The Ghanaian government, in collaboration with the nation’s three major mobile network operators – MTN, Telecel, and Airtel/Tigo (AT) – has unveiled an initiative to offer special data bundle packages to all subscribers during five designated national holidays. These holidays include Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founder’s Day, and Farmers Day. This initiative aims to provide affordable internet access to the public during these celebratory occasions, fostering connectivity and enabling citizens to fully participate in the festivities. The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, during a press conference held in Accra. The program was initially piloted during Independence Day, recording a resounding success that prompted its extension to other national holidays.
The success of the Independence Day pilot program, which saw significant uptake and positive feedback from subscribers, solidified the decision to implement the initiative on a recurring basis. Mr. Nartey George expressed his enthusiasm for the project and emphasized the collaborative efforts with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the mobile network operators in ensuring the seamless execution of the initiative during subsequent holidays, beginning with May Day. This collaborative approach underscores the government’s commitment to working with stakeholders to improve digital access and affordability for the benefit of all Ghanaians. The announcement of this initiative formed part of a broader update on the Ministry’s activities and achievements during the first quarter of the year.
Beyond the holiday-specific data bundles, the Ministry has also taken significant steps to address the broader issue of data affordability in Ghana. Recognizing the crucial role of internet access in modern society, the Minister established a multi-stakeholder Data Cost Pricing Committee in February. This committee comprised representatives from various sectors, including telecommunication service providers, consumer advocacy groups, and regulatory bodies. The committee’s mandate was to analyze the current data pricing landscape and propose recommendations for achieving more affordable data costs for consumers. The committee’s swift delivery of its report within 13 days demonstrated the urgency and commitment with which the government is addressing this issue.
The recommendations submitted by the Data Cost Pricing Committee were promptly forwarded to the National Communications Authority (NCA) for review and development of implementation plans. The NCA, under the leadership of its Acting Director-General, engaged in extensive discussions with the mobile network operators to explore practical implementation modalities. These engagements involved exploring various pricing models and technical considerations to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed changes. The Minister’s personal involvement in these discussions, through meetings with the CEOs of the three mobile network operators, further underscores the government’s commitment to driving this initiative forward.
As a result of these concerted efforts, all three mobile network operators have presented tailored data bundle proposals to the Ministry and the NCA. These proposals specifically address the needs of tertiary students, content creators, and individuals involved in the gig economy, recognizing the increasing reliance on data connectivity for educational, professional, and entrepreneurial endeavors. These targeted data bundles aim to reduce the financial burden on these specific demographics, promoting increased access to online resources and opportunities. This tailored approach reflects a nuanced understanding of the diverse data needs of various segments of the population.
The finalization of implementation and technical requirements for these new data bundles is currently underway, overseen by the NCA in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. This includes ensuring the necessary infrastructure and systems are in place to support the rollout of the new data bundles. Following this finalization process, the new data bundles will be publicly launched, making them readily available to the intended beneficiaries. The Minister’s announcement of these developments marks a significant step towards realizing the government’s goal of making data more accessible and affordable for all Ghanaians, driving digital inclusion and fostering economic growth.
