Editorial: Addressing high cost of data as a developmental challenge

It comes as a great relief for Ghanaians to learn that three major telecommunications companies in the country – MTN, Telecel and government-owned AT – are set to make significant reductions in the cost of their data bundles by increasing the amount of data provided.

The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, announced that state-owned AT and Telecel will apply a 10 percent increase on the amount of all data bundles for the same price, effective July 1, 2025.

While the price of these data bundles remains the same, telecos are directed to increase the amount of data offered for the same cost as data packages already known to customers.

That is to say, the telcos will increase the amount of their data bundles by 10 percent, thereby reducing the cost.

 Hence, the GH¢400 Telecel bundle that currently offers 195 gigabytes of data will now offer 236 gigabytes of data and Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited’s (AT) GH¢400 bundle, which currently offers 90 gigabytes will offer 250 gigabytes from 1st of July.

MTN Ghana, on the other hand,  will effect a rather higher 15 percent increase on it’s data bundles. The communications minister said after a fruitful engagement with Chief Executive Officers of the telcos, they all agreed to increase their data bundles effective July 1.

He charged the regulator, NCA, to ensure strict adherence to the directive, stressing that failure to comply will attract sanctions. The cost of internet access in Ghana is considered high compared to other countries, impacting both consumers and businesses.

Indeed, internet data has become an essential utility akin to water and electricity. It powers education, business, communication and entertainment, making it a critical driver of socio-economic development.

Therefore, the high cost of internet data in Ghana has become a significant burden for consumers.

The high cost of data is not just a consumer issue; it is a national development challenge that requires a multifaceted approach to address.  It is no exaggeration to say that many Ghanaians spend more on internet data than food.

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