Tuesday, 20 May

Communications Minister vows to reduce data costs by year-end

Technology
Sam Nartey George

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

Speaking at the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day event on Sunday, Mr. George responded to growing public pressure on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users have called for the removal of tariffs said to be inflating data prices by over 39%.

“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.

Mr. George explained that while he shares the public’s concerns, reducing data prices requires a deliberate and strategic approach.

He disclosed that a committee he set up to tackle the issue completed its mandate ahead of schedule.

“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 stated.

The Minister noted that the data pricing challenges stem from structural market issues built up over the past eight years, adding that a hasty decision could lead to further market distortions.

“We’re dealing with eight years of distortion of the market.

I wish I could fix it arbitrarily, but it takes a carefully calculated effort,” he explained.

Reassuring the public, Mr. George reiterated his pledge: “My promise was that by the end of this year, we will see prices drop—and my promise remains. Just trust the process.”

 

 

Source: Classfmonline.com/Edem Afanou