Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has formed a 23-member committee—drawing from the communications, energy, and finance sectors, and the National Communications Authority (NCA) and Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)—to devise a plan within 14 working days to make internet access more affordable.
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Minister George stressed that this initiative prioritizes citizens over telecom profits. While telcos are businesses, he said current pricing needs serious rethinking. The committee will explore ways to reduce costs or increase data bundles without raising prices.
An unexpected but key player is the energy sector as electricity makes up about 80% of network operators’ costs. Coupled with currency instability and low competition, it’s clear why data remains expensive. The committee aims to tackle all these issues.
Telcos, through the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, have pledged their support, and students, represented by the National Union of Ghana Students, have welcomed the inclusive approach, citing data’s impact on education.
This move could mark a turning point toward fairer internet access for all Ghanaians.
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