Business · Priscilla Asante

MTN Ghana committed to building a stronger and more resilient network as it invest in 1 point 1 billion dollars over the next three years

MTN Ghana remains committed to building a stronger and more resilient network as it invest one point one billion US dollars over the next three years.

The investment includes approximately 380 million dollars earmarked for this year alone, according to the company’s General Manager, David Gyimah Boadi.

He made the announcement at a Regional Media and Stakeholders Engagement in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, where he outlined the company’s plans to improve connectivity and extend services to more communities.

As part of the investment, MTN Ghana is deploying five hundred new cell sites nationwide to expand coverage, particularly in communities that have long been underserved.

Mr Boadi also highlighted the growth of the company’s Mobile Money, MoMo, service. 

"The value of MoMo transactions has increased by 44-point four per cent in the first half of the year, while active users have grown by 3-point one per cent year-on-year. Transaction volumes and MoMo revenue also recorded growth of 23-point three per cent," he said.

He noted that MoMo had become more than a payment platform, serving as a gateway to financial inclusion and economic opportunities for individuals and businesses.

On education and youth development, Mr Boadi said the MTN Ghana Foundation awarded five hundred scholarships to young Ghanaians this year. The package covers tuition, accommodation, a stipend and a laptop.

He added that the MTN Skills Academy was equipping more than one hundred thousand young people with digital literacy, financial skills and career readiness to help them participate in the digital economy.

The company has also upgraded its Heroes of Change programme, increasing the overall winner’s prize from one hundred thousand Ghana cedis to four hundred thousand Ghana cedis and introducing new awards for sustainability.

Mr Boadi acknowledged that challenges such as access, affordability, digital literacy and relevant skills remained. He said MTN would continue working with government, educational institutions, development partners and communities to address these gaps.

He further noted that more than 32 million subscribers rely on MTN Ghana’s network daily, adding that the company recorded a 32-point three per cent increase in service revenue in the first half of the year.

Senior Manager at MTN Ghana, Prince Owusu, said the engagement was particularly significant as the company celebrates 30 years of operations in Ghana under the theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You.”

"The anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on the company’s growth, innovation and transformation, while recognising the individuals, institutions and communities that had contributed to our journey," he stated.

Mr Owusu described the Eastern Region as an important contributor to Ghana’s socio-economic development, citing its agricultural heritage, commercial activities, tourism sector and growing industrial potential.  He also highlighted the role of the media in supporting development and strengthening partnerships between MTN and communities.

Meanwhile, MTN’s Corporate Communication Advisor, Sheila Sorenyi, urged the public to support activities that protect the environment and livelihoods for future generations.  She called on the media to use their various platforms to raise awareness of MTN’s sustainability initiatives.