Executive Summary: The Bottom Line
If you only read one section, read this.
The cheapest data in Ghana right now comes from Telecel—specifically their Night King (off-peak) and No-Expiry bundles. For night owls, you can get data for as little as GHS 0.33 per GB. For daytime users, the best value is Telecel’s No-Expiry bundles, which eliminate the waste of unused data expiring.
MTN remains the premium option—more expensive, but with wider coverage. AT is being absorbed into Telecel, so new subscribers should avoid it despite its budget-friendly Yakata plan.
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
At a glance: the absolute cheapest options
| Bundle | Network | Price (GHS) | Data | Effective Cost per GB | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night King (6 GB) | Telecel | 5 | 6 GB | ~0.83 | Night downloads |
| Night King (2 GB) | Telecel | 2 | 2 GB | ~1.00 | Night downloads |
| No-Expiry (250 GB) | Telecel | 400 | 250 GB | ~1.60 | Long-term stockpiling |
| Monthly (260 GB) | Telecel | 400 | 260 GB | ~1.54 | Heavy monthly users |
| Monthly (200 GB) | MTN | 399 | 200 GB | ~2.00 | Heavy users needing MTN coverage |
| Yakata (1.25 GB + calls) | AT | 5 | 1.25 GB | ~4.00 | Voice-heavy users on AT (being phased out) |
Part 1: The Absolute Cheapest Bundles Right Now (2026)
🏆 Winner: Telecel Night King (Off-Peak)
Telecel’s Night King bundles offer the lowest per-gigabyte rates in Ghana by a significant margin—but only between midnight and 5 AM.
| Price (GHS) | Data Volume | Effective Cost per GB | Time Window | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 GB | ~1.00 | 12 AM – 5 AM | *700# → 6 → 1 |
| 5 | 6 GB | ~0.83 | 12 AM – 5 AM | *700# → 6 → 2 |
Source: Telecel bundle listings
Who this is for: Night owls, students who stay up late, anyone who can schedule large downloads (software updates, streaming downloads, backing up photos) during these hours.
The catch: You must use the data between midnight and 5 AM. Outside these hours, you will consume from your regular bundle or pay standard rates.
🥈 Runner-Up: Telecel No-Expiry Bundles
Telecel’s signature product: data that never expires until you use it all. Perfect for light users who hate watching unused data vanish.
| Price (GHS) | Data Volume | Effective Cost per GB | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.50 | 22 MB | ~22.73 | No Expiry |
| 1 | 50 MB | ~20.00 | No Expiry |
| 5 | 550 MB | ~9.09 | No Expiry |
| 10 | 880 MB | ~11.36 | No Expiry |
| 20 | 1.65 GB | ~12.12 | No Expiry |
| 50 | 4.4 GB | ~11.36 | No Expiry |
| 100 | 9.9 GB | ~10.10 | No Expiry |
| 200 | 33 GB | ~6.06 | No Expiry |
| 300 | 99 GB | ~3.03 | No Expiry |
| 400 | 250 GB | ~1.60 | No Expiry |
Source: Telecel published tiers
The surprising math: The per-gigabyte cost on small no-expiry bundles (GHS 5 for 550MB = ~GHS 9/GB) is actually higher than MTN’s entry monthly bundle (GHS 10 for 1GB = GHS 10/GB). The value comes from the no expiry feature, not from lower unit pricing.
Why this still matters: If you buy a GHS 5 no-expiry bundle and it lasts you two months, your effective monthly cost is GHS 2.50—far cheaper than any MTN bundle. This is the secret that savvy light users exploit.
🥉 Bronze: Telecel Monthly Bundles (Large Volume)
For heavy users who consume 50GB+ per month consistently, Telecel’s large monthly bundles offer the best per-gigabyte value.
| Price (GHS) | Data Volume | Effective Cost per GB | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 2.42 GB | ~8.26 | *700# → 3 → 1 |
| 50 | 6.05 GB | ~8.26 | *700# → 3 → 2 |
| 100 | 12.65 GB | ~7.90 | *700# → 3 → 3 |
| 200 | 38.5 GB | ~5.19 | *700# → 3 → 4 |
| 300 | 110 GB | ~2.73 | *700# → 3 → 5 |
| 400 | 260 GB | ~1.54 | *700# → 3 → 6 |
Source: Telecel bundle listings
At GHS 1.54 per GB, this is the best per-gigabyte rate among daytime-usable bundles. But you must use all 260GB within 30 days.
