For many Ghanaians, affordable internet access is not just a convenience but a necessity for education, e-commerce, financial services, and civic engagement.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has announced a 10% increase in data bundle values across all major mobile networks in Ghana, effective July 1, 2025. The announcement was made at a press conference held  June 10 at the Ministry’s Conference Room. The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officers of the telecom companies, the Chief Director and Directors of the Ministry, as well as the heads of agencies under the Ministry.

According to the Minister, the decision is aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about pricing and service quality in Ghana’s telecommunications sector. The revised data bundles are expected to provide better value for money to consumers.

For AirtelTigo Ghana, all data bundles will see a 10% increase, with the GHC400 bundle rising from 195GB to 236GB. Telecel Ghana will also implement a 10% increase across all bundles, with the GHC400 package increasing from 190GB to 250GB. MTN Ghana will introduce a 15% increase across its bundles, including the restoration of the GHC399 Social Media bundle, which will now offer 214GB—replacing the GHC350 Flexi bundle that previously provided 92GB.

The Minister also highlighted several additional measures aimed at improving service delivery. The three major telecom operators—AirtelTigo, Telecel, and MTN—have committed to investing approximately $150 million collectively in their networks by the end of 2025 to enhance service quality.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) will conduct a nationwide quality of service assessment in the final quarter of 2025. Telecom providers that fail to meet performance standards will face sanctions. The NCA will also conduct quarterly billing integrity tests to ensure consumers are charged fairly and accurately.

Looking ahead, Hon. Samuel Nartey George noted that further data price reductions could be realized through tax rationalization in the sector. He also mentioned that the Ministry is working on implementing a telecom tariff framework that may lead to additional cost savings for consumers.

The move comes at a time when high data costs continue to burden both consumers and digital entrepreneurs, especially in underserved areas. These costs remain a major barrier to inclusive digital development, limiting access to online education, e-commerce, and essential services—particularly in rural regions where network infrastructure is weaker and average incomes are lower.

A market surveillance report published in April 2024 by the Billing Verification Unit of the National Communications Authority (NCA) reveals that the average cost of 1GB of mobile data in Ghana stands at GH₵6.30 (about $0.61) per month. However, the price range varies significantly across providers, with the cheapest 1GB package costing just GH₵1.08 ($0.10) and the most expensive reaching GH₵16.77 ($1.62).

This wide pricing disparity underscores persistent inconsistencies in data affordability and access across different regions and telecom networks. It also highlights the need for stronger regulatory oversight and market-level reforms to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers from exploitative practices. The announced improvements in bundle values, alongside stricter monitoring by the NCA, signal a critical step toward greater transparency, equity, and affordability in Ghana’s digital ecosystem.

Hikmatu Bilali