Focus on Data Prices, Not Porn ID Policy — Nyindam Tells Sam George

Ranking Member on Parliament’s Information and Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, has called on Communications Minister Sam George to focus on reducing the cost of data and improving digital services instead of pursuing what he considers controversial policy initiatives.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on June 4, Nyindam said Ghanaians expect the government to address pressing digital and economic challenges, particularly the high cost of internet access and communication services.

According to him, citizens voted with the expectation that the government would improve their daily lives, and he believes the ministry’s attention should be directed toward making data and phone calls more affordable.

His remarks come after Sam George revealed that the government is considering a proposal that would require individuals to verify their identity before accessing pornographic websites in Ghana.

While the minister has argued that the measure is intended to protect children from explicit online content and aligns with practices adopted elsewhere, Nyindam questioned its value to ordinary Ghanaians.

He argued that requiring adults to present identification before visiting such websites does little to address the challenges facing citizens and does not reflect the priorities of voters.

Nyindam further urged the ministry to concentrate on key initiatives such as reducing data prices, creating employment opportunities in the digital sector, and advancing the government’s proposed “One Million Coders” programme.

He also expressed concern about the pace of legislative reforms within the ministry, noting that although the minister had announced plans to introduce 15 bills to Parliament, none had yet been presented.

According to Nyindam, government efforts should be directed toward policies that provide immediate and measurable benefits to the public rather than initiatives he believes divert attention from more urgent national concerns.