ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
As indicated earlier, we had our eyes not just on the value and pricing of data bundles but on the quality of servi ce delivery.
I am sure that even with increased value or reduced pricing if quality is not improved, we will still have a sour customer experience.
This led to the Regulator commissioning and completing an assessment of a sample size of network performance in 3G and 4G service offerings across the Country —the results of which I discussed with the CEOs and the media two weeks ago.
In my fourth month, armed with a clear picture of where we are as a sector, I tasked the CEOs to work with me to improve the quality of service and to offer enhanced data bundles.
Now, let me be clear.
As Minister, my mandate in a free market economy does not extend to interfering in the pricing by private sector investors.
Just like the Minister for Trade does not have the power to direct GUTA members to drop their prices unilaterally, the Communication Minister cannot unilaterally direct price reductions.
The immediate retort would be, 'But you accused your predecessor of being responsible for price increases.'
The SMP toolkit is replete with several policy directions that are not directly price directives but cumulatively have an effect on pricing.
A decision to have CST collected forward, for example, would result in a pricing increase.
Additionally, the decision to declare MTN as an SMP and implement tariff rationalisation resulted in an effective price increase by the operator, which the customers bore.
However, these actions, which were not adequatel y implemented, led to a situation where the SMP has grown by over 10% in market share, accompanied by quality of service issues due to network configuration and congestion.
To address the quality of service issue, I presented a memorandum to the cabinet aimed at making spectrum available to Messrs Scancom Ghana Ltd and Ghana Telecommunications Company Ltd.
The process of the spectrum sale is scheduled to be completed by the end of the first week of July.
In the case of Ghana Telecommunications Company Ltd, I have given additional policy approval for the Regulator to grant a connecting entity license, enabling the operator to optimise service using the 2100MHz spectrum at the disposal of NGIC.
This should result in a significant improvement in the quality of service and customer experience in the coming weeks.
I want to reiterate my commitment to an engagement-led style of leadership that involves all my stakeholders, listens to their challenges, and works to address them in a manner that benefits the entire ecosystem.
We need intense competition in the sector, but it must be healthy and sustainable.
I am committed to value-added data bundle offerings, and most importantly, these policy actions will culminate in price reductions.
However, the recovery from eight years of mismanagement cannot be completed in four months.
To this end, I have mandated that all operators make critical investments in their networks to improve quality over the next quarter (July-September).
The Regulator would commence a rigorous quality of service assessment in the final quarter of the year (October - December), and defaulting operators would be penalised.
I commend the CEOs for their pledged commitments to collectively invest approximately US$150 million in their networks between now and the end of the year to enhance network quality.
I am pleased to announce that my engagements with the CEOs have resulted in the following specific measures, which are to take effect on Tuesday, 1st July 2025.
Airtel Tigo Ghana (AT Ghana) - A 10% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network.
- The GHS400 bundle, which currently offers 195GB to offer 236GB Ghana Telecommunications Company Ltd (Telecel Ghana) - A 10% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network.
- The GHS400 bundle, which currently offers 190GB to offer 250GB Scancom Ghana Ltd (MTN Ghana) - A 15% increase in all data bundles currently offered by the network.
- The restoration of the GHS399 Social Media bundle, which currently offers 27GB, to offer 214GB to replace the GH350 Flexi bundle, which offers 92GB I am aware these increases are coming at a considerable cost to the network operators.
However, I am glad that through our engagements, they have pledged their continued fidelity to their customers – the people of Ghana.
The implementation date of 1st July is to allow the networks to recalibrate and configure their systems to reflect the agreed - upon value increases.
The Regulator is also directed to ensure they monitor strict implementation of these directives.
The changes on MTN are steeper than the two other operators, but this is simply a result of their SMP status.
The Ministry is committed to continuing to work with the Regulator and MTN to constantly review their SMP status and make the necessary adjustment s once we achieve the market realignment we seek with these measures.
It has also come to my notice that there is a public call regarding the arbitrary change in data prices by the Operators.
Let me state for the record that the facts do not support that claim.
The National Communications Authority has a billing verification system to assess the billing integrity of mobile data services.
The NCA reports that in the last billing integrity test conducted on mobile data bundles for MTN, Telecel and AT in Q3 of 2024, it was found that: 1.
All data bundles purchased during the test period were correctly credited and remained intact throughout their validity, with no unexpected data loss.
Non-expiry data bundles did not expire.
All unused data bundles were rolled over after re-subscription.
The NCA is hereby directed to conduct billing integrity tests for data services and to provide quarterly reports to the Ministry.
The NCA must check data billing for scenarios involving popular apps and websites.
If operators are found to be billing inaccu rately, appropriate sanctions shall be applied.
In conclusion, I am confident we will see further drops in actual prices of the offerings when the Finance Ministry takes action on the tax handles in the sector.
