In April 2023, National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) introduced the Elite/Graduate Data Bundle and the Association Bundle.
The primary goal was to provide affordable and convenient data solutions for teachers and groups, including a range of communication services.
Understanding the NAGRAT and MTN Data Bundle Process
The process of accessing the NAGRAT and MTN data bundle is straightforward, designed to provide teachers with convenient and affordable data solutions.
A teacher under the association would initiate the process using a specific USSD code which then prompts a request for their staff ID. Once the staff ID is entered, a payment prompt appears and when payment is made, a notification confirms the chosen data bundle.
Within three days, the user receives the allocated data bundle. This seamless and efficient method ensures that teachers can access the benefits of the program hassle-free, supporting their communication and data needs.
Unauthorized usage by non-members of NAGRAT
However, it would seem as though the general populace (read as people not a member of NAGRAT) have caught wind of the service and now have “unauthorized access” to it.
Reports surfacing across social media platforms, especially X (Twitter), indicate that the Elite/Graduate Data Bundle and Association Bundle, designed to cater to the needs of teachers and associations, have been accessed illegally. Individuals outside the intended beneficiary groups are said to have exploited these data solutions, casting a shadow over the effectiveness of the initiative.
The popularity of the NAGRAT internet data intervention has led to unintended challenges. In some instances, reports suggest that the system has become widely known on certain platforms like X, leading to unauthorized access.
There are instances where individuals obtain staff IDs, either through purchase or sharing, to exploit the benefits of the data bundle. This unauthorized access not only raises concerns about the security of the program but also highlights the need for heightened awareness and security measures to preserve the integrity of the initiative.
Why are users eager to take unauthorized advantage of the NAGRAT data bundle?
In a conversation with a university student who acknowledges being an unauthorized user of the NAGRAT and MTN data bundle, he shared his perspective.
According to him, “I first heard about the NAGRAT and MTN data bundle from a friend who posted about it on her WhatsApp status. She mentioned the incredible deal she got and how she’s been enjoying the data benefits and offered to share. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, and since that day, I’ve been using the bundle package without any issues. It’s been quite a convenient and affordable solution for my data needs, and I’ve continued to enjoy its benefits ever since.”
For contrast, a 10GB MTN Internet Bundle on the NAGRAT scheme costs just GHS 27 whereas the same GHS 27 will only afford you 1.85GB using MTN’s standard rate.
The urge for the average user to thus take advantage of this system comes down to a need to save money as the former is less expensive.
Do teachers under NAGRAT actually take advantage of the scheme?
In our exploration of the NAGRAT and MTN data bundle controversy, we turned our attention to Theresa Asamoah, a teacher registered with the association.
Her first-hand account is crucial in shedding light on the effects of the program on its intended users – the teachers. Asamoah brings to fore a disturbing trend where non-teachers gain unauthorized access by purchasing staff IDs from authorized users.
“As a teacher, I appreciate the support the NAGRAT data bundle provides in terms of affordable and convenient data solutions”, said Theresa Asamoah.
“Nevertheless, it’s depressing to see that some non-teachers are purchasing staff IDs from authorized users to access the bundle. Furthermore, I’ve discovered that the programme limits the number of times authorized users can purchase bundles for the month when unauthorized users use their staff IDs for the bundle, it limits the original owners. The difficulties faced by people who actually need and use the service are made more difficult by this restriction”, She said.
Who are the implementation partners behind this internet access scheme for NAGRAT members?
The first partner for sure is NAGRAT – and we did try to speak to them. But before we explore that, let’s look at the telecommunication companies that can power such a service.
Understanding the role of a telecommunications company becomes crucial in understanding the complexities of this controversy; the cooperative dynamics, and revealing revelations that are fundamental to the inquiry.
Our first questions directed us to The Ghana Telecommunication Company, however, the company informed us that for detailed information, we should contact MTN Ghana, hinting at a collaboration between MTN Ghana and NAGRAT on this initiative.
In speaking with representatives of MTN Ghana, a communication and transparency gap between the cooperating entities is revealed by a staff’s apparent ignorance of the existence of such a data bundle. This unexpected disclosure raised important concerns regarding the degree of coordination, information sharing, and collaboration between NAGRAT and MTN in addition to adding to the mystery surrounding the controversy.
Moving away from NAGRAT and MTN, we reached out to Kowri -as they seemed to be the final disbursement and payment partner in the whole scheme.
Who is Kowri?
Kowri is a bill aggregation platform that allows merchants and businesses to collect payments – at least according to their website. Kowri, in itself, is an app that replaced and superseded Slydepay – a product of DreamOval Limited.
DreamOval Limited no longer exists as the company rebranded to SEVN Ghana as per a 1st August 2023 release on the company’s website.
Kowri’s involvement becomes increasingly important to the investigation. Kowri is essential to the delivery and administration of the data bundles because it is positioned as the channel of distribution for them.
Speaking to representatives from Kowri, they explained their function in the service delivery but refrained from providing information about the clients who used the bundle. It was mentioned, nevertheless, that the problem of unauthorized users being able to access the Elite Bundle has been resolved.
But has the authorized access really been resolved?
Despite their assertions that the issue had been resolved, to the contrary, recent observations on X (Twitter) suggest that the problem has not been resolved.
It appears, from reports, that people can still access the Elite Bundle which begs the question of how successful the ostensible solution was.
This disparity makes the ongoing investigation more difficult to understand and forces a closer look at the steps taken to guarantee the security and exclusivity of the data bundles.
Update
Kowri, the distribution channel for the NAGRAT and MTN data bundles, has taken steps to address the issue of unauthorized access to the Elite Bundle. As of 2 pm today 17th November 2023, it has been confirmed that Kowri has implemented measures to rectify this situation.
What is NAGRAT doing to prevent the misuse?
In response to these issues, officials from NAGRAT in an interview, have acknowledged the situation and provided insights into the steps being taken to rectify the problem.
“We are aware of the reports regarding unauthorized access to the NAGRAT and MTN data bundles. We have received information from concerned individuals, and I want to assure the public that we are actively working on addressing this issue. In response to the reports, we have implemented measures, including adding an OTP number only authorized users have access to. Our goal is to ensure that the intended beneficiaries, particularly teachers, can access and benefit from this initiative without unauthorized exploitation”, he said.
As it stands now, we wait with bated breath to see how the resolution would work to prevent unauthorized access, but on a much grander scale we are looking into who bears the financial burden of providing data that is about 90% cheaper than standard to NAGRAT teachers.
The complexities surrounding this issue is highlighted by the testimonies of an unauthorized user and a committed teacher, and the responses from important parties like Kowri and MTN, the telecom company. NAGRAT’s proactive steps, like putting in place an OTP system, show that they are dedicated to fixing the issue and maintaining the initiative’s integrity.