Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has called on MTN Ghana to improve service quality, expand rural connectivity and address consumer concerns over data pricing as the telecommunications company launched celebrations marking its 30th anniversary in Ghana.
Speaking at the anniversary launch event, George said MTN’s position as the country’s dominant telecom operator placed greater responsibility on the company to deliver reliable and affordable services.
“That designation is not a criticism; it is a recognition of your scale. But it also means the public and the Ministry will hold MTN to a higher standard on pricing, quality of service, network availability, and transparency,” the Minister stated.
The minister pointed to ongoing customer complaints over high data costs, inconsistent rural network coverage, dropped calls and delays in customer service resolution, urging the company to ensure that recent infrastructure investments produce measurable improvements for consumers.
MTN recently announced a $1 billion network investment program aimed at expanding infrastructure and strengthening digital connectivity.
George acknowledged the company’s role in transforming the telecommunications sector, including the introduction of GSM services, expansion of digital infrastructure and development of mobile money services in Ghana.
He said the country’s telecom industry had evolved from limited fixed-line connectivity in the 1990s into a data-driven market with more than 40 million subscriptions.
The minister also called for closer cooperation between government, regulators and telecom operators to address broader sector challenges including infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and skills development.
According to George, the ministry is reviewing spectrum policy and data protection frameworks as part of efforts to support the next phase of industry