In recent weeks, social media in Ghana has been buzzing with claims of fast-depleting data bundles. One of the loudest voices in the conversation was popular comedian DKB, who accused telecom companies of “stealing” mobile data. But after a thorough investigation, it turns out the real culprit may be much closer to home — our own phone settings. 

 The matter caught the attention of Hon. Sam George, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology & Innovations. In response to DKB’s public complaint, he initiated an official inquiry into the issue through the National Communications Authority (NCA) and telecom service providers. 

 After a detailed technical review, the findings were clear: no evidence of data manipulation or theft by the telcos was found. Instead, the investigation revealed that background data usage, automatic updates, and app activities running silently in the background were largely responsible for the quick depletion of data. 

 Interestingly, DKB later withdrew his complaint, admitting that the issue stemmed from his own device settings and not from any wrongdoing by network providers. This was a powerful reminder of how easy it is to misjudge technical problems without proper analysis. 

 Sam George used the opportunity to urge Ghanaians to be more vigilant with their mobile device settings. He emphasized that most modern smartphones are designed to auto-update apps, refresh feeds, and stream content in the background — all of which consume large amounts of data without the user noticing. 

 “We need to educate ourselves on how our phones operate. Not every issue is the fault of telecom companies,” he stated. 

 The Minister’s remarks have sparked conversations around digital literacy, with many now calling for public education campaigns on how to manage mobile data usage effectively.

 This incident highlights a growing problem: many mobile users are unaware of how their phones consume data, especially with apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube running in the background or refreshing content even when not actively in use.

 If you’ve ever wondered why your data disappears so fast, the answer might not be a greedy telecom provider — it might just be your own phone. 

 Quick Tips to Save Data on Your Phone: 
 Turn off automatic app updates (or restrict to Wi-Fi only) 

 Disable background data usage for non-essential apps

 Use lite versions of apps like Facebook Lite and YouTube Go 

 Monitor your data usage regularly from phone settings

 Set data limits and warnings to stay in control 

 In the end, the Sam George–DKB saga is more than just a one-time complaint. It’s a wake-up call for every smartphone user in Ghana to take control of their mobile data habits — and to think twice before pointing fingers. 

 Have you checked your settings lately?