ACCRA, Ghana — Ghanaian internet users will soon benefit from special data bundles on five national holidays each year, the Minister for Communications and Digital Technology announced Wednesday.
Sam Nartey George said the initiative is part of broader efforts to make internet access more affordable and inclusive across the country.
“In the interim, I have agreed with all three network operators to have unique data bundle packages for all subscribers on five national holidays — Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founder’s Day and Farmers Day,” George said at a press briefing.
The minister noted that a test run conducted on Independence Day was a “resounding success,” and the next rollout is scheduled for May Day in celebration of Ghanaian workers.
The initiative follows recommendations from a Data Cost Pricing Committee established in February. The group, which included representatives from telecom companies, regulatory agencies, and consumer advocacy groups, was tasked with delivering a roadmap for reducing data costs within 14 days.
“The committee delivered its report in 13 days,” George said. “I am grateful to all the stakeholders who worked assiduously and at no cost to the state to produce a short-, medium- and long-term approach to data price rationalization. Ayekoo to them for their selfless service to our country.”
George said he has reviewed the committee’s proposals and forwarded them to the National Communications Authority (NCA), which is now working with mobile network operators (MNOs) to finalize an implementation framework.
“The authority, under the able leadership of the acting director general, has held several engagements with mobile network operators to discuss implementation modalities,” George said. “I have personally engaged with the CEOs of the three MNOs.”
He added that the telecom companies have also committed to introducing improved data packages for tertiary students, content creators and those in the gig economy. These packages are expected to be rolled out after technical validation by the NCA.
“All three have presented the ministry and regulator with specific improved data bundles for tertiary students across the country, as well as for content creation and gig economy demographics,” George said. “In the coming days, the NCA will finalize implementation and technical requirements with stakeholders for a public rollout.”