
His announcement follows successful negotiations with major telecom operators after his proposal for special data packages was initially met with resistance.
Speaking during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express, Sam Nartey George explained that he approached the telecom CEOs with aspirations of offering dedicated deals for 18 national holidays. “They were concerned about the potential impact on their businesses,” he noted. After several discussions, a consensus was reached to implement these changes on five key holidays: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day.
The new initiative is an extension of the enhanced data bundles first introduced on Independence Day, which proved popular among citizens.
Minister Sam Nartey George reassured the public that the same promotional structure would be made available on these designated holidays. “On these days, every Ghanaian will have access to specialized data bundles at reduced rates,” he affirmed.
While discussing broader reductions in data prices, Sam Nartey George clarified that the government is currently drafting a roadmap to address this issue comprehensively.
“People said I promised prices would drop in 14 days. No. I said we would get a roadmap in 14 days,” he explained. “And in 13 days, the committee submitted it.”
“In the short term, we are not in a position to drop prices across the whole spectrum,” he admitted. “So we’ve picked specific demographics.”
The Ministry is working hand in hand with the regulator to create a detailed database aimed at identifying and reaching specific target groups. This initiative is essential for ensuring that support and resources are directed where they are most needed.
“Once we have the data sets of individuals we are targeting, the announcement will be made,” he added. “I met with the stakeholders today who must provide that data.”
A committee was formed to lay out a plan within two weeks, and as promised, it delivered a structured approach within 13 days.
The minister shared that the roadmap includes a comprehensive set of solutions designed to tackle the issue of data costs. These solutions are categorized into short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies, ensuring a well-rounded approach to making data more affordable for everyone.
As part of this initiative, a database is being built to track and identify individuals who will benefit from the targeted reforms. Sam Nartey George emphasized that the government is committed to providing meaningful solutions while acknowledging that some structural issues—such as high taxes and rising power costs—remain significant barriers to price reductions.
He urged a reevaluation of how telecom companies are charged for electricity. “Telecom doesn’t receive preferential rates despite the high power consumption of their operations, unlike the mining sector,” he said, signifying a need for reform in how tariffs are structured.
Sam Nartey George expressed optimism about the proposed multi-faceted strategy for reforms, indicating that improvements would take time but would result in substantial changes for Ghanaians in the long run. He also highlighted the cooperative spirit of the telecom industry in working towards these goals, recognizing the collaborations with all three major telecom CEOs.
For now, Ghanaians can look forward to enjoying better data rates on selected holidays this year, along with a detailed plan for ongoing price reductions in the telecommunications sector.
Ghanaians To Enjoy Cheaper Data bundles On Five National Holidays This year – Sam Nartey George.
Some major telecommunication networks in Ghana include AirtelTigo, MTN, ane Telecel.
Some Statutory Public Holidays in Ghana include: New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1, Constitution Day – Tuesday, January 7 , Independence Day – Thursday, March 6, Good Friday – Friday, April 18, Easter Monday – Monday, April 21, May Day (Workers’ Day) – Thursday, May 1, Founders’ Day – Monday, August 4, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day – Sunday, September 21, Farmers’ Day – Friday, December 5, Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25, Boxing Day – Friday, December 26, etc.
