The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Information and Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, has called on the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, to focus on reducing data costs and improving digital access instead of pursuing what he considers less pressing policy initiatives.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, June 4, Mr. Nyindam argued that Ghanaians expect the ministry to prioritize issues that directly affect their daily lives, particularly the cost of internet services and mobile communication.
According to him, many voters supported the government with the expectation that it would address challenges within the digital sector and make technology more affordable for citizens.
“We must get serious in this country. People queued to vote for the NDC and for the minister to come and serve them better. We have a lot of concerns under his ministry, and I will appeal to him to focus more on how best we can reduce data, how best we can make phone calls affordable and move away from the kind of things that he’s been saying,” he stated.
His comments come after Communications Minister Sam George revealed that government is considering a policy proposal that would require users to verify their identity before accessing pornographic websites in Ghana.
The minister has indicated that the proposal is intended to protect children from exposure to explicit online content and is in line with measures being adopted in some other jurisdictions.
However, Mr. Nyindam questioned whether such a proposal should be a priority at a time when many Ghanaians are struggling with the high cost of internet data and other digital services.
“Today, he goes out there and he says that he’s trying to bring a proposal to Parliament or even Cabinet that adults who want to access pornographic websites identify themselves with their ID cards. What are the benefits to the ordinary Ghanaian?” he asked.
The lawmaker further challenged the practical value of the proposal, insisting that government should concentrate on policies that deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
“I want to go and watch a pornographic film somewhere, and you, as a minister, your concern is that you want to identify the person who is going to that website. And what is the benefit to the ordinary Ghanaian who queued to vote for him?” he questioned.
Mr. Nyindam also drew attention to other initiatives that he believes deserve greater focus from the ministry. Among them is the government’s widely publicized “One Million Coders” programme, which aims to equip young people with digital skills and create employment opportunities within the technology sector.
“The young men who voted for him, the one million coders they’ve promised—how far has he been able to do that?” he asked.
The Member of Parliament further expressed concern about the pace of legislative reforms expected from the ministry. According to him, several policy commitments made by the minister are yet to materialize in Parliament.
“He has promised to bring 15 bills to Parliament; as we speak, not even a single bill is in Parliament,” Mr. Nyindam stated.
He urged the Communications Ministry to channel its energy toward initiatives that can lower the cost of digital services, expand access to technology, create jobs and improve the overall digital experience for Ghanaians.
The comments add to the growing debate surrounding digital policy priorities in Ghana, particularly as citizens continue to demand affordable internet access and greater investment in technology driven development.
While discussions on online safety and age verification continue, Mr. Nyindam believes the ministry’s immediate attention should remain on policies that provide direct economic and social benefits to the public.