I am continuing my engagements with the Honourable Finance Minister to get his approval for t he rationalisation of some components in the tax build -up.
Another area I am vigorously pursuing is with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
If we are granted a Telecom tariff for the sector, it would lead to further price drops for offerings currently available.
I remain committed to delivering on the mandate of the Ministry as entrusted into my care by His Excellency the President.
I would continue to engage robustly with stakeholders in the sector to protect their investments in Ghana and encourage them to invest more; ultimately, my heart is with the people of Ghana.
I would serve you with heart, sweat and blood and fix the mess I inherited at the Ministry.
So help me, God.
Thank you for your attention, and God bless our homeland, Ghana.
Q2 SECTORIAL BREIFING BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATION, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION, SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE (MP) ON WEDNESDAY, 2ND JULY 2025 I. Opening Remarks Honourable Minister for Government Communications, Chief Director and Directors of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Heads of Agencies under the Ministry, Friends from the media, Fellow Citizens, Good afternoon.
Thank you for joining us today for this quarter’s press briefing on the work of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.
I made a clear commitment when I assumed office to lead with transparency, consult widely, and to ensure that no major policy decision would be taken without consulting the people and institutions it affects.
I also promised that you, the Ghanaian people, would be kept fully informed of the Ministry’s actions and direction.
In that spirit of accountability and open governance, I am here this afternoon to report on the progress we have made since our last press briefing in April.
This update covers efforts and achievements across regulation, infrastructure, innovation, and digital inclusion under the RESET agenda.
Ministerial Initiatives Our work over the past quarter has been defined by purposeful action and strategic reform.
We have prioritised digital skills for young Ghanaians, reforms to modernise governance frameworks, and infrastructure expansion to support a secure and innovation -driven economy.
The following initiatives represent tangible progress toward a digital Ghana that leaves no one behind.
One Million Coders Programme Launched The One Million Coders Programme was officially launched on April 16, 2025, by H.E.
President John Dramani Mahama.
The program was received with great enthusiasm, with the application portal receiving over 90,000 applications within 48 hours.
To date, the pilot has trained an initial 859 young people across Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga - of which more than 52 percent are women.
We are on track to reach over 50,000 beneficiaries by the end of the year.
Data Cost Reduction Update I am pleased to confirm that the Data Cost Reduction Committee’s mandate has yielded clear results.
On July 1, 2025, the network operators implemented revised mobile data tariffs, significantly increasing data volume at current price points.
These adjustments followed detailed technical negotiations with network operators and reflect a consensus-based approach to digital affordability.
This reform marks a major milestone in our commitment to make digital access affordable and equitable for all Ghanaians.
Let me be clear, I made a promise to reduce the cost of data, and we have effectively achieved that starting yesterday.
Under the new structure, mobile users now receive significantly more data for the same price as follows: • MTN: All bundles, irrespective of price, have increased by 15% • Telecel and AirtelTigo: All bundles, irrespective of price, increase by 10% • High Use Bundle Upgrades across networks: The restoration of MTN’s GHS399 bundle increasing the offer from 92GB to 214GB, Telecel’s GHS400 now offers 250GB instead of 190GB and AT’s GHS400 offers 250GB in place of the 195GB previously offered.
These reductions were the result of a broader reform package we introduced in Q1, which included: • A spectrum review that freed up additional bandwidth to reduce congestion and lower operator costs • New licensing conditions that tied spectrum awards to consumer pricing commitments • Direct regulatory engagement with telcos , which led to consensus on fair pricing aligned with global affordability benchmarks Further, all three major mobile network operators have agreed to invest a combined US$150 million into their networks by the end of 2025 to improve service quality, reliability, and resilience.
Enforcement of service quality benchmarks has been mandated, with ongoing monitoring by the NCA.
Our goal is to ensure that data is not a luxury, but a utility - accessible and affordable to every Ghanaian.
As we accelerate our digital transformation agenda, no one should be left behind because of cost.
We call on the private sector, civil society, and the public to support this shift and hold us accountable for delivery.
Legislative Review and Update A central priority of my tenure is to modernise Ghana’s ICT legal framework in line with international standards.
To that end, the Ministry initiated a comprehensive internal review of all existing ICT laws, policies, and guidelines in Q1 2025.
The review is now complete, and we have initiated the process for the drafting of 15 new technology laws, including the Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, Cybersecurity Regulations, Ghana Startup Act, Digital ID Regulation; and new frameworks on AI, cloud services, digital trade, and platform governance.
The Ministry will work closely with parliament in completing the process for these legislative reforms which will: • Modernise Ghana’s ICT legal architecture to reflect today’s digital realities • Secure Ghana’s digital ecosystem while upholding inclusion and fundamental rights • Foster a trusted regulatory environment that attracts investment and drives innovation 4.
