The Ministry of Communication and Digital Innovations has assured Ghanaians of reducing the cost of data by the end of 2025.

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According to the sector Minister, Sam George, a committee that was set in February had developed a roadmap meant to drive plans for data reduction.

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Speaking at an event to commemorate this year’s World Telecommunications and Information Society Day at a ceremony in Accra last Monday on the theme: “Gender equality in digital transformation,” the minister said,

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“Based on that roadmap, I made the Director-General of the NCA and the regulator engage with stakeholders on what we could do in the immediate, medium term, and the long term.

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“So to citizens of this country, my promise is that by the end of this year, we will see data prices drop, and I remain committed to it. We will deliver on that. I trust the process,” he added.

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The member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram said the committee, which included telecom companies, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and other sector players, worked for 13 days without receiving any payment from taxpayers.

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Adding that, his outfit had also engaged the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to do an independent study of tariffs in the country and present a report in eight weeks.

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This, he said, would allow the ministry to align the report with that of the NCA report and take an informed policy decision.

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“I will not give directives that will affect the industry. What I will do is consult with industry and stakeholders and make decisions that protect investments in the country.

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“I will also ensure that customers have the best quality of service and at prices they can afford,” he added.

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Sam George also provided clarity to a section of Ghanaians who have been chiding him for failing to reduce data cost immediately he assumed office some months ago.

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"Look, we are dealing with 8 years of the distortion of the market. I wish I could fix it arbitrarily. But it takes a very calculated attempt not to create further distortions by acting irrationally."

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Meanwhile, the minister has arranged for cheaper data bundles on five national holidays in the year.

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These selected holidays are: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day.

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According to him, the initial plan was to offer discounted packages on all 18 public holidays in the year, but this proved unfeasible as telecommunications companies pushed back against the proposal.

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Nonetheless Ghanains enjoyed discounted data bundles for the first time on a public holiday, starting with March 6th (Independence Day).

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A similar offer was made on May 1 (May Day), and the public is assured of enjoying the same benefit for the three remaining selected holidays ahead in the year.

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Watch the video below:

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