The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has clarified that no sector minister can unilaterally reduce or remove tariffs on data prices without approval from the Minister for Finance and subsequent parliamentary endorsement.
His clarification follows public criticism on social media platform X, where a user, @tech_twi, raised concerns over Ghana's high mobile data costs.
The user argued that tariffs, which allegedly constitute over 39% of every data purchase, should be urgently reduced to make data more affordable for Ghanaians. "Eyes fixed on the prize is great, but the real prize is affordable data," the post read. "Removing those tariffs will cut data prices before pushing further… There's no prize in promising - the true victory lies in eliminating that 39%." In response, Sam George acknowledged the advocacy but pointed out the constitutional and legislative limits of his ministry. "I am impressed with the enthusiasm in your advocacy, but facts remain facts," he replied. "No Minister, except the Minister for Finance, through an instrument laid before Parliament, can REMOVE any tax or tariff handle as it affects government revenue." He stressed that social media pressure alone cannot override established legal procedures. "Until we get the Minister for Finance to approve the removal or reduction of sector-specific tariffs, it is all enthusiasm and not facts." Despite these legal constraints, the Minister reassured the public that the government is taking steps to ease the burden of data costs.
He noted that productive discussions are ongoing with the Finance and Energy Ministries to implement medium-term solutions.
