Unrealistic Telecom Pricing Claims Spark Urgent Call for Reform: Ghana Minister Sam George Must Urgently Address Affordability Crisis

Recent viral claims on social media have touted Ethiopia as offering “unlimited calls, texts, and data for just $70 annually”, positioning it as the cheapest telecom provider in Africa. However, a fact check reveals these claims are misleading—there is no evidence supporting such pricing.

Official data from Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia’s sole telecom operator, shows that its monthly unlimited voice and data package costs 1,699 Birr (approximately $28–35 per month), amounting to $336–420 annually, far above the oft-quoted $70 . This exposes the $70/year figure as false, likely stemming from misinterpretation of promotions or social media exaggeration.

In Ghana, the situation is equally dire. The average cost of mobile data stands at around GHC 6.30 per GB (circa $0.49/GB), which, though not exorbitant, can become burdensome for families and students with extensive usage . For fixed broadband, services such as GhanaWifi charge approximately GHC 3,600/year (USD 300), plus an installation fee .

The juxtaposition is stark: while the Ethiopian pricing claim is baseless, Ghana’s telecoms remain unaffordable for many, with no clear path to more inclusive rates.

This sub-Saharan telecom affordability gap underscores the urgent need for pro-activery policy intervention.

Call to Action for Hon. Sam George, Minister for Communications:

Launch a nationwide telecom affordability audit, comparing Ghana’s rates to benchmarks across Africa.
Engage with telecom operators (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo, etc.) to negotiate lower or subsidized unlimited data packages, especially targeting students, small businesses, and low-income households.
Explore regulatory frameworks or incentives to drive price competition and innovation in data service delivery.
Promote public awareness, debunking misleading pricing myths and presenting clear, transparent service comparisons.

If Ghana is to avoid falling behind on digital inclusion, decisive action is needed now. Minister Sam George is urged to take bold leadership to ensure affordable and accessible telecommunications for all Ghanaians.