Here's why your data drains faster - Sam George details

With the rise of technology, many smartphone users now browse the internet to access news, entertainment, or stay connected with friends and family.

Today, social media has also become a space where people meet new friends and build professional and personal networks.

However, a growing number of users have complained that their mobile data depletes too quickly, even though telecom providers recently reduced the cost of data bundles.

Addressing these concerns, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, clarified that there has been no tampering with data pricing by telecommunication companies.

According to him, investigations into customer complaints revealed that most concerns were based on perception rather than technical evidence.

He emphasised that user behavior, such as app usage, video streaming, and background activity, is often the real cause of rapid data consumption.

Sam George stressed that any telecom company found to be altering pricing outside the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) approved rates would face swift sanctions.

“Let me be clear: my fidelity, and that of the Ministry and the government of President Mahama, is to the Ghanaian people. Our interest lies in protecting their best interest. However, these are technical matters that must be addressed with facts, not feelings,” he said.

He added, “I’ve seen numerous complaints on social media, so I have established a specialised task force within the NCA and across all mobile network operators to tackle them. I want to put on record that every complaint referred to the team has been thoroughly investigated, and all were linked to user behavior, not price tampering.”

“This morning, I received a report on one complaint. The NCA attempted to contact the individual for 48 hours with no response, so I had to retweet him on X. Eventually, we discovered he had handed his device to someone else, who streamed videos extensively. That’s what drained the data he expected to retain, and we have the evidence,” the Minister said.

Sam George further assured the public that his ministry remains committed to transparency and will continue to monitor telecom operations closely.

On July 1, 2025, MTN, Telecel, and government-owned AT significantly reduced data costs by increasing the volume of data offered under existing bundles.

For example, Telecel’s GH¢400 bundle, which previously offered 195GB, now provides 236GB. AT’s GH¢400 bundle gives 250GB, while MTN’s GH¢399 package now offers 214GB.



SA/MA