MTN Ghana plans to invest US$1.1 billion over three years, including US$380 million in 2026, to expand network infrastructure and build 500 new cell sites nationwide, in a move that could widen digital access for businesses, households and underserved communities.
The investment comes as connectivity becomes increasingly important to Ghana’s commercial activity, with businesses relying on mobile networks for payments, customer engagement, online transactions and access to financial services.
Mr David Gyimah Boadi, General Manager for MTN Ghana’s Southern Region, announced the investment programme at the company’s 2026 Regional Media and Stakeholder Forum in Koforidua.
He said the expansion would increase network capacity, improve service quality and strengthen infrastructure resilience amid growing demand for digital services.
Part of the investment will target rural communities where limited connectivity continues to restrict access to communication and digital platforms.
For Ghana’s small businesses, improved network coverage could reduce barriers to adopting mobile money, digital marketing and other tools that support commercial activity. Farmers and traders could also benefit from better access to market information and digital payments, although the gains would depend on network reliability, affordability and access to suitable devices.
The expansion also carries implications for financial inclusion, as mobile connectivity provides the foundation for digital financial services used by households and businesses to send, receive and manage money.
MTN Ghana’s mobile money business recorded a year-on-year increase of more than 23% in transaction value in the first half of 2026, while active users grew by over 4%, reflecting continued demand for digital financial services.
The company’s infrastructure spending is supported by strong financial performance. Service revenue rose by 32.3% to GH¢15 billion in the first half of 2026, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation increased by 47.1% to GH¢9.3 billion.
Profit after tax grew by 46.8% to GH¢5.1 billion during the period.
MTN Ghana also reported paying GH¢5.5 billion in direct and indirect taxes, alongside GH¢384.7 million in regulatory fees and levies.
The figures underline the company’s growing economic footprint and the financial capacity supporting its expansion plans. However, the wider economic value of the investment will depend on how effectively the new infrastructure addresses connectivity gaps and enables productive digital activity.
Beyond network infrastructure, MTN Ghana is investing in skills development and entrepreneurship to help young people participate in the digital economy.
Its MTN Skills Academy is expected to train more than 100,000 young people in digital literacy and career development. The company is also collaborating with the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to support innovation and start-up development.
Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, 500 students received scholarships in 2026 covering tuition, accommodation, stipends and laptops.
Mr Boadi said customer trust remained critical as more people relied on mobile money and other digital services. He said MTN continued to strengthen its cybersecurity and data protection systems while urging customers to take precautions when using digital platforms.
The announcement comes as MTN Ghana marks 30 years of operations under the theme “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You”.
Mr Prince Owusu Nyarko, Senior Manager at MTN Ghana, said the Eastern Region was an important centre for agriculture, commerce, tourism and emerging industrial activity, making connectivity relevant to businesses and livelihoods.
He called for stronger cooperation among businesses, regulators, public institutions, communities and the media to ensure inclusive and sustainable digital growth.
For Ghana, the central economic test of MTN’s US$1.1 billion investment will be whether expanded coverage translates into more reliable services, lower barriers to digital participation and greater opportunities for businesses beyond established urban markets.