Ghana Startup Bill Submission The Ministry continues to make strong progress on the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill.
The draft Bill, submitted in March 2025, has since undergone extensive stakeholder validation through committee-level, zonal, and national consultations - confirming broad consensus on its key provisions.
The Bill is currently in the legal drafting phase and under final review by a law firm working closely with ecosystem stakeholders.
It is currently undergoing due process which would include submission to Cabinet and Parliament, with the aim of securing passage by December 2025.
Once passed, the law will provide: • Legal clarity and registration for startups • Tax incentives and targeted reliefs • A streamlined compliance framework for innovation-led firms Ghana’s advancement of this legislation sends a clear message to local and international investors: we are building a competitive, investor -ready digital economy driven by local entrepreneurship and innovation.
In line with our vision, the Ministry is proud to announce that Ghana has been chosen to host the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival.
The event which attracts over 10,000 in-person delegates and 100 plus exhibitors from over 70 countries would happen ov er a three-day period.
It brings into the country, venture capitalists, angel investors and captains of industry to partner the brightest innovators and start-ups in the country.
The National Anti-Misinformation Bill To protect the integrity of Ghana’s digital information ecosystem, the Ministry is making steady progress on advancing the National Disinformation Bill.
This draft legislation is designed to strengthen legal safeguards against the deliberate creation and spread of false or harmful digital content.
It will provide a clear legal framework for enforcement, enabling statutory bodies to act decisively while upholding freedom of expression.
The Bill is set to be presented to Parliament for review in the upcoming session, and reflects the Ministry’s commit ment to ensuring accountability, fostering trustworthy public discourse, and promoting digital literacy without compromising democratic values 6.
National AI Strategy Consultation On April 15 and again from April 23 to 24, the Ministry convened inclusive stakeholder forums in partnership with key strategic allies including KNUST’s Responsible AI Lab, the British High Commission, and GIZ FAIR Forward.
These high-level consultations brought together government agencies, academia, industry leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners to co-create Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
The draft strategy, which aligns with African Union standards and global best practices, has completed legal review and is slated for Cabinet presentation, with a formal launch in Q3 2025.
These steps reinforce our commitment to building an ethical, inclus ive, secure, and innovation- driven AI ecosystem that positions Ghana as the premier AI hub of Africa by 2028.
The Ministry is also working on a new Emerging Technologies legislation to steer a clear path and strongly indicate our desire as a nation to be a major contributor on the continent in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Blockchain and Machine Learning.
Development of National Digital Transformation & Emerging Tech Strategy On May 2, 2025, I formally unveiled the development of Ghana’s National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy, with a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This initiative, crafted in partnership with UNESCO and the British High Commission, establishes a clear roadmap for ethical, inclusive, and sovereignty-conscious integration of AI and emerging technologies into our economic and social frameworks Key strategic pillars include: • Ethical AI Integration: Safeguarding individual rights while harnessing AI’s potential in diverse sectors - agriculture, healthcare, logistics, smart cities, and financial inclusion • Digital Sovereignty: Prioritizing the digitization and protection of Ghana’s proprietary datasets to prevent external biases and reinforce national power • Strategic Partnerships: Leverage collaborations with UNESCO, the British High Commission, and other international partners to support both strategy development and implementation planning • Embedding Human Capital: Aligning the One Million Coders Programme within the broader digital transformation agenda to cultivate a workforce ready to capitalize on AI - driven opportunities This strategy remains on schedule for release in Q3 2025.
NGIC 5G Rollout Deadline Set The Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC), our exclusive shared -neutral 4G/5G infrastructure provider, is progressing steadily toward its target of activating over 350 5G-ready cell sites by Q4 2025, with at least 50 live 5G sites expected in Accra and Kumasi.
As of today, NGIC has deployed 16 5G -ready sites and received full NCA approval for its core network infrastructure.
These milestones reflect meaningful progress following earlier delays in 2024.
Let me be clear: we have agreed with NGIC that there will be no further extensions to this rollout deadline.
If the company fails to meet the Q4 commitment, the Ministry will immediately initiate a review and possible renegotiation of the licence terms .
The NCA is fully mandated to enforce this.
This national rollout model is a deliberate policy shift designed to reduce infrastructure duplication, lower data costs, and accelerate universal 5G access for all Ghanaians.
We are working closely with NGIC to ensure transparency, efficiency, and consumer value at every stage.
Ghana.gov Relaunch Plan Finalised The Ghana.gov platform is undergoing comprehensive reengineering to modernize citizen interaction with government.
The redesigned site, launching in Q4 2025, will feature significantly faster access, full Ghana Card integration, and an intuitive, streamlined interface tailored for both individuals and businesses.
This upgraded portal will enhance transparency, convenience, and reliability in accessing public services.
