A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Miracles Dennis Aboagye has criticized the government for taking credit for the recent data reduction announced during the 68th Independence Day celebration.
Mr. Aboagye argued that telecom networks had previously implemented similar data reductions, making the latest announcement unremarkable.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with Communications Minister Sam George, suggesting that he should be reprimanded for making unnecessary noise about the initiative.
On March 6, 2025, Sam George revealed the launch of a special Independence Day data bundle, introduced under the directive of President John Mahama in collaboration with MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and AT Ghana. The GHS10 bundle provided 6GB of data, significantly more than the usual 1GB or 3GB typically offered on public holidays at the same price. Mr. George described the initiative as a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting digital transformation nationwide.
However, in a media interview, Mr. Aboagye dismissed the initiative as a mere repackaging of a previous practice, emphasizing that similar data reductions had occurred under the Akufo-Addo administration without requiring presidential involvement. He contended that the initiative did not warrant celebration.
“If this is your measure for appointments, then we’re in trouble, it’s all about setting and packaging. Have you ever seen an Independence Day where Telcos don’t offer free bundles? If I were President John Mahama, I would have called the Minister of Communications and lashed him, as he is putting the president’s name into disrepute,” he said.