Government Secures Cheaper Data Rates for Five National Holidays
Communications Minister Sam Nartey George has revealed that Ghanaians will enjoy significantly reduced data prices during five major national holidays this year. The groundbreaking agreement with telecommunications companies follows successful negotiations between the government and industry leaders.
Five Holidays Selected for Special Data Promotions
The Minister confirmed the selected holidays during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express:
• Independence Day (March 6)
• May Day (Workers’ Day – May 1)
• Republic Day (July 1)
• Founders’ Day (August 4)
• Farmers’ Day (First Friday of December)
These dates were chosen based on the success of this year’s Independence Day data promotions, which saw unprecedented consumer participation.
Negotiation Process and Industry Concerns
Minister George described the challenging negotiation process:
“Telco executives initially warned that such promotions could bankrupt their businesses,” he revealed. After extensive discussions, both parties reached a compromise focusing on specific high-impact dates rather than continuous price reductions.
Three-Phase Roadmap for Affordable Data
The government has established a special committee that has already delivered a comprehensive plan:
Short-Term (Immediate):
- Holiday-specific data packages
- Targeted discounts for students and low-income users
Medium-Term (6-12 months):
- Infrastructure sharing agreements between telcos
- Regulatory reforms to reduce operational costs
Long-Term (1-3 years):
- National broadband infrastructure expansion
- Local data hosting solutions to reduce costs
Minister Addresses Pricing Expectations
Clarifying earlier statements, George explained: “I never promised across-the-board price cuts within 14 days. Rather, we committed to presenting a actionable plan within that timeframe – which we delivered in 13 days.”
This holiday initiative marks the first tangible result of the government’s push for more affordable digital access, with further reforms expected to roll out progressively throughout the year. The move is particularly aimed at benefiting students and young digital entrepreneurs who rely heavily on mobile data for education and business operations.
