Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Ghana commence implementation of enhanced data packages, under government orders

In a bid to address widespread concerns about the high cost of internet data in Ghana, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, under the leadership of Minister Samuel Nartey George, has mandated major telecom operators, including MTN Ghana, to increase their data bundle offerings by 10 to 15 percent without raising prices, effective July 1, 2025.

### The Cause of the Revision Issues

The policy was the result of stakeholder consultations and calls for improved data affordability and fairness in the market. The directive comes in response to public complaints about the perceived high cost and low value of available data bundles, particularly after MTN Ghana reduced the data volume of its popular GH¢399 bundle.

### The Resolutions Implemented

MTN Ghana has responded by restoring and enhancing the GH¢399 bundle, offering consumers 214GB of data, a significant increase from the previously reduced 92.88GB. All MTN bundles have received a 15% increase in data volume, improving the value proposition for users. AirtelTigo and Telecel have also made similar adjustments, increasing their data bundle volumes by 10%.

### The Impact on Data Affordability

The increased data volumes offer consumers significantly larger amounts of data for the same prices, directly addressing affordability concerns. The move restores balance and fairness in the telecom market, particularly by reversing MTN's prior reduction in data offerings. It also enhances internet accessibility and usage capacity for Ghanaians across all networks, potentially boosting digital inclusion and economic activities reliant on digital connectivity.

### Key Changes for MTN Ghana's GH¢399 Bundle

| Price (GHS) | Previous Volume (GB) | Revised Volume (GB) | Percentage Increase | |-------------|---------------------|--------------------|---------------------| | 399 | 92.88 | 214 | ~130% |

### System Disruptions

However, the implementation of these revised bundles has been marred by system disruptions at MTN Ghana. A high-level meeting was convened between Minister George and a delegation from MTN Ghana to address these disruptions. Minister George emphasized the need for transparency and consistent public communication from MTN Ghana, and urged the operator to accelerate recovery operations and ensure full subscription access before the close of business. The operator expects full functionality, including the availability of the revised bundles, by midnight.

### No Cyberattack Involved

Ms. Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, clarified that the system crash was not due to a cyberattack. MTN technicians are currently reconfiguring the system and recalculating user data balances.

This restoration and enhancement of data bundles reflect a significant government-backed effort to make mobile internet data more affordable and accessible in Ghana’s digital economy. The coming days will be critical in assessing the effectiveness of the new pricing structure in addressing the needs of consumers in Ghana's digital economy.

The system disruptions experienced at MTN Ghana during the implementation of the revised data bundles have raised concerns, requiring immediate attention from Minister George and a delegation from MTN Ghana in a high-level meeting. MTN Ghana, on the other hand, has emphasized that the system crash was not a result of a cyberattack, and their technicians are currently working to restore full functionality and the availability of the enhanced data bundles by midnight.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Ghana commence implementation of enhanced data packages, under government orders