A viral post by tech enthusiast Samuel Yeboah, known on social media as Tech in Twi, is seeking to reignite public fury over the affordability of mobile data in Ghana, spotlighting the stark disparity in telecom pricing structures. Posted on X today, Yeboah’s tweet, accompanied by a screenshot of MTN Ghana’s prepaid data bundles, declared, “Naaaaaaa!!! Almost less than 5% of the population can afford 399ghs of data. This doesn’t add up! NO!” The image reveals a range of bundles, from a modest 40.91MB for GH¢1 to a hefty 214.53GB for GH¢399, fueling debates about accessibility and fairness.
The controversy builds on growing public discontent, with many Ghanaians echoing Yeboah’s sentiments on platforms like X. The post has amplified earlier criticisms, including those from fellow advocate Sheldon, who has consistently called for lower data costs. Sheldon referenced past protests alongside Yeboah at the National Communications Authority during the NPP administration, questioning the current NDC-led government’s pace. “When NPP was in power, me and Tech In Twi were at NCA… Who was on GTV barking early morning telling the government to reduce data prices?” Sheldon asked, dismissing accusations of partisanship and stressing his commitment to accountability.
Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George, who chairs the Inter-Agency Data Pricing Committee, faces mounting pressure to deliver on promises of reduced data prices by year-end 2025. Despite recent government mandates effective today, July 1, to increase data volumes by 10-15% under the #BetterDataInitiative, critics argue the timeline remains too slow. The new bundles, including MTN’s reinstated GH¢399 package offering 214GB (up from 92.88GB at GH¢350), are seen as out of reach for most, given Ghana’s minimum wage of GH¢18 per day.
X users have flooded the platform with reactions with some users calling the pricing “daylight robbery with a smile,” noting the inconsistency where GH¢250 yields less than half the data of the GH¢400 bundle. Others are lamenting the rapid depletion of data, while Kelvin Janviah, a university student, questioned how one could afford GH¢399 amidst rising living costs. Defenders of the telecoms, argue that companies are entitled to profit, urging consumers to build their own networks if dissatisfied.
The online spat has also drawn attention to influencer Bongo Ideas, with Sheldon and others accusing him of derailing constructive dialogue. As public frustration grows, all eyes are on Hon. Sam George and the NDC to address the financial burden of internet access. With the NCA monitoring compliance and quarterly billing tests slated for Q3 2025, the government’s next steps will be critical in restoring trust.
Stay tuned to Daily Accra for updates as this story develops.
