MTN Ghana has unveiled a US$1.1 billion network expansion programme and outlined ambitious plans for 5G deployment as the telecom giant marked its 30th anniversary in Accra.
Speaking at the anniversary launch, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel George, congratulated the company for its contribution to the country’s telecommunications growth over the past three decades, describing the milestone as a reflection of Ghana’s broader digital transformation journey.
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Reaching three decades is a significant milestone for any enterprise,” he said. “On behalf of the government of Ghana and the people of Ghana, I extend our congratulations to the board, management, staff, agents, partners and customers of MTN Ghana.”
According to the Minister, Ghana’s telecom sector has evolved from “a handful of fixed lines in the early 1990s to a modern, mobile-first, data-driven ecosystem” serving millions of subscribers nationwide.
George praised MTN’s role in expanding connectivity, deploying fibre infrastructure and deepening financial inclusion through mobile money services.
He highlighted the company’s recent announcement of a US$1.1 billion investment programme, the localisation of 30 per cent of its shareholding to Ghanaians, and its continued contribution as one of the country’s largest corporate taxpayers as evidence of its long-term commitment to Ghana.
However, the Minister stressed that MTN’s dominant position in the telecom market comes with greater responsibility.
Your market position brings responsibility, and as minister, I would not be doing my job if I did not speak to them frankly on this occasion,” he stated.
He noted that consumers continue to raise concerns about the cost of data, inconsistent network coverage outside major cities, dropped calls and unresolved customer complaints.
These concerns are real, and the celebration of 30 years does not exempt the operator from them,” he said.
George expressed optimism that MTN’s ongoing investments would begin delivering visible improvements in network quality and customer experience from the third quarter of the year.
On Ghana’s digital future, he said the next decade would be shaped by 5G deployment, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, Internet of Things technologies and digital public infrastructure.
The Minister disclosed that government was targeting a nationwide 5G rollout ahead of Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary celebrations, adding that Cabinet had approved the removal of restrictions that previously prevented MTN from participating in the 5G space.
We are committed to ensure that MTN plays a critical role in the 5G landscape,” he said.
George also acknowledged challenges facing telecom operators, particularly fibre cuts and infrastructure vandalism, saying government and regulators would continue working with industry players to address them.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, said the anniversary celebration was ultimately about customers and employees who had contributed to the company’s growth over the years.
It’s about celebrating our customers, our own people who have worked tirelessly to bring us where we are,” he said in an interview after the launch.
Blewett said one of MTN’s biggest achievements had been expanding and modernising its network while making mobile money services more secure and accessible.
He revealed that the company would invest US$380 million this year alone as part of the broader US$1.1 billion infrastructure programme over the next three years.
Last year we built 50 new sites. This year, 800,” he said. “So that’s really giving more connection, more availability and focusing on improving the quality of the network.”
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, Blewett announced that customers would benefit from several promotions and rewards between June and December, including data packages, smartphones and vehicle giveaways.
Speaking on the future of telecommunications, the MTN Ghana CEO said emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G would fundamentally reshape how consumers interact with digital services.
We’re moving into an AI world,” he said. “You may get to a point that you only have an AI assistant. You have no apps. The world’s going to change, and we have to go along with that.”
He also emphasised the company’s commitment to sustainability through renewable energy investments and greener network infrastructure.
During his address at the launch, Mr. Blewett reflected on MTN Ghana’s journey since entering the market in 1996, describing connectivity as more than technology.
Connection is opportunity. Connection is dignity. Connection is hope,” he remarked.
He said mobile money had transformed financial access for millions of Ghanaians, while the company’s network became an essential national infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our contribution to Ghana is not abstract, it’s measurable,” he noted.
The MTN Ghana CEO added that the company’s long-term strategy, dubbed “Ambition 2030”, would focus on connectivity, fintech and digital services to support Ghana’s digital economy and empower young people.
As we move forward, our responsibility is clear — to use technology to expand opportunity, power young people and help Ghana compete in the digital world,” he said.
