The MP for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, is advocating for a transformative shift in the telecommunications sector for affordable internet.
He is proposing the introduction of fixed monthly data packages offering unlimited access to digital services for all Ghanaians.
Davis Ansah Opoku, a member of the Information and Communications Committee, made this call during an interview on Channel One News on Friday, July 4, describing the proposal as essential for achieving true digital inclusion and long-term price stability.
Mr Opoku’s comments come hot on the heels of a significant intervention by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George (MP), who on Thursday, July 4, pressed MultiChoice Ghana to reduce its DStv subscription fees by 30%.
Prior to that, the minister was able to engage Telcos to revise internet plans to increase data for the same amount purchased.
This ministerial directive was directly linked to the Ghanaian Cedi’s remarkable 30% appreciation against major international currencies over the past five months, a period during which consumer frustration mounted over stagnating service prices.
While commending Minister Nartey George’s proactive stance, MP Davis Ansah Opoku stressed that a more sustainable solution is needed to insulate Ghanaian consumers from future economic volatilities.
“I think it is very welcoming. When data prices are reduced, it is something that Ghanaian people will be excited about. As the minister said, the DStv directive is as a result of the appreciation of the Ghana cedi, and this is something that we expected the telcos to have done, and so for him to have prompted them is something that deserves commendation.” Mr Opoku stated, acknowledging the positive impact of the Cedi’s recent strength.
However, he immediately pivoted to a forward-looking vision: “However, we are looking forward to some pragmatic steps, so that even if the dollar depreciates, we will still have reduced prices. I am looking forward to a fixed rate where Ghanaians enjoy unlimited services every month. And so it is a good step and we commend him for that.”
This bold proposal aims to address the perennial challenge of fluctuating data costs, which often mirror the Cedi’s performance against foreign currencies. For Ghana, a nation with over 40 million mobile subscriptions and a burgeoning digital economy, reliable and affordable internet access is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity for education, business, and social connectivity. The average Ghanaian currently spends a significant portion of their income on data, with current packages often having volume caps that limit extensive digital engagement.
The call for unlimited fixed-rate data packages echoes similar initiatives in other digitally advanced nations and could significantly boost Ghana’s digital literacy and economic productivity.
Such a move would require extensive collaboration between the government, regulatory bodies like the National Communications Authority (NCA), and major telecommunication service providers, including MTN Ghana, Vodafone Ghana, and AirtelTigo, which collectively serve the vast majority of the Ghanaian mobile market. Implementing such a policy would not only enhance consumer welfare but also align with the broader goals of digital transformation and inclusion outlined in the government’s development agenda.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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