Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George was engaged in a heated exchange on social media with an X user Tech In Twi over the cost of data in the country.
The X user reminded the Minister of some of his comments while in opposition and urged him to do something about the rising data cost for Ghana’s people.
His post was “Eyes fixed on the prize is great, but the real prize is affordable data. By your own words, there’s over 39% in tariffs on every data purchase — tariffs that were never passed through Parliament under the previous government. Removing those tariffs will cut data prices before pushing further. But right now, that 39% goes straight into your account using your own words. So the longer you delay, the more you profit. There’s no prize in promising — The true victory lies in eliminating that 39% and still push to make data more affordable to the general public”.
Responding to the tweet, the Minister explained that he has no power to remove tariffs on data charges and that the power only lies in the bosom of the Finance Minister.
“I am impressed with the enthusiasm in your advocacy but facts remain facts. You have rightly diagnosed the tariffs in the price build up for data. Maybe it is important to educate you since you may be unfamiliar with the laws of Ghana, that no Minister, except the Minister for Finance through an instrument laid before Parliament can REMOVE any tax or tariff handle as it affects government revenue. So you may tag me a thousand a post but the fact is that until we get the Minister for Finance to approve the removal or reduction of sector specific tariffs, it is all enthusiasm and not facts. I am however glad that even though tariff reductions bring the biggest relief, they are not the only options available to me. I am happy with the direction of the conversation with the Finance and Energy Ministers in the medium term. In the short term, the regulator would be implementing policy for immediate effects to be felt. Hope this helps and clarifies the issues for you,” he explained.
The young man who was not convinced by the answers provided by the Minister reminded him of what he said when Ursula Owusu was the Minister.
“You’ve contradicted yourself, Hon. Sam George. In opposition, you called out the former Minister for authorizing a regulatory tariff through the NCA — not a statutory tax passed by Parliament. You described it as a deceptive increase and promised action. But now in office, you’re claiming it takes the Finance Minister and Parliament to reverse it? Let’s be clear: If this was truly a regulatory tariff approved by the NCA (as you rightly said before), then by law, it can be reversed by the Minister for Communications through a policy directive and a new legislative instrument (L.I.) — no need for Parliament. Under: •Section 14 of the National Communications Authority Act (Act 769) – the Minister can issue a policy directive to the NCA Board, and the Board must comply. •Section 97 of the Electronic Communications Act (Act 775) – the Minister, with advice from the NCA, may issue or revoke tariffs through an L.I. This legal process takes less than a month when there’s political will. The NCA Board advises, the L.I. is prepared and certified by the AG, laid before Parliament for 21 days (if needed), and the reversal becomes law. So instead of telling Ghanaians your hands are tied, you should be honest: either the will is not there, or you’re shifting responsibility. Don’t call something a scam to win public support, then defend that same system when in power. We’re simply asking you to use the same legal path you claimed was used to impose it — this time, to end it.”
You’ve contradicted yourself, Hon. Sam George. In opposition, you called out the former Minister for authorizing a regulatory tariff through the NCA — not a statutory tax passed by Parliament. You described it as a deceptive increase and promised action. But now in office, you’re… https://t.co/8lJ8vioFsP
— Tech In Twi (@tech_twi) May 18, 2025
In opposition, he said the communication minister has the power to reverse those tariffs and the law supports it. But now he’s saying it depends on the Finance Minister — yet the Finance Minister’s actions show he knows nothing about it! pic.twitter.com/lzph2BkGwj
— Tech In Twi (@tech_twi) May 18, 2025
The more you reply, the more the President might wonder if you lied on your CV for the job. But the more you stay silent, the more the people believe you’re not being honest with them. And let’s not forget — by your own words, reducing tariffs doesn’t take this long when there’s…
— Tech In Twi (@tech_twi) May 18, 2025