MTN’s Best Offers (For When You Need Coverage)
If Telecel’s coverage doesn’t work where you live or work, here are MTN’s most competitive options:
| Bundle Type | Price (GHS) | Data Volume | Effective Cost per GB | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Zone (Daily) | 2.99-5.99 | 323MB-796MB | ~7.50-9.26 | 1 Day | *138# |
| Monthly (Entry) | 10 | 1 GB | 10.00 | 30 Days | *138# |
| Monthly (Large) | 399 | 200 GB | ~2.00 | 30 Days | *138# |
Source: MTN Ghana bundle listings
The trade-off: MTN’s per-gigabyte costs are higher at every tier compared to Telecel, except at the very high end where the gap narrows (GHS 2.00 vs GHS 1.54 per GB). But MTN’s coverage—particularly outside Accra’s central districts—is superior.
Part 2: Specialized Bundles for Specific Needs
For WhatsApp-Only Users: Telecel WhatsApp Pass
If you primarily use data for WhatsApp, don’t buy a general bundle.
| Bundle | Price (GHS) | Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Pass | 1.00 | 500 MB | 1 Day | *700# → 5 → 1 |
Source: Telecel social passes
At GHS 1 for 500MB dedicated to WhatsApp, this is significantly cheaper than using a general data bundle for the same purpose.
For Early Risers: MTN Kokrokoo Bundle
If you are awake between 5 AM and 8 AM, MTN’s Kokrokoo bundle offers an affordable early-morning option.
| Bundle | Price (GHS) | Data | Time Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kokrokoo | Varies (promotional) | ~400 MB | 5 AM – 8 AM |
Source: MTN Kokrokoo guide
The catch: Any unused data expires at 8 AM. This is for early birds only.
For Voice + Data Users: AT Yakata (Sunset Offering)
AT’s “Yakata” plan remains one of Ghana’s best value offerings—but the network is being absorbed into Telecel.
| Bundle | Price (GHS) | Data | Voice Benefit | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yakata | 5 | 1.25 GB | Free on-net calls | 10 Days |
Source: AT bundle comparison
Warning: AT is being absorbed into Telecel by government mandate following AT’s financial collapse. New subscribers should not sign up for AT—you will face migration hassles within months. Existing users can continue using until migrated.
For Hourly Access: Telecel Hourly Bundles
If you only need internet for an hour or two (e.g., to send an urgent email or make a quick video call):
| Price (GHS) | Data | Validity | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | ~60 MB | 1 Hour | *700# → Hourly |
| 2.00 | ~150 MB | 2 Hours | *700# → Hourly |
| 3.00 | ~300 MB | 3 Hours | *700# → Hourly |
| 5.00 | ~500 MB | 3 Hours | *700# → Hourly |
Source: Telecel hourly bundles
Part 3: What “Unlimited” Actually Means in Ghana
Several operators offer “unlimited” data bundles—but the term is misleading.
What “unlimited” really means: You can browse without being cut off after a fixed data cap, but your speed will be reduced (throttled) after reaching a certain usage threshold. This is known as a Fair Usage Policy (FUP).
Practical reality: For AT Ghana’s “unlimited” plans, you will enjoy high speeds up to a limit, after which speeds drop significantly—making streaming or large downloads impractical.
How to access AT unlimited plans: Dial *111# or *567# and look for “Unlimited” offers or “Big Time” bundles.
The better alternative: Instead of chasing “unlimited” plans with throttling, buy a large Telecel monthly bundle (e.g., 260GB for GHS 400). At 260GB, you are effectively unlimited for most users, and there is no throttling.
