Ghanaian households and businesses now receive significantly more mobile and fixed broadband data for less money. This follows direct government negotiations with mobile network operators.
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, confirmed the changes. He stated that these negotiations secured better value for consumers. MTN increased mobile data volumes on its bundles by 15%. Airtel and Telecel also increased their data volumes by 10%.
This intervention means every Cedi spent on mobile data now buys substantially more. The government extended these efforts beyond mobile data to fixed broadband services. This resulted in major price reductions for fixed internet users. This move aligns with broader national efforts to enhance digital inclusion and economic participation.
Minister George stated, “I engaged directly with the chief executives of our mobile network operators, and that engagement bore fruit.” He highlighted MTN’s 70% cut in fibre broadband prices. For example, MTN’s 800 Mbps unlimited package dropped from GHS 987 to GHS 299 per month. This represents an almost GHS 600 monthly saving for families and businesses.
The price reductions are expected to boost digital literacy and e-commerce activities. Lower data costs can also support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by reducing operational expenses. This makes digital services more accessible for a wider segment of the population. The government's proactive stance aims to correct past policy and regulatory gaps.
Telecel also revised its fixed-data prices earlier this year. These changes resulted in remarkable reductions for its customers. Minister George emphasized that Ghanaian families and enterprises now get more data on both phones and fixed lines. This is significantly less than they paid a year ago.
The Minister acknowledged that affordability is only one part of the telecommunications challenge. Network quality and coverage remain concerns for many users. The ministry, working through the sector regulator, is taking steps to expand connectivity and digital infrastructure. This ensures that digital ambitions are supported by reliable networks.
Minister George attributed current challenges to nearly a decade of inadequate policy and regulatory attention. He noted that Ghana’s telecommunications sector shifted from voice-driven to data-driven. Policy and regulation failed to keep pace with this change. He stated, “For almost 10 years, next to little was demanded of operators by way of policy or regulation to match that shift with investment.”
The government cannot fix a decade of neglect in a single year. However, significant steps have been made through the regulator. This demonstrates a renewed focus on consumer welfare and industry oversight. The ongoing efforts aim to ensure a more competitive and consumer-friendly telecommunications market. This will benefit Ghana's digital economy in the long term.