'The cost of data for the ordinary Ghanaian has become too expensive' - Dr. Bawumia admits

The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has acknowledged that the rising cost of data and its negative impact on consumers and businesses in the country goes against the government's efforts towards digitalization.

In light of this, he has pledged to address the high cost of data as part of his administration's broader strategy to position the country as the leading digital hub in Africa if elected in the upcoming December elections.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 NPP manifesto in Takoradi on August 18, 2024 the vice president stated that his administration aims to increase investment in the telecommunications sector to make data more affordable for ordinary citizens.

"To become a digital hub in Africa, Ghana's telecom industry needs more investment. The cost of data for the ordinary Ghanaian has become too expensive. It goes against the very ethos of our digitalization journey," he said.

"We will commit to actively working with industry players in setting clear policy guidelines that will remove any investor uncertainty and difficulties in business planning, including the expeditious allocation of spectrum driven more by the goal of enhancing digital inclusion," Dr. Bawumia added.

The pledge by the NPP flagbearer comes in response to growing concerns from businesses and consumers about the high cost of data services by telecommunications companies and its impact on their finances and livelihoods.

MA/AE

Watch the latest edition of BizHeadlines below:





Ghana’s leading digital news platform, GhanaWeb, in conjunction with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is embarking on an aggressive campaign which is geared towards ensuring that parliament passes comprehensive legislation to guide organ harvesting, organ donation, and organ transplantation in the country.

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel