Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has reaffirmed his commitment to reducing internet data costs for Ghanaians by the end of 2025.
Speaking at the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day event on May 19, 2025, he urged the public to trust the process, emphasizing that his ministry is actively working with telecom providers to make internet access more affordable.
“My promise was that by the end of this year, we will see prices drop—and my promise remains. Just trust the process,” he stated.
His remarks come amid growing frustration over high data costs, particularly on social media, where users have called for immediate action. Many have criticized the government for failing to address the issue sooner, with some arguing that data prices have risen by over 39% due to tariffs imposed on telecom services.
A Strategic Approach to Lowering Costs
Sam George acknowledged the public’s concerns but explained that reducing prices requires strategic reforms, not just a quick decision. He revealed that his ministry had set up a committee in February to develop a roadmap for lowering data costs.
“I set up a committee whose mandate in 14 days was to develop a roadmap that would lead to a drop in the prices of data. In 13 days, they delivered that roadmap,” he explained.
The minister emphasized that Ghana’s telecom sector has faced eight years of market distortions, making it difficult to implement immediate price reductions. He assured Ghanaians that his team is addressing deep-rooted structural issues to ensure long-term affordability.
Public Pressure and Social Media Backlash
Sam George has faced intense scrutiny on X (formerly Twitter), where users have demanded urgent intervention. Some critics argue that the government should remove tariffs on data services to ease the financial burden on consumers.
Responding to the backlash, the minister clarified that while he supports lower prices, policy changes must be carefully calculated to avoid further disruptions in the telecom industry.
“I’ve been trending over the weekend on X because people think data costs must be cheaper by just the stroke of my pen,” he said.
What’s Next for Ghana’s Telecom Sector?
With the roadmap now in place, Sam George has urged Ghanaians to remain patient as the government works toward implementing cost-saving measures. He reiterated that his ministry is collaborating with telecom operators, regulators, and industry stakeholders to ensure that data prices become more affordable before the year ends
As Ghana moves toward digital transformation, the reduction in data costs could significantly impact education, business, and social connectivity, making internet access more inclusive for all.
For now, Ghanaians will have to wait and see whether the minister’s promise materializes—and whether the long-awaited price cuts will truly ease the burden on consumers.
Baina Multimedia/Khadijahtu Kubura Kailani
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