Part 4: Strategy Guide – How to Pay the Least Based on Your Usage
User Profile 1: Light User (Less than 2GB per month)
Example: An occasional browser who only needs internet for WhatsApp, checking news, and occasional email.
| Strategy | Best Bundle | Monthly Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal | Telecel No-Expiry (50 for 4.4GB) | ~25 (spread over 2-3 months) | Buy once, use for months |
| Alternative | Telecel No-Expiry (5 for 550MB) | ~5 (if it lasts 1 month) | Even cheaper upfront |
The trick: Buy a GHS 50 no-expiry bundle. It should last a light user 2-3 months. Your effective monthly cost becomes GHS 17-25—far cheaper than buying monthly bundles.
Avoid: MTN daily or weekly bundles. Their per-gigabyte costs are much higher.
User Profile 2: Medium User (5-15GB per month)
Example: A student or professional who uses social media daily, streams music occasionally, and does moderate browsing.
| Strategy | Best Bundle | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal (price) | Telecel Monthly (50 for 6.05GB) or (100 for 12.65GB) | 50-100/month | Best per-gigabyte |
| Optimal (flexibility) | Telecel No-Expiry (50 for 4.4GB) + top-ups | Variable | No expiry waste |
| If need MTN coverage | MTN Monthly (40 for 5GB) or (60 for 10GB) | 40-60/month | More expensive but reliable |
The trick: Use a Telecel no-expiry bundle as your “data bank” and top up with monthly bundles when needed. Data from no-expiry bundles stacks with other purchases.
User Profile 3: Heavy User (20-100GB per month)
Example: Remote workers, heavy streamers, gamers, or households sharing a hotspot.
| Strategy | Best Bundle | Cost | Effective Cost per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal | Telecel Monthly (300 for 110GB) | 300 | ~2.73 |
| Better (if you use more) | Telecel Monthly (400 for 260GB) | 400 | ~1.54 |
| If need MTN coverage | MTN Monthly (350 for 92GB) or (399 for 200GB) | 350-399 | ~2.00-3.80 |
The trick: At 260GB for GHS 400, you are paying GHS 1.54 per GB—among the best rates available for daytime usage. If you don’t need that much, the 110GB for GHS 300 is the next best.
User Profile 4: Night Downloader
Example: Someone who downloads large files (software, movies, courses) and can schedule them between midnight and 5 AM.
| Strategy | Best Bundle | Cost | Data | Effective Cost per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimal | Telecel Night King (6GB) | 5 | 6 GB | ~0.83 |
| Alternative | Telecel Night King (2GB) | 2 | 2 GB | ~1.00 |
The trick: Schedule all large downloads during the 12 AM-5 AM window. For daytime usage, use a small monthly or no-expiry bundle. This hybrid approach can cut your total data spend by 40-50%.
User Profile 5: Voice-Heavy User on a Budget
Example: Someone who makes many calls and wants cheap data.
| Strategy | Best Bundle | Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current | AT Yakata | 5 | 1.25GB + free on-net calls for 10 days |
| Post-migration | Telecel Yakata equivalent? | TBD | AT is being absorbed—watch for Telecel’s replacement plan |
Warning: AT is being absorbed into Telecel. Do not switch to AT as a new subscriber. If you are already on AT, enjoy Yakata while it lasts, but be prepared for migration.
User Profile 6: The Hybrid Strategy (For Power Users)
The most sophisticated approach—and the one that minimizes costs for users in well-covered areas—is to use two networks.
The setup:
-
Primary SIM (MTN): For daytime reliability, work calls, and when you need guaranteed coverage.
-
Secondary SIM (Telecel): For no-expiry data stockpiling and cheap night downloads.
The execution:
-
Buy a Telecel GHS 50 no-expiry bundle (4.4GB) as your “data bank”
-
Use Telecel Night King (GHS 5 for 6GB) for large scheduled downloads
-
Use MTN for daytime work when you need the fastest speeds
-
Keep both SIMs in a dual-SIM phone
Potential savings: 30-40% reduction compared to using MTN alone.
