Telecom Surprise: New Data Packages Roll Out As Ghana Gold Hits $5B
- asanteyawobed
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Ghana’s economy kicked off the month of July with a mix of cost pressures and economic wins, as fuel prices inched upward, data bundles expanded, and the Ghana Gold Board crossed a historic export milestone. Here’s what’s shaping the nation’s economic pulse, according to the July 1 edition of the Cedi Board®.
Fuel Prices Rise for the First Time Since February
Starting July 1, fuel consumers in Ghana are facing adjusted pump prices as projected by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC). Petrol is up 2%, diesel 5%, and LPG by 1%, marking the first increase in over four months.
According to COMAC CEO Dr. Riverson Oppong, the hike reflects current market realities and NPA price build-ups, even in the absence of the suspended Energy Sector Levy revision.
“These increases are necessary based on the current pricing window and downstream pressures. We also urge a regulatory review to ensure more cost-effective operations,” Dr. Oppong noted during a press briefing in Accra.
More Data, Same Price: Telcos Respond to Affordability Push
In a move welcomed by many, Ghana’s top telecom operators MTN, Telecel, and AT have begun implementing a new government-backed policy to increase data volumes by 10% to 15%, starting July 1.
MTN raised data bundle allocations by 15%
AT and Telecel boosted theirs by 10% across board
High-tier plans like AT’s GHC400 package now offer 236GB (up from 195GB)
MTN’s newly launched GHC399 bundle provides 214GB, replacing the previous 92.88GB for GHC350
Sector Minister Sam George emphasized strict compliance through the National Communications Authority (NCA), with penalties for telcos that fail to meet the new threshold.
This initiative is part of Ghana’s digital inclusion drive, aiming to ease internet costs and boost access for households, students, and small businesses.
Ghana Gold Board Exports Exceed $5 Billion in 6 Months
In a record-breaking feat, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has surpassed $5 billion in gold exports for just the first half of 2025 eclipsing the total 2024 figure of $4.6 billion.
“We’ve already moved over 50 tons in the first six months, and by end of July, we expect to cross the 60-tonne mark,” said CEO Sammy Gyamfi at a press briefing.
GoldBod’s enhanced oversight, reforms under the GoldBod Act, 2025 (Act 1140), and efficient licensing are credited for this surge. Importantly, over $900 million in forex was mobilized just in June alone helping the Bank of Ghana shore up reserves and maintain cedi stability, which stood firm at ₵10.32 per USD as of June 30, 2025.
As of today, all gold trading licenses issued by the PMMC and Ministry of Lands are void, with GoldBod now the sole licensing authority under the new act.
Investor’s Insight: Start a Small Printing & Typing Shop
With schools reopening, job applications rising, and digitization picking pace, a printing and typing shop offers high, daily cash flow potential especially near schools, internet cafés, and public institutions.
With minimal setup cost and growing demand for document prep, passport photos, CVs, and typing services, this is a trending small business idea for Ghana’s expanding 24-hour economy.
Price Board Snapshot (July 1, 2025):
USD/GHS: ₵10.32
Coke (330ml): ₵11.00 (Up 10% since Oct 2024)
Sugar (1 cup): ₵7.00 (Same price as 2024)
Stay tuned to the Cedi Board® for real-time updates on Ghana’s financial pulse. From prices and policy to investment tips that help you make sense of the numbers.
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