Cost of data, a headache for Ghanaians

 Dear Editor,

 It is an undeniable fact that many Ghanaians are currently feeling the impact of the economic chal­lenges of the country, which reflects in the cost of transportation, food, and rent.

Among all of the costs, that of internet data remains one that had become unbearable for Ghanaians.

The amount of money spent on internet data on a monthly basis is very high and takes a greater per­centage of the monthly wages.

For instance, a friend who earned a monthly wage of GH¢1,500 spends about GH₵500 on internet data.

Interestingly, the telecommunica­tion companies have all introduced internet packages for sale for the sake of competition but most of these data packages do not last.

I recall an experience where a gentleman lamented bitterly about how a monthly data internet bun­dle got finished within two weeks despite the high cost.

Internet data has become very essential and a daily part of human life as it drives business operations, education, and social interactions.

A recent research conducted by a UK-based research firm Cable. Co, indicated that the average cost of 1GB data in Ghana stands at 0.40 USD.

Moreover, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has attributed the high cost of data to factors such as high taxes, infrastructure expens­es, and regulatory prices.

Although Ghana has been ranked

as one of the countries with low-cost internet data, the concerns raised by Ghanaians underscore the need for the government to address the high cost of internet and mobile data.

This should be a matter of concern for the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mr Sam Nartey George.

He understands the plight of Ghanaians already so I expect him to find ways to get the telecommu­nication companies to reduce the cost of data as we drive the country towards digitalisation.

Namoale Emmanuel,

Nsawam