Girls-in-ICT Initiative The Ministry scaled the 2025 Girls-in-ICT initiative across the Volta, Upper East, and Upper West regions as part of efforts to close the gender gap in digital skills.
In June, 1,000 girls from 18 districts in the Volta region completed a three -week practi cal training program covering web development, game animation, cybersecurity, and coding - equipping them with relevant tools for Ghana’s future digital economy.
The top 100 performers received laptops and excellence awards, and 10 teachers were awarded laptops for their dedication.
To further incentivize excellence and healthy competition, the top three performers were awarded cash prizes.
The Ministry also plans to establish fully equipped ICT labs in the schools of the top three performers to ensure continuity and sustainability.
Also, under the Girls -in-ICT Initiative, I conducted a tour of Girls -in-ICT training centres across the Volta Region in mid-June.
The visit underscored the Ministry’s commitment to closing the gender gap in tech and ensuring equitable access to digital skills for young women beyond Accra.
Engagements with trainers and students highlighted the effectiveness of hands -on ICT education i n empowering girls and promoting digital inclusion at the regional level.
The Girls-in-ICT initiative reinforces our inclusive digital transformation agenda by investing in the next generation of female tech leaders; and ensures that digital opportunity is genuinely national.
We look forward to the Upper East and Upper West programs.
Smart Workplace Upgrade Completed The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has finalized a significant refresh of the Smart Workplace digital platform used by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
This upgraded system now supports seamless e ‑Cabinet memos, inter -agency collaboration, scheduling, and more.
Over 25 MDAs are now actively using the enhanced platform.
Broad-based rollout continues.
Over 300 government organizations, including local assemblies and health services, now use the platform for virtual collaboration and document management.
This upgrade strengthens our governance capabilities, reduces paper -based processes, and delivers greater operational efficiency across government.
Engagement to Enable Full PayPal Access in Ghana The Ministry has formally reopened engagement with PayPal to restore full access to its services for Ghanaian users.
As of June 2025, PayPal’s regional government relations team has issued Ghana a compliance roadmap outlining the technical, regulatory, and financial standards required for whitelist reinstatement.
The Ministry is working closely with the Bank of Ghana and other key stakeholders to fulfil these conditions, and to ensure PayPal also meets the necessary requirements to operate in Ghana.
This effort is a strategic priority, to expand access to global digital payment platforms for freelancers, SMEs, startups, and the creative sector.
Securing PayPal access will remove a longstanding barrier to participation in the global digital economy, expanding financial inclusion and cross-border trade opportunities for millions of Ghanaians.
Tik Tok Engagement As part of efforts to promote a safe, vibrant, and inclusive digital creative economy, I met with TikTok’s West Africa Government Relations team on 26th June.
Our discussions focused on enforcing age restrictions, safeguarding minors, and promoting respons ible content development.
The Ministry welcomed TikTok’s introduction of a STEM -focused content feed and encouraged stronger alignment with national programmes, particularly the One Million Coders initiative.
I urged TikTok to ensure fair compensation for Ghanaian content creators.
I also proposed the establishment of a local moderation and content governance team to reflect Ghana’s values, protect user rights, and support national regulatory expectations.
Engagement with MultiChoice Ghana on Subscription Pricing Last week, I invited the senior leadership of MultiChoice Ghana for a formal dialogue on DStv subscription pricing in Ghana.
The meeting addressed public concerns about affordability, value for money, and fairness in service delivery.
I made clear the Ministry’s expectation that pricing structures must be responsive to Ghana’s economic context.
I have a scheduled meeting for Friday with the Ghana Team and their South African counterparts to agree on a way forward on the issues raised.
The outcomes will be shared with the public in due course.
This engagement reflects our commitment to regulatory accountability and our resolve to ensure that digital services in Ghana remain fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of citizens.
Stakeholder Engagement The Ministry continues to place stakeholder engagement at the centre of policy and programme implementation.
These engagements are essential to shaping responsive policy, unlocking investment, and ensuring inclusive national participation in our digital transformation agenda.
• Quarterly Industry Engagements Institutionalised Between February and June 2025, we held three high -level dialogue sessions with telecom CEOs, infrastructure providers, and regulators.
These structured quarterly meetings are now a permanent fixture.
They serve to foster technical clarity, reinforce accountability, and align private sector investment with national digital priorities.
• Ministerial Ecosystem Tour – Supporting Ghana’s Homegrown Tech Champions In May, I undertook a technology ecosystem tour to engage directly with Ghanaian tech companies driving innovation and job creation.
The tour included visits to Zipline, ShaQ Express, IT Consortium, AppsnMobile, and Grow for Me where I observed firsthand t he resilience and global ambition of our local innovators.
These engagements offered a platform for feedback and collaboration.
They reinforced our commitment to policy clarity, investment incentives, and infrastructure support.