In the wake of calls by Ghanaians led by Tech in Twi on Twitter for a reduction in the price of data, it has been announced that AirtelTigo, which is partly owned by the government, will be reviewing the price of data upwards.
The call for a reduction in Internet data prices to the government seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
While announcing the increase in Internet data prices, AirtelTigo sent an SMS to its customers. It indicated that the data prices were going to be reviewed upward due to operational costs.
Dear customer, be informed that effective 19th August 2024, prices of Sika Kokoo, BigTime, and XXL data bundles will be reviewed due to high operational costs.
The internet has become a basic necessity for us all to even access government services in Ghana. For a government that believes in digitalization, not keeping data prices low will mean the inability of citizens to tap into the digital drive and its intended benefits.
Internet data prices increasing mean making it impossible for some people to access services online, among others.
High operational costs resulting from government-imposed taxes account for the current upward trajectory of data prices in Ghana. Not less than five taxes are charged on data purchased in Ghana.
A GHS330.00 data purchased from Telecel Ghana includes a 5% CST tax of GHS12.93, a 2.5% NHIS tax amounting to GHS6.46, GetFund of 2.5% amounting to GHS6.46, a 1% COVID-19 levey which amounts to GHS2.59, and a final VAT of 15% on the data price without taxes of 258.52; then the same 15% is also charged on all the other taxes mentioned to arrive at the GHS330.00.
The above is outlined in the table below for better comprehension.
| Item | Percentage | Amount (GHS) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Price (without taxes) | – | 258.52 |
| CST Tax | 5% | 12.93 |
| NHIS Tax | 2.5% | 6.46 |
| GetFund | 2.5% | 6.46 |
| COVID-19 Levy | 1% | 2.59 |
| VATABLE VALUE | 286.96 | |
| VAT on Other Taxes | 15% | 43.04 |
| Total Amount | – | 330.00 |
Tech in Twi while reacting to the announcement bemoaned the increase in data prices across all telcos at a time Ghanaians were calling for a reduction in data prices to help the ordinary person better appreciate the government’s horning of digitalization of the economy.
“Currently, all the telecommunications companies in Ghana are blaming the government for high-cost operations in Ghana, including AT, which is owned by the government. Isn’t it strange how many Ghanaians are quiet about this issue? What are the artists saying about this? What are the teachers’ associations and others saying about this?” He stated on x.
It looks as though the government the the NCA have turned a deaf ear to the calls to reduce the prices of data in the country.
Just before the call for a reduction in the Internet Data Prices was initiated by the team at Tech in Twi @tech_twi started, they outlined the followin cogent reasons why the data prices need to reduce.
Here is why we are doing the campaign:
1. Students need affordable and quality internet to learn effectively. In today’s digital age, access to online resources, virtual classrooms, and educational materials is crucial for academic success.
2. Nurses need the same to work effectively. Access to medical databases, patient records, and telehealth services ensures that nurses can provide the best possible care to their patients.
3. Teachers rely on affordable internet to develop and deliver lesson plans, communicate with students and parents, and stay updated with the latest educational tools and techniques.
4. Small Business Owners require affordable internet to run their businesses efficiently. From managing online sales to communicating with customers and suppliers, internet access is a fundamental part of their operations.
5. Remote Workers depend on stable and affordable internet to perform their jobs from home. With the rise of remote work, ensuring that all employees have access to reliable internet is essential for productivity and economic growth.
6. Healthcare Providers need affordable internet to access up-to-date medical research, participate in telemedicine, and manage patient care more effectively.
7. Researchers and Scientists require high-speed internet to conduct experiments, share findings with the global community, and collaborate on projects that can lead to significant advancements in various fields.
8. Farmers and Agricultural Workers benefit from affordable internet through access to real-time weather data, market prices, and modern farming techniques, which can significantly enhance productivity and sustainability.
9. Public Servants and Government Employees need reliable internet to perform their duties efficiently, ensuring that public services are delivered effectively to citizens.
10. Job Seekers require affordable internet to search for employment opportunities, submit applications, and develop skills through online courses and training programs.
11. General Public needs affordable data bundles to access various government services, which are increasingly being digitalized. From filing taxes online to applying for permits and accessing public information, affordable internet is essential for interacting with government implementations and services.
READ: How to Avoid Fake Data Sellers & Buy Safe Non-Expiring MTN and Airtel-Tigo Data
Our Government that is supposed to make data prices affordable is rather forcing the telecoms to offer expensive data. This is unacceptable and not done anywhere in the world, not under any law in this world that the Government must work against the consumers, especially a government that is advocating for digitalization. We, the People of Ghana, say a big “No” to that and we won’t stop until something has been done.
#DissolveNCAboard #BawumiaIsATraitor #NPPareAgainstThePeople
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