Communication Minister Sam Nartey George has announced that Ghanaians will enjoy more affordable and improved data bundles on five national holidays this year, thanks to a new agreement with telecom companies.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, the Ningo Prampram MP shared details of the deal and broader efforts to reduce the cost of data.

“I went to the CEOs with 18 holidays in the country, asking that they do what they did on Independence Day,” he said. “They said I was going to collapse and bankrupt the businesses.”

After several discussions, the parties agreed on five key dates:Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day.

“On these five days, there will be specialised data bundles, cheaper rates for every Ghanaian,” he disclosed.

He explained that this builds on the discounted data packages offered during Independence Day earlier this year.“What we did on Independence Day, the enhanced bundles — that’s going to be replicated,” he confirmed.

Beyond this holiday offer, Mr. George emphasized his commitment to making data more affordable in the long term. He clarified reports about a 14-day timeline:

“People said I promised prices would drop in 14 days. No. I said I would get a roadmap in 14 days,” he clarified. “And in 13 days, the committee submitted it.”

That roadmap outlines short, medium, and long-term strategies. In the short term, he said price cuts across the board are not yet possible, so efforts will target specific groups.

“In the short term, we are not in a position to drop prices across the whole spectrum,” he admitted. “So we’ve picked specific demographics.”

He said the Ministry is now working with the industry regulator to build a database of the groups they want to support first.

“Once we have the data sets of individuals we are targeting, the announcement will be made,” he said. “I met with the stakeholders today who must provide that data.”

Sam George confirmed that telecom CEOs are fully on board.“I met all three CEOs. And all three agreed we needed to do something about data prices.”

He also highlighted deeper structural issues, especially high taxes and electricity costs, that contribute to expensive data.

“Taxation is a big part of it,” he said. “And the cost build-up in terms of power.”

To address this, the minister revealed plans to engage the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission to create a special electricity tariff for telecom companies, just like what’s offered to mining companies.

“Mining gets bulk power at a preferential rate. Telecom doesn’t, even though towers across Ghana are consuming power. That must change.”

He believes this comprehensive approach will bring lasting improvements to how much Ghanaians pay for data.

“This is not just a talk shop,” he said. “We’re putting in the work.”

He also thanked the telecom industry for their cooperation.“I must say I’m extremely grateful to the three telcos. They’ve shown commitment.”

While stressing that progress will take time, he assured Ghanaians that positive changes are on the way.