Ghanaians can look forward to cheaper holiday data bundles on five national holidays in 2024. This comes after a successful deal between the Ministry of Communications and telecom providers.
Communication Minister and Ningo Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George, shared the news on PM Express on Tuesday. He said the agreement aims to provide affordable and enhanced data bundles on selected holidays.
“I approached telco CEOs with a proposal to roll out special bundles on all 18 holidays,” he said. “They warned it would hurt their businesses.”
After negotiations, both sides agreed to focus on five holidays: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day. On these days, users will enjoy discounted and upgraded data bundles.
“We are replicating what was done on Independence Day,” Sam George said. “These bundles will be cheaper and available to everyone.”
He emphasized that the effort to reduce data prices will continue. He formed a committee to create a roadmap, which was submitted in just 13 days.
“People misquoted me. I didn’t say prices would drop in 14 days. I said we would deliver a plan,” he clarified.
The roadmap outlines short-, medium-, and long-term strategies. In the short term, the ministry will target specific user groups instead of a general price cut.
“We’re building a database to identify these groups,” he said. “Once that’s done, we’ll make an announcement.”
He confirmed support from telecom CEOs, saying all three backed the initiative.
Sam George also highlighted bigger challenges like taxation and electricity costs. “Taxes and high power charges drive data prices up,” he explained.
To fix this, the Ministry plans to work with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission. They want to introduce a telecom tariff like the one for mining firms. “Mining companies get bulk power at reduced rates. Telecom towers need the same,” he argued.
The government believes this multi-step plan will bring lasting change to data pricing.
“This is not just talk. We’re taking action,” he assured.
He thanked the telecom companies for their support. “I truly appreciate their commitment. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible.”
Though the changes won’t be instant, Sam George promised Ghanaians will soon feel the difference in data affordability.
