MP Urges Sam George to End ‘Rhetoric’ and Advocate for Unlimited Monthly Internet Data at a Fixed Price for Ghanaians

A Member of Parliament on the Information and Communications Select Committee has called on the Minister of Communications, Sam George, to move beyond rhetoric and fanfare, urging that Ghanaians deserve unlimited monthly internet data at a fixed fee—similar to what is offered in countries like the USA and the UK.

In a radio interview with Citi FM monitored by Graphic Online on Tuesday, the Mpraeso MP, popularly known as OPK, said the recent announcement by Minister George, which focused on a reduction in data prices tied to the appreciation of the cedi, falls short of what ordinary Ghanaians actually want. OPK argued that this is not enough and criticized the minister’s approach as populist, urging a shift towards more substantial policies that would ease the financial burden on consumers.

He acknowledged the minister’s explanation that the price reductions came after consultations with telecom giants like AT Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and MTN Ghana, who agreed to lower prices due to the stronger cedi. However, OPK emphasized that consumers are seeking a more reliable and predictable arrangement: paying a fixed monthly fee for unlimited data access.

“Ghanaians want more than just a price cut tied to currency fluctuations,” OPK stated. “In countries like the USA and the UK, users pay a flat fee and enjoy unlimited internet access. This is the standard Ghanaian consumers expect and deserve.”

He also highlighted that while many goods have seen price drops due to the cedi’s appreciation, the call for affordable, unlimited internet access remains unaddressed. “It is not enough to reduce data prices just because the cedi is stronger and telecom companies decide to follow suit. Organizing a press conference to announce this does not equate to meaningful progress,” he said.

OPK further urged the Ministry of Communications to implement policies and infrastructure that genuinely reduce the cost of internet access for the average Ghanaian, rather than relying on announcements that benefit industry players more than consumers.

On regulatory oversight, he noted that the National Communications Authority (NCA) already has a billing verification system to protect consumers from being overcharged. This existing infrastructure ensures transparency and accountability in telecom billing, countering claims that new measures are needed on this front.

Addressing questions about why the New Patriotic Party (NPP), his own political party, did not implement such reforms during its eight years in power, OPK explained that his role as an opposition MP is to hold the government accountable regardless of party affiliations. “It’s my duty to speak up for the Ghanaian people and demand what they truly want, not just applaud partial measures,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating the demand for fixed-price unlimited internet data plans as a crucial step toward easing the financial pressures on Ghanaian consumers and aligning the country’s telecom services with global standards.

“This isn’t about celebrating minor price adjustments linked to currency changes,” he said. “It’s about giving the people a fair, predictable, and affordable way to access unlimited internet data every month.”