Ghana Announces New Data Bundles To Ease Economic Burden On Consumers

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced significant revisions to data bundle packages offered by MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and AT Ghana, effective July 1, 2025. The changes, finalized after negotiations with the telecom operators’ CEOs, aim to enhance customer value while addressing operational demands.

At a June 10, 2025, press briefing in Accra, Sam George detailed that MTN Ghana, holding Significant Market Power status, will increase data bundle prices by 15% but reinstate its popular 399 cedi bundle, upgrading it from 92.88GB (previously 350 cedi) to 214GB for 399 cedi. AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana will see a 10% price increase, with AT’s 400 cedi bundle rising from 190GB to 236GB and Telecel’s from 90GB to 250GB.

Sam George acknowledged the cost to operators but praised their cooperation, stating, “The increases are going to come at considerable costs to the network operators. However, I am glad that our engagements and the consultations are bearing fruit for the Ghanaian people.” The National Communications Authority (NCA) will oversee implementation, with sanctions for non-compliance, as the Minister directed, “The NCA is directed to ensure the monitor strict implementations of this directive from first of July, where failure applies, sanctions should be applied.”

Addressing data billing concerns, Sam George cited a Q3 2024 NCA test confirming accurate crediting, non-expiry of bundles, and proper rollover of unused data for MTN, Telecel, and AT. Starting Q3 2025, the NCA will conduct quarterly billing integrity tests on data consumption for popular apps, with penalties for discrepancies.

The Minister also outlined efforts to reduce data costs through tax reforms, engaging the Finance Minister to rationalize the 39% tax buildup on data prices. Discussions with the Minister for Energy and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission aim to introduce a specialized telecom tariff, similar to the mining sector, to lower operational costs.

Reaffirming his commitment, Sam George stated, “Ultimately, my heart is with the people of Ghana. I will serve you with heart, with Swift and with black, and we will fix the mess that I have inherited in this ministry.” The reforms aim to deliver better value to consumers while ensuring fairness and stability for telecom providers under NCA oversight.

Source: African Publicity