Ghanaian internet users will soon enjoy special data bundles on five key national holidays, as part of an initiative aimed at improving internet accessibility across the country.
Announced by the Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, Sam Nartey George, the initiative seeks to provide affordable and inclusive internet access during important public holidays.
The special data packages will be available on the following national holidays: Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founder’s Day, and Farmers’ Day.
“In the interim, I have agreed with all three network operators to have unique data bundle packages for all subscribers on five national holidays – Independence Day, May Day, Republic Day, Founder’s Day, and Farmers Day,” Mr. George revealed at a press briefing on April 9.
The initiative first launched with a successful test run on Independence Day, and Mr. George expressed optimism for the upcoming May Day offering, which will honor Ghana’s workers.
“The Independence Day test run was a resounding success, and I look forward to working with the NCA and the MNOs on May Day for our next holiday offering in celebration of the workers of Ghana,” he said.
This new data bundle initiative follows the work of a Data Cost Pricing Committee, established by the Minister in February, which aimed to make internet data more affordable. The committee, composed of representatives from telecom providers, consumer groups, and regulators, produced a comprehensive roadmap for reducing data pricing in just 13 days.
“The Committee delivered its report in 13 days,” Mr. George acknowledged. “I am grateful to all the stakeholders who worked assiduously and at no cost to the State to produce a short, medium, and long-term approach to data price rationalization in our Country. Again, I say ayekoo to them for their selfless service to our Country.”
Following the committee’s proposals, the Minister directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to work with mobile network operators (MNOs) to fine-tune the implementation framework. He noted that extensive consultations with the CEOs of the three MNOs have already been held to ensure smooth execution.
“The Authority under the able leadership of the Ag. Director-General has held several engagements with mobile network operators to discuss fashion implementation modalities. I have personally engaged with the CEOs of the three MNOs,” Mr. George said.
In addition to the holiday data bundles, Mr. George revealed that the telecom companies are already preparing improved data packages aimed at specific groups, including tertiary students, content creators, and those in the gig economy. These specialized packages are set to roll out soon, once technical validation by the NCA is completed.
“All three have presented the Ministry and Regulator with specific improved data bundles for tertiary students across the Country, as well as content creation and gig economy demographics. In the coming days, the NCA will finalize the implementation and technical requirements with the relevant stakeholders for a public rollout,” he concluded.
