Government must consider reduction in data cost - Economist

An economist, Dr Lord Mensah, has advised government to consider subsidising data cost aimed at mitigating the impact of the novel Coronavirus outbreak on citizens.

Measures to reduce the financial burden on Ghanaians by government has resulted in the decision to absorb the cost of water utilities for the next three months; April May and June, according to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

But Dr. Lord Mensah argued that, reduction of data cost was missing from the President’s broadcast to the nation last night, April 5, due to many individuals working remotely from home following the announcement of a two-week partial lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

“I think that what is missing from the speech is that many people who are now working from home are spending more money on ICT bundles and communication and I was expecting that the President on that aspect included a reduction in data cost for all Ghanaians in his announcement,” Dr. Lord Mensah said in an interview on April 6.

He added, the GH¢1 billion stimulus package, which is to be made available by the Finance Minister, for households and business as directed by the President, ought to be targeted.

“I’m expecting that the stimulus package will go into sectors that will direct trade and economic activities and by so doing we can gradually build that up in other sectors like that hospitality and tourism sector”

“There are some areas or sectors that even if you give them the subsidies, they won’t get patronage as we speak now,” he suggested.