Mr. Seth Twum Akwaboah, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has said the cost of Internet data in Ghana is too expensive for Businesses to afford and adopt Technology and Digitalization methods in Ghana.
He noted that most Businesses, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are failing to invest in Technology in this Pandemic era due to the cost of credit for internet and social media services.
Speaking at the Maiden Edition of the Graphic/Access Bank SME Clinic in Accra, Mr. Seth Twum Akwaboah called on Government and the Telecommunication companies to as matter of urgency consider reduction for SMEs to adopt the Digitalization process and noted most students as well use data to study daily online.
He called on the government to put in place a digital infrastructure to help in providing the needed speedy orbit for solutions, if “we want to leapfrog and promote business growth”.
The CEO said before SMEs could take full advantage of the digital solutions, they needed to acquire knowledge through training and that they should invest in these solutions while joining networks to market their products.
He said SMEs would be left out in the participation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement if they failed to jump on to digital platforms.
According to a 2018 report by the Alliance for Affordable Internet, Nigerians enjoyed the cheapest internet in the sub-region.
1 gigabit of broadband data in Nigeria cost $2.74 (equivalent to GH¢13) on average while Guinea-Bissau had the most expensive internet, with a gigabit selling at $15.66 (equivalent to GH¢ 78) on average.
Ghana, which has the fourth cheapest internet in West Africa sells a gigabit for $4.10 (equivalent to GH¢ 20) on average.
Senegal and Niger came second and third respectively on the ranking for cheapest internet. The cost of one gigabit sells for $3.48 (equivalent to GH¢ 17) in both countries.
Sierra Leone is the only West African country after Guinea-Bissau to have a gigabit selling beyond $10. It is sold for a little over $14 (equivalent to GH¢ 70) in that country.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com
