The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Sam Nartey George, has announced sweeping reforms in the telecommunications sector that will see Ghanaians enjoy significant improvements in data value and service quality starting July 1.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister said direct engagements with the chief executives of the three major telecom operators had yielded tangible outcomes to benefit the public.
“I am pleased to announce that my engagement with the CEOs has resulted in the following specific measures,” Mr. George stated.
According to the Minister, beginning July 1, AT-Tigo Ghana will implement a 10% increase in all its data bundles. In addition, its GHC400 bundle, which currently offers 195 gigabytes of data, will be revised to offer 236 gigabytes. Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, operating as Telecel, will also increase all its bundles by 10%, with its GHC400 bundle rising from 90 gigabytes to 250 gigabytes. Scancom Ghana Limited, known commercially as MTN, will implement a 15% increase across its data bundles. “I’m pleased to announce the restoration of the GHC399 bundles, which have been changed to the GHC350 bundle that offers 92.88 gigabytes, will be reinstated to 214 gigabytes for GHC399,” the Minister added.
Mr. George acknowledged that these changes would come at a cost to the telecom operators but stressed that the decisions were made in the public interest.
“I am glad that our engagements and consultations are bearing fruit for the Ghanaian people,” he added.
The Minister further revealed that all operators have been directed to make critical investments in their networks to improve service delivery between July and September. He added that the regulator will undertake a nationwide quality of service assessment from October to December, warning that “defaulting operatives will be sanctioned.”
Mr. George disclosed that the three major telcos had pledged to collectively invest approximately $150 million into their networks by the end of the year.
“I will also at this point commend the CEOs of the three telcos for their pledge commitment to collectively invest approximately 150 million dollars in their networks between now and the end of the year to enhance the quality of service by acquisition,” he said.
