Ghana’s Telecoms Told To Raise Data Bundles By Up To 15%, Effective July

Ghana’s government has directed the nation’s three mobile network operators to increase data bundle offerings, effective July 1, 2025, to deliver greater value to consumers.

The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, announced the directive at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. MTN Ghana, the market leader, must increase its data allocations by 15%, while AT and Telecel, in which the government holds interest, were instructed to raise their offerings by 10%.

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The operators have been given a one-month period to recalibrate their systems to accommodate the changes. The directive follows recommendations from a 23-member Data Pricing Review Committee, which was tasked with examining issues of value, affordability, and quality in the telecommunications sector.

Under the new structure, specific data packages will see substantial increases. Telecel’s 400 cedi plan will now offer 250 gigabytes (GB), a significant jump from the previous 90 GB. AT’s 400 cedi bundle will increase to 236 GB from 195 GB. Meanwhile, MTN is set to reinstate a 399 cedi package that will now provide 214 GB, replacing a 350 cedi plan that offered 92.88 GB.

The minister stated that special data bundles designed for tertiary students and content creators would also be extended to all subscribers nationwide across the three networks starting July 1.

Acknowledging the potential financial impact on the telecommunication companies, Mr. George noted that the ministry had held discussions with the CEOs of the firms to balance the goal of enhancing consumer value with the operational challenges the companies face.

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"To the CEOs, you have my back," Mr. George said, affirming government support. "We have pledged our continued fidelity to the people of Ghana who are the customers of the telephone."

To ensure compliance, the National Communications Authority (NCA), the sector's regulator, has been tasked with monitoring the operators and applying sanctions for any breaches of the directive.

Mr. George also outlined a longer-term strategy to make data more affordable. The ministry is seeking approval from the finance minister to rationalize certain components of the tax structure for the sector, which he said contributes to nearly 39% of the cost of data.

"If we are able to have a proper rationalisation of the taxes, we should see a drop in the almost 39 per cent tax build up in the price of data in the country," the minister stated.

Additionally, discussions are underway with the Minister of Energy and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to establish a preferential telecom tariff for electricity, similar to arrangements in the mining sector, to further reduce operational costs for the companies.

"We need intense competition in the sector, but it must be healthy and sustainable," Mr. George commented. "I am committed to value other data bundle offerings and most importantly, this policy action will culminate in price reductions in the medium to long-term."