The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, says as part of several fiscal measures to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, government is engaging telcos operating in the country to reduce the cost of data.
According to the CEO of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevor, data usage in Ghana has generally increased by due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the pandemic, government has closed down all schools and banned public gatherings including religious activities, while several organizations have asked their staff to work from home to observe the social distancing practice to prevent the spread of the virus.
The latest action is the partial lockdown in Tema, Accra, Kasoa and Kumasi, which has forced more people to stay home or work from home.
Addressing Parliament on Monday on fiscal measures being taken by government to lessen the pressure of the pandemic on people and businesses, the Finance Minister said “Government is engaging the Telcos to reduce the cost of data and telecommunication services to households and small businesses”.
Meanwhile, the MTN Ghana CEO had previously hinted that reducing the cost of data to boost communication amidst the coronavirus pandemic, could increase traffic that will affect internet speed.