Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digitalization, and Innovation, Hon. Sam George, has announced a significant increase in data bundle volumes across all mobile networks in the country, following extensive consultations with the leadership of major telecom companies.
The new adjustments, which take effect from July 1, 2025, are aimed at enhancing value for money and ensuring fairness in data services offered to Ghanaians.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Minister revealed that the decision comes after detailed engagements with the Chief Executive Officers of AirtelTigo, MTN Ghana, and Telecel. According to Hon. George, the agreement reached with the telecom operators will see an increase in the volume of data bundles offered to consumers without raising the price points.
“AirtelTigo and Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel) will implement a 10% increase in data volume for all bundles,” the Minister stated. “For instance, the GH₵400 bundle will now offer 236 GB on AirtelTigo and 250 GB on Telecel, representing significant improvements from the previous 195 GB and 90 GB respectively.”
SCANCOM Ghana Limited, operators of MTN, will implement a 15% increase in data volume for all its bundles. “The GH₵399 bundle, which was previously changed to GH₵350 with 92.88 GB, will now be reinstated at GH₵399 with a revised volume of 214 GB,” the Minister explained.
Hon. George expressed appreciation to the CEOs of the telecom companies for their cooperation in reaching this agreement, noting that the Ministry remains committed to protecting consumer interests and ensuring that data services are reliable and affordable.
He further explained that the implementation date of July 1 was selected to allow the operators time to recalibrate their systems in accordance with the new directives.
“To ensure compliance, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has been directed to strictly monitor the implementation of these changes,” he said. “Where failures occur, the necessary sanctions will be applied.”
While acknowledging that MTN’s adjustments appear more substantial than those of the other networks, the Minister attributed the difference to MTN’s designation as a Significant Market Power (SMP) operator. “The changes on MTN are steeper than the two other operators, but this is as a result of MTN’s SMP status,” Hon. George clarified. “The Ministry is committed to working closely with the NCA and MTN to continuously review this status and make adjustments as we achieve the market realignments we seek through these measures.”
Responding to recent public concerns about perceived arbitrary charges and data bundle changes by telecom operators, the Minister dismissed such claims as unfounded. “Let me state for the record that the facts do not support that claim,” he asserted. “The NCA has a billing verification system to assess the billing integrity of mobile data services, and in the last billing integrity test conducted in Q3 of 2024, the results showed that all data bundles purchased during the test period were correctly credited and remained intact throughout their validity, with no unexpected data losses.”
Hon. George also pointed out that non-expiry bundles did not expire and that all unused data were successfully rolled over after resubscription. “These are the facts from the NCA, and they clearly contradict the public narrative of arbitrary charges,” he said.
To further safeguard consumer trust and ensure ongoing transparency, the Minister has directed the NCA to conduct quarterly billing integrity tests on mobile data services beginning in the third quarter of 2025. These tests will include data usage monitoring for popular apps and websites to ensure accuracy and fairness. “If operators are found to be billing inaccurately, the appropriate sanctions will be applied without hesitation,” he emphasized.
Hon. George concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring digital inclusion and fair access to mobile data services for all Ghanaians. “Our priority remains the Ghanaian people. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver quality, transparent, and affordable communication services across the country.”
