In a significant move to enhance digital accessibility, Communications Minister Sam Nartey George announced that Ghanaians will benefit from cheaper and enhanced data bundles on five national holidays this year. This initiative follows a breakthrough agreement with major telecommunications companies to make internet access more affordable and inclusive.
- Special Data Offer: On the 68th Independence Day (March 6, 2025), MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and AT Ghana offered a GHS10 bundle providing 6GB of data, a substantial increase from the usual 1GB or 3GB typically available during public holidays for the same price.
- Government’s Commitment. Minister Sam George emphasized that this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to building the enablers for a truly digitalized Ghana, offering Ghanaians the vast opportunities of an interconnected world from the comfort of their homes.
- Future Plans. The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations is expected to unveil both short- and long-term strategies aimed at further reducing data prices across the country.
In a recent appearance on JoyNews PM Express, Communications Minister Sam Nartey George provided further insights into the government’s initiative to make data more affordable for Ghanaians. He revealed that the agreement with telecommunications companies to offer enhanced data bundles on national holidays is part of a broader strategy to reduce data costs across the country.
Collaboration with Telecom CEOs. Minister George emphasized that the agreement was reached after extensive consultations with the Chief Executive Officers of major telecommunications companies. He stated, “Even before I sat at my vetting to announce this as policy, I had engaged all the telecom CEOs. I’m going to be a minister who will engage industry. I won’t announce a policy without engaging the industry and getting their buy-in.”
Formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee. The Minister announced plans to establish an inter-ministerial committee to examine and address the high cost of data in Ghana. This committee will include representatives from various ministries, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders. The goal is to develop a roadmap for reducing internet data costs in the county.
Commitment to Digital Inclusion Minister George reiterated the government’s commitment to building the enablers for a truly digitalized Ghana. He highlighted that the initiative to offer enhanced data bundles on national holidays underscores efforts to advance digital accessibility and affordability across the country.
It seems Minister Sam Nartey George had a very candid conversation with the telecom CEOs.
He revealed that he initially approached them with a proposal to offer discounted data bundles on 18 national holidays. However, the telco CEOs pushed back, warning that such a move could potentially harm their businesses, even suggesting it could lead to bankruptcies.
It seems that while the Independence Day bundle was a success, expanding it to 18 holidays was seen as too much of a financial risk for the telecom companies. Instead, it sounds like the 5-holiday deal that was agreed upon strikes a balance between offering affordable data and maintaining business viability.
This highlights the complexity of such policy initiatives. While the government wants to increase digital accessibility, it also has to navigate business interests and sustainability.
That’s a solid win for both sides — and a smart piece of negotiation from Minister Sam George.
After some intense back-and-forth, they landed on a compromise that avoids overwhelming the telcos while still giving Ghanaians better access to affordable data:
“We agreed on five national holidays,” he disclosed.
“Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founders’ Day, and Farmers’ Day. On these five days, there will be specialized data bundles, cheaper rates for every Ghanaian.”
This move strategically targets key symbolic and widely celebrated days, making the impact more visible and potentially more meaningful to citizens. It also gives room for the telcos to plan promotions sustainably, without the fear of operational or financial overload.
Here’s what this likely means:
- More affordable connectivity for millions on days of national reflection and celebration.
- Digital inclusion boost, especially for students, workers, and rural communities.
- A proof-of-concept for future data pricing reforms.
Sam George is clearly framing this initiative as just the beginning of a broader push toward affordable and accessible internet in Ghana.
He confirmed that the Independence Day data relief. which offered significantly enhanced bundles (like the 6GB for GHS10 deal) is the template going forward.
He set up a committee that has already submitted a roadmap.
This roadmap is expected to lay out actionable strategies to:
Reduce overall data costs sustainably
Enhance network infrastructure
Expand broadband access to underserved areas
Create competitive pricing among service providers
So while the 5-holiday deal is a strong first step and symbolic win, it’s also meant to pave the way for more permanent solutions to the affordability problem.
So instead of quick-fix promises, what he delivered was a strategic blueprint – and ahead of schedule too. The roadmap isn’t just a document; it outlines short, medium, and long-term strategies for reducing data costs and improving digital access.
Here’s what each phase of the roadmap likely covers:
Short-term (0–6 months)
Replication of special bundle packages on selected holidays
Discussions with telcos for temporary data relief offers
Public education on data usage efficiency
Medium-term (6–18 months)
Policy reforms to encourage infrastructure sharing among telcos
Incentives for ISPs to invest in rural and underserved areas
Review of taxes and levies on internet services
Long-term (18+ months)
Comprehensive review of the National Broadband Policy
Deployment of more fiber infrastructure nationwide
Creation of a universal service fund to subsidize data for low-income groups
Strengthening the regulatory framework to boost competition and pricing transparency
It’s a holistic approach not just about cheaper bundles today, but ensuring Ghana builds a sustainable digital future where data isn’t a luxury, but a right.
