Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has addressed public concerns over the rising cost of data in Ghana, clarifying the limitations of his mandate and the ongoing efforts to enhance internet affordability.
The NDC-led government has faced growing pressure from citizens following its 2024 campaign promise to reduce data costs across the country. In response to increasing calls on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), the Minister explained that the removal of tariffs imposed on data purchases falls outside his jurisdiction.
In a detailed post, he noted that while many Ghanaians have appealed to him directly to act on data tariffs – which is believed to be a resolve to the high costs of data, he noted that such fiscal measures require parliamentary procedure led by the Finance Ministry.
“…no Minister, except the Minister for Finance through an instrument laid before Parliament can REMOVE any tax or tariff handle as it affects government revenue. So you may tag me in a thousand posts but the fact is that until we get the Minister for Finance to approve the removal or reduction of sector specific tariffs,” he explained
Despite this limitation, the Minister assured Ghanaians that discussions are underway to explore other viable options aimed at addressing the high cost of data in both the short and medium term.
“I am however glad that even though tariff reductions bring the biggest relief, they are not the only options available to me. I am happy with the direction of the conversation with the Finance and Energy Ministers in the medium term. In the short term, the regulator would be implementing policy for immediate effects to be felt.”