Part 5: How to Activate These Bundles
Telecel Bundles (*700#)
| Bundle Type | USSD Path |
|---|---|
| No-Expiry | *700# → Navigate to “No-Expiry Bundles” |
| Night King | *700# → 6 → 1 (2GB) or 6 → 2 (6GB) |
| Monthly Bundles | *700# → 3 → (1-6) |
| Social Passes | *700# → 5 → (1-4) |
| Hourly Bundles | *700# → “Hourly” option |
MTN Bundles (*138#)
| Bundle Type | USSD Path |
|---|---|
| Data Zone | *138# → Navigate to “Data Zone” |
| All Bundles | *138# → “Data Bundles” |
| Kokrokoo (5-8 AM) | *138# → Look for “Kokrokoo” or promotional offers |
AT Bundles (*111#) – Being Phased Out
| Bundle Type | USSD Path |
|---|---|
| Yakata | Recharge GHS 5 → automatic? Or *111# |
| Unlimited plans | *111# → “Data Bundles” → “Unlimited” |
| Alternative code | *567# (promotional bundles) |
Part 6: Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
Mistake #1: Buying MTN daily bundles by default
A GHS 3 daily bundle gives you roughly 500MB-1GB. Over 30 days, that is GHS 90-150 for 15-30GB. The same GHS 90 could buy you a Telecel monthly bundle of 110GB (GHS 100) or an MTN monthly bundle of 15GB (GHS 80). Always buy monthly if you use data daily.
Mistake #2: Letting no-expiry data sit unused while buying daily bundles
If you already have a Telecel no-expiry bundle with data remaining, use it first. The data doesn’t expire. There is no reason to buy new bundles while you have unused no-expiry data.
Mistake #3: Ignoring off-peak bundles
If you can schedule downloads between midnight and 5 AM, Telecel Night King is 60-80% cheaper than daytime bundles. Set updates to download automatically during these hours.
Mistake #4: Not checking your data balance before purchasing
Always check your balance before buying a new bundle. Telecel: *700# → “Check Balance.” MTN: *124#. You might have data remaining that you forgot about.
Mistake #5: Not knowing about auto-renewal
Many monthly bundles auto-renew by default. If you don’t want this, dial the deactivation code after subscribing or check your account settings.
Part 7: What’s Coming – Future Price Trends
The Electricity Cost Factor
Communication Minister Sam George announced in April 2026 that nearly 80% of costs for independent tower companies are tied to electricity. An inter-sectoral committee is being formed to negotiate specialized power tariffs for tower companies.
If successful, this could reduce operator costs—and potentially consumer prices—in late 2026 or 2027.
The Roaming Price Cap
The NCA is consulting on fixing wholesale roaming rates at GH¢0.0032 per MB for data. This would make it cheaper for Telecel to use MTN’s infrastructure, potentially narrowing the coverage gap and increasing competitive pressure on MTN’s pricing.
5G (Still Not Here)
Commercial 5G is not yet available in Ghana. The government has targeted 70% 5G population coverage by March 2027, but no operator has launched commercial services as of mid-2026. When 5G arrives, increased capacity should lower per-gigabyte costs over time.
Conclusion: What You Should Do Right Now
If you want the absolute cheapest data in Ghana:
-
Use Telecel Night King for night downloads (GHS 5 for 6GB, ~GHS 0.83/GB)
-
Use Telecel No-Expiry for daytime baseline data (buy GHS 50 for 4.4GB or GHS 100 for 9.9GB)
-
Avoid small bundles (their per-gigabyte cost is much higher)
If you need MTN’s coverage:
-
Buy MTN monthly bundles (not daily) — the 200GB for GHS 399 is best value
-
Accept that you will pay ~2x Telecel’s per-gigabyte rate for the same data
If you are an AT user:
-
Continue using Yakata (GHS 5 for 1.25GB + free calls) while it lasts
-
Prepare to migrate to Telecel
-
Do NOT switch to AT as a new subscriber
The bottom line: The cheapest data is Telecel Night King, followed by Telecel’s large monthly and no-expiry bundles. MTN is more expensive but offers better coverage. Smart users combine both in a dual-SIM setup.
