MTN Ghana has outlined an ambitious $1.1 billion investment plan over the next three years as it marks its 30th anniversary, with a strong focus on expanding network capacity, rolling out 5G, and deepening digital and fintech services.
Mr Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer, said the milestone was not only about infrastructure expansion but also about the company’s impact on the lives of Ghanaians over the past three decades.
“Over the years, we have moved from voice to SMS, to data, to mobile money, fundamentally changing how people live and transact. This celebration is about our customers and the role we have played in Ghana’s development,” he said.
Speaking at the launch of the anniversary celebrations, Mr Blewett noted that MTN had evolved alongside Ghana’s digital transformation, becoming an integral part of everyday life and economic activity.
He acknowledged that expanding and maintaining a robust telecommunications network remained a major challenge, particularly given the high cost of infrastructure investments, which are often dollar-denominated while revenues are largely in local currency.
“You have to keep investing in both good and difficult times to improve network quality, expand coverage and ensure reliable mobile money services,” he explained.
As part of its forward-looking strategy, MTN plans to invest approximately $380 million in 2026 alone, including the deployment of about 800 new network sites to enhance connectivity and improve service quality nationwide.
Mr Blewett said the next phase of growth would be driven by emerging technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence (AI), which are expected to reshape how consumers interact with digital services.
“The future is not just about 4G or 5G as technologies, but what they enable. We are moving into an AI-driven world where digital services will become more integrated and intuitive,” he said.
He added that MTN would leverage 5G to expand access to advanced digital solutions, including AI-powered applications, while ensuring broader inclusion across the country.
On fintech, Mr Blewett said mobile money services would continue to evolve beyond basic transfers to include loans, savings and insurance products, strengthening financial inclusion.
He also highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, noting ongoing investments in solar energy, green infrastructure and environmentally responsible operations to support long-term climate goals.
Meanwhile, Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, commended MTN’s contribution to Ghana’s telecommunications sector, describing its 30-year journey as part of a broader national digital transformation story.
He noted that Ghana’s telecom industry had grown from limited fixed-line services in the 1990s to a data-driven ecosystem with over 40 million subscriptions, supported by both public policy and private sector investment.
The Minister, however, stressed that MTN’s market leadership came with greater responsibility, particularly in improving service quality, pricing transparency and network reliability.
He said government would continue to hold the company to higher regulatory standards, especially in addressing issues such as dropped calls, network coverage gaps and customer service challenges.
Mr George also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government, regulators and industry players to address challenges including infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, rural connectivity and digital skills development.
Looking ahead, he said Ghana aimed to achieve widespread 5G deployment, targeting up to 70 percent population coverage by the country’s centenary celebrations.
He assured that government would continue to create a conducive policy and regulatory environment to attract investment and drive digital innovation.
Both MTN and government officials agreed that the next phase of Ghana’s telecommunications growth would be defined by 5G, AI, cloud computing and the expansion of digital services across sectors.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, MTN announced plans to reward customers with promotions and prizes between June and December as a gesture of appreciation for their loyalty over the years.
