Ghana to Establish Team to Address High Internet Data Costs

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KEY POINTS

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• Government forms a task force to tackle high internet data costs.
• Policy interventions, including tax adjustments, may help reduce prices.
• Stakeholders include telecom operators, regulatory agencies, and consumer groups.

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The Ghanaian government is gearing up to tackle high internet data costs, announcing plans to establish a multi-stakeholder task force to create a roadmap for reducing prices.

Minister for Communications and Digitalisation Sam George made the announcement on February 9, 2025, through a post on X.

The team, set to be unveiled in the coming days, will bring together key government agencies, industry players, and consumer advocacy groups to find a balanced approach to pricing.

The goal is to reach a common ground that meets the needs of citizens, businesses, and service providers.

The Ministries of Communications, Digital Technology & Innovation, Energy, and Finance will collaborate with regulatory bodies such as the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

Other key stakeholders include the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), and the Association of Content Creators.

Policy interventions to reduce internet charges

The minister made this announcement after he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, to advocate affordable internet access as his main priority.

According to Graphic Online, he assured Ghanaians that discussions would take place with telecom operators to evaluate pricing structures and address inefficiencies contributing to high costs.

The government plans to implement policies that reduce telecommunications companies’ economic challenges while consulting with service providers.

Potential tax modifications under consideration will decrease operational expenses, then enable companies to reduce consumer prices.

“We will engage all stakeholders – the telcos, regulators, and consumers – to ensure that internet data is more affordable and accessible to every Ghanaian,” Sam George said during his vetting.

Impact of high data costs on digital access

Data costs present a significant obstacle to digital inclusion because students along with business owners, who need Internet access for education and business prospects experience great difficulty in affording it.

Internet access in Ghana has grown quickly yet maintainable prices remains an ongoing issue.

The formation of this multi-stakeholder team is expected to streamline efforts in creating a competitive and fair market for internet services.

By involving government bodies, telecom companies, and consumer advocacy groups, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and make online services accessible to more people.

Economic expansion and technological developments in Ghana require affordable internet services to support growth and foster innovation.

The government actively involves stakeholders across industries to create improved internet connectivity alongside affordability through this meaningful development.