The cost of mobile data in Ghana has seen a dramatic surge in recent weeks, leaving consumers fuming and demanding answers from both the government and telecommunication operators. Many citizens say the new data tariffs are biting hard, with some describing the situation as “digital daylight robbery.”
Across major cities and towns, internet users have taken to social media to vent their frustrations over what they call an unjustified increase in data prices. From students and small business owners to journalists and online traders, many say they can no longer afford the bundles they once relied on for daily activities.
“I used to buy GHS 6 data for three days, but now it barely lasts a day,” lamented a university student in Kumasi. “Everything in Ghana is going up, and now even data — how are we supposed to survive in a digital economy when we can’t afford to stay online?”
The situation, according to analysts, stems from rising operational costs, the depreciation of the cedi, and increased taxes on digital services. However, critics argue that telecom companies are taking advantage of weak regulatory oversight to impose arbitrary pricing on consumers.
Ghanaians have also blamed the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation for their “lukewarm attitude” toward protecting consumer interests. They claim that while citizens are struggling to keep up with the cost of living, the government has remained silent on an issue that directly affects education, business, and access to information.
Despite previous assurances from the Minister of Communications and Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Hon. Sam George, urging telecom operators to review their data charges downward, prices remain painfully high — and the government appears unconcerned and inactive in addressing the growing public outcry.
“This government loves to talk about DSTV issues rather than the major problems affecting Ghanaians,” a journalist fumed. “What’s the use of DSTV when ordinary citizens can’t even afford data? The silence from policymakers is disappointing and unacceptable.”
The hike in data prices has also raised concerns about its impact on online businesses, especially youth-led startups that depend heavily on internet access for marketing, communication, and sales. Many fear that if the situation continues unchecked, Ghana’s digital inclusion efforts will suffer a major setback.
Meanwhile, several civil society organisations have called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to investigate whether there is any cartel-like pricing arrangement among the telecom operators. They insist that the sudden, uniform rise across all networks raises questions about transparency and fair competition in the sector.
For now, the cry of the people remains the same: reduce the cost of data and make the digital space truly inclusive. As prices continue to soar and authorities remain indifferent, the frustration among Ghanaians grows louder — a reminder that in times of hardship, silence is never golden.
