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In a bold move aimed at expanding digital access and promoting financial inclusion, the Government of Ghana has launched a strategic initiative to lower the cost of mobile data. Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has inaugurated a 23-member multi-sectoral committee tasked with developing actionable solutions to make Internet services more affordable for the average Ghanaian.
The newly formed committee includes representatives from critical government and regulatory institutions such as the Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). They have been given a tight timeline—just 14 working days—to present a comprehensive report.
“This isn’t about safeguarding telecom profits. It’s about delivering real value to Ghanaians,” Minister George asserted. “While we respect the business models of telecom operators, the priority must be citizens’ access to affordable digital services.”
The committee’s focus will be on reducing end-user data costs or offering enhanced data bundles without corresponding price hikes. This approach aligns with broader regulatory compliance objectives and supports Ghana’s digital transformation goals.
A critical element under review is the high operational expenditure of mobile network operators—primarily driven by energy costs. Electricity accounts for nearly 80% of the running costs for telecom operators in Ghana. Add to this the volatile cedi-to-dollar exchange rate and limited competition in the telecom sector, and the result is persistently high mobile data prices.
By integrating the energy sector into the conversation, the government is acknowledging the cross-sectoral nature of digital infrastructure and the need for regulatory technology solutions that address structural inefficiencies.
Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, expressed support for the initiative, noting the complexity of the issue and promising full cooperation from the telecom industry.
“We welcome the government’s initiative. Reducing data costs requires collaboration and transparency, especially in areas like infrastructure cost recovery and compliance analytics,” he said.
The committee’s inclusive approach also involves civil society stakeholders. Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, President of the National Union of Ghana Students, emphasized the importance of affordable data for education, especially in online learning and digital research.
“Students struggle daily with high data costs. It’s encouraging to see youth voices included in this critical policy dialogue,” Kyeremeh noted.
This collaborative initiative represents a strategic step toward building a more equitable digital economy in Ghana. By tackling the core cost drivers and enhancing regulatory coordination, the government is not only addressing digital access but also reinforcing its regulatory framework in a way that aligns with global RegTech innovations.
If successfully implemented, the outcome could set a new standard for regulatory intelligence and compliance automation across Africa’s telecommunications sector—paving the way for a more connected and inclusive future.
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