Quick Reference Summary Table: Best Bundle by Category
| Category | Winner | Specific Plan | Price (GHS) | Data | Effective Cost per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest overall (night) | Telecel | Night King | 5 | 6 GB | ~0.83 |
| Cheapest daytime (large volume) | Telecel | Monthly (260 GB) | 400 | 260 GB | ~1.54 |
| Best for light users | Telecel | No-Expiry (50) | 50 | 4.4 GB | ~11.36 (but lasts months) |
| Best for WhatsApp-only | Telecel | WhatsApp Pass | 1 | 500 MB | ~2.00 (for WhatsApp only) |
| Best for voice+data (sunset) | AT | Yakata | 5 | 1.25 GB + free calls | ~4.00 |
| Best MTN option (daytime) | MTN | Monthly (200 GB) | 399 | 200 GB | ~2.00 |
FAQ Section
Q1: Which network has the cheapest data in Ghana right now?
A: Telecel offers the cheapest data overall, particularly through its Night King off-peak bundles (GHS 2 for 2GB, GHS 5 for 6GB) and large monthly bundles (260GB for GHS 400, ~GHS 1.54/GB).
Q2: What is Telecel Night King and how does it work?
A: Night King is Telecel’s off-peak data bundle, usable only between midnight and 5 AM. Prices: GHS 2 for 2GB or GHS 5 for 6GB—the lowest per-gigabyte rates in Ghana.
Q3: Are Telecel No-Expiry bundles actually cheaper than MTN?
A: For small volumes, no—the per-gigabyte cost is higher than MTN’s entry monthly bundle. But for light users, the value comes from eliminating expiry waste. A GHS 5 bundle that lasts two months has an effective monthly cost of GHS 2.50.
Q4: What is the cheapest MTN data bundle?
A: MTN’s best value is the 200GB monthly bundle for GHS 399 (~GHS 2.00/GB). For small volumes, the Data Zone daily bundles (GHS 2.99-5.99 for 323MB-796MB) are cheapest but have high per-gigabyte costs.
Q5: Is AT’s Yakata plan still available?
A: Yes, as of mid-2026. Yakata offers GHS 5 for 1.25GB + free on-net calls for 10 days. However, AT is being absorbed into Telecel, so new subscribers should not sign up.
Q6: What is the best strategy for a light user?
A: Buy a Telecel GHS 50 no-expiry bundle (4.4GB). For a light user, this can last 2-3 months, resulting in an effective monthly cost of GHS 17-25—far cheaper than monthly bundles.
Q7: Can I combine no-expiry data with other bundles?
A: Yes. Telecel’s no-expiry data stacks with other bundles. You can purchase a no-expiry bundle as your “data bank” and top up with daily or monthly bundles when needed without losing the no-expiry data.
Q8: What does “unlimited” data really mean in Ghana?
A: “Unlimited” bundles typically have a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). You get high speeds up to a limit, after which your speed is reduced (throttled). This makes streaming or large downloads impractical after the threshold.
Q9: How do I activate Telecel Night King?
A: Dial *700#, select option 6 (Night Bundles), then choose 1 for 2GB (GHS 2) or 2 for 6GB (GHS 5).
Q10: Is MTN ever cheaper than Telecel?
A: At the very high end, the gap narrows: MTN’s 200GB for GHS 399 (~GHS 2.00/GB) vs Telecel’s 260GB for GHS 400 (~GHS 1.54/GB). Telecel remains cheaper, but the difference is smaller.
Q11: What is the MTN Kokrokoo bundle?
A: Kokrokoo is MTN’s early-morning bundle, offering approximately 400MB of data usable only between 5 AM and 8 AM. Any unused data expires at 8 AM.
Q12: Can I get data for just an hour?
A: Yes. Telecel offers hourly bundles: GHS 1 for 60MB (1 hour), GHS 2 for 150MB (2 hours), GHS 3 for 300MB (3 hours), or GHS 5 for 500MB (3 hours).
Q13: How do I check my data balance on Telecel and MTN?
A: Telecel: Dial *700# and navigate to “Check Balance.” MTN: Dial *124#.
Q14: Is data cheaper at night on all networks?
A: No. Telecel’s Night King is specifically designed for off-peak usage. MTN has the Kokrokoo early-morning bundle (5-8 AM) but no dedicated midnight-5 AM night bundle.
Q15: Will data prices drop in 2027?
A: Potentially. The government is negotiating lower electricity tariffs for tower companies (which account for 80% of operating costs), and the NCA is working on wholesale roaming price caps. If successful, prices could decrease in late 2026 or 2027
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
