Coronavirus: Mahama calls for internet relief for Ghanaians

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flag-bearer, John Mahama, has urged the government and telecommunication companies to work urgently towards easing the internet challenges of consumers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic has led to a partial lock-down of Accra, Kasoa, Kumasi and Tema as well as the closure of schools, churches and bans on public gatherings.

Speaking after announcing the donation of food items to some 20,000 households in Accra, Mr Mahama said a free month-six month extension of license would motivate the telcos to reduce the cost of voice and data.

“This has drastically increased their expenditure on internet usage to the extent that some can no longer cope. Indeed, there are reports of several students being unable to complete online lectures because their data run out. Several people are also working from home.”

A lot of schools have tried to move classes online while a number of professionals have taken to working from home to ensure social distancing.

“This value can be applied to cushion consumers during this three-month period,” he noted

He suggested that telcos could also be compensated with funds from the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), “which already has the mandate to ensure universal access to telecommunication.”

“Furthermore, the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) should leverage its robust broadband infrastructure…to meet the increased demand for wireless and fixed broadband in these COVID-19 times.”

Former President Mahama further reiterated calls for the removal of the 50% increase in the Communications Service Tax which he said: “will provide further relief for the many who are having to work or stay at home at this time.”

So far, the government has provided extra spectrum to Vodafone and MTN Ghana so as to improve data quality.

In the recent past, some Ghanaians responded by urging the telcos to reduce data costs.  But commenting on the matter in March, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN argued that reducing the cost of data amidst the pandemic could increase traffic that will affect internet speed.