By Kafui Dey
The high cost of data in Ghana has once again come under the spotlight, with content creators and business owners voicing their frustrations on the #GTVBreakfast show. Hosted by Thelma Tackie, the discussion featured prominent YouTube personality Kwadwo Sheldon and Samuel Yeboah, founder of Tech In Twi, who did not mince words in expressing their grievances.
Kwadwo Sheldon was particularly vocal about the impact of expensive data on his content creation and online presence. “We are spending 5000 cedis monthly on data,” Sheldon revealed, underscoring the financial burden faced by digital content creators. He lamented that both creators and consumers are suffering due to the exorbitant prices.
In a bold statement, Sheldon accused telecommunications companies of exploiting their customers. “The telcos have taken us for granted because they know we will talk for one week and that’s it,” he charged, highlighting a perceived complacency among service providers who, according to him, do not feel the need to address ongoing complaints about data costs.
Samuel Yeboah echoed Sheldon’s sentiments, emphasizing the broader implications of high data prices on digital engagement and economic growth. “The high cost of data will not allow the benefits of digitalization to be felt,” he said, stressing the urgency for more affordable internet access to unlock the full potential of digital transformation in Ghana.
The conversation also touched on the disparity in data pricing between Ghana and neighboring countries. Sheldon pointed out, “The same MTN in Nigeria is giving the equivalent of 100 GB of data for 100 cedis,” calling into question the pricing strategies of telecommunications companies in Ghana.
Both guests called for immediate action from regulatory bodies and the government. “The authorities can do something about high data cost,” Sheldon asserted, urging the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ministry of Communications to intervene. “NCA and the Comms Ministry should sit down with the telcos to bring down data costs,” he demanded.
Yeboah added a political dimension to the debate, announcing plans to mobilize a protest in the constituency of the Minister of Communications. “We will deploy 3000 people in Ablekuma West to protest high data costs,” he declared, signaling a readiness to take the fight beyond the studio and into the streets.
The panelists also critiqued the quality of internet service, with Sheldon remarking, “Data speed is an issue now, and we are not getting value for money.” He called for a more reliable internet experience, noting that consumers often find their videos buffering despite paying high prices for data.
In conclusion, the discussion on #GTVBreakfast laid bare the frustrations of Ghanaians grappling with high data costs. The calls for regulatory intervention and price reductions are growing louder, as content creators and consumers alike demand a fairer, more affordable digital landscape. As Sheldon aptly put it, “If you are preaching digitalization, bring down the cost of data.”
