Editorial
Cost of data, a headache for Ghanaians
Dear Editor,
It is an undeniable fact that many Ghanaians are currently feeling the impact of the economic challenges of the country, which reflects in the cost of transportation, food, and rent.
Among all of the costs, that of internet data remains one that had become unbearable for Ghanaians.
The amount of money spent on internet data on a monthly basis is very high and takes a greater percentage of the monthly wages.
For instance, a friend who earned a monthly wage of GH¢1,500 spends about GH₵500 on internet data.
Interestingly, the telecommunication companies have all introduced internet packages for sale for the sake of competition but most of these data packages do not last.
I recall an experience where a gentleman lamented bitterly about how a monthly data internet bundle got finished within two weeks despite the high cost.
Internet data has become very essential and a daily part of human life as it drives business operations, education, and social interactions.
A recent research conducted by a UK-based research firm Cable. Co, indicated that the average cost of 1GB data in Ghana stands at 0.40 USD.
Moreover, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has attributed the high cost of data to factors such as high taxes, infrastructure expenses, and regulatory prices.
Although Ghana has been ranked
as one of the countries with low-cost internet data, the concerns raised by Ghanaians underscore the need for the government to address the high cost of internet and mobile data.
This should be a matter of concern for the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mr Sam Nartey George.
He understands the plight of Ghanaians already so I expect him to find ways to get the telecommunication companies to reduce the cost of data as we drive the country towards digitalisation.
Namoale Emmanuel,
Nsawam
Dear Editor,
I AM writing to draw your attention to the inadequate street lights in some parts of Wawase, a situation that continues to pose serious concerns for residents.
Street lights play a crucial role in ensuring safety and security within a community. Unfortunately, several areas in Wawase are completely without functioning street lights.
This has made movement at night very difficult and dangerous, especially for workers, students, and traders who return home late.
The lack of proper lighting has also created an enabling environment for criminal activities such as theft and harassment. Residents often live in fear, and some are forced to limit their movements after dark. Additionally, poor visibility increases the risk of road accidents, putting both pedestrians and drivers at risk.
It is concerning that despite the growing population and development in Wawase, this basic infrastructure issue remains unresolved.
I would like to appeal to the relevant authorities, including the local assembly and electricity providers, to urgently address this problem by installing new street lights and repairing faulty ones.
Ensuring adequate street lights will not only improve security but also enhance the overall quality of life for residents in the area.
Gwen Mensah, Agona Swedru
Dear Editor,
FOR some time now, I have been deeply concerned about the state of the Kaneshie footbridge, which has over the years developed cracks, exposing some rusted metal parts and raising safety concerns.
It is, therefore, welcome news for daily users of the facility like myself that a team from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), led by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), visited the facility and announced a temporary closure to allow for maintenance work to be carried out.
While I wish to commend the Assembly for the move, I believe it has been long overdue.
I often find it difficult to understand why, as a country, we sit, wait, and watch for preventable incidents or tragedies to happen before we react. I say this because the issue of the bad state of the Kaneshie footbridge has been one that has been re-echoed by many who use it on a daily basis.
I believe that as the Assembly looks to start the maintenance works on the footbridge, it is also important for it and other Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to pay attention to other footbridges across the country that are in a similar state.
The time has come for Ghana, as a country, to be more proactive than reactive.
I will also urge the assemblies to deploy their respective teams to always check on footbridges across the country to ensure that they are in good shape to avoid any tragedy that could lead to the loss of human lives.
From Fafa, Kaneshie
