The National Communications Authority (NCA) has affirmed that data costs in Ghana remain relatively affordable, citing a report by cable.co.uk. The NCA highlighted that the report, which they further reviewed, ranks Ghana as the second most cost-effective country for data in West Africa and the third in Africa.
“Data from a report published by cable.co.uk and reviewed by the Authority as part of a regular billing monitoring exercise ranked Ghana 3rd in Africa for the cheapest mobile internet data and 2nd in the West African Region,” the NCA’s statement read.
This assertion comes in response to recent public discontent regarding high data costs, particularly following MTN’s designation as a Significant Market Power (SMP). Ghanaians have expressed concerns that this classification could exacerbate data pricing issues.
The NCA clarified that the SMP classification is designed to foster fair competition within the telecommunications sector rather than hinder MTN’s operations. The statement, released on July 21, emphasised the goal of maintaining a balanced market to protect consumer interests.
“The SMP classification is not intended to punish or stifle MTN’s operations but to ensure a level playing field and protect consumer choice. By implementing measures such as asymmetric interconnection rates, tariff parity, and technology neutrality, the NCA aims to promote competition, encourage innovation, and protect consumers’ interests. These measures enable other operators to compete effectively, offer sustainable pricing, and invest in improving service quality,” the NCA explained.
Read full statement of NCA below:
