A 23-member Inter-Agency Data Pricing Committee has been formed by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to tackle the issue of high data costs in Ghana.

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The committee, which was inaugurated in Accra, is composed of stakeholders from various sectors of the digital space. Its main goal is to create a comprehensive roadmap that will guide efforts to reduce the cost of data services in the country.

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The committee is tasked with reviewing current pricing models and developing recommendations for more affordable and competitive data services that support digital inclusion and foster economic growth. They are expected to present their final roadmap report to the Minister by March 6, 2025.

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Minister George emphasized that the creation of the committee highlights the government's commitment to ensuring transparency in data pricing and bridging the digital divide in Ghana.

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“The players in the industry are not Chancellors and are businessmen, but like I have always said, my fidelity is first and foremost to the Ghanaian people before any other consideration. On the basis of that, we are going to put up this technical committee to have a conversation around the pricing of data. The focus of the committee is not for you to tell the ministry why data is priced at its current price point,” he stated.

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The Minister also referenced a proposal from a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) made to the National Communication Authority in January 2024, suggesting a 10% reduction in data prices. However, the Ministry had yet to respond to the proposal, and it remains under consideration for nearly a year.

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“We are committed to ensuring value for money. The best value and offering for the Ghanaian people is our primary goal,” Minister George noted. He further stressed that he wanted a thorough examination of all data bundle offerings across the networks, rather than focusing on individual proposals from a single MNO.

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The Minister recognized the potential of young Ghanaians to benefit from cheaper, affordable data, noting that it would empower them to take on gig economy jobs internationally.

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“This is a call to national service, a call to national duty, both for the Committee members and as players in the industry,” he concluded.

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Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, expressed support for the initiative, calling it a crucial step to ensure that Ghanaians receive value for money when it comes to data services. He also acknowledged the complexity of the issue and pledged his commitment to meeting the committee’s objectives.

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Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), also praised the establishment of the committee, particularly for including the student union. He pointed out that students often struggle with high data costs, especially during online classes and research activities, and expressed optimism that the committee’s work would result in fairer pricing for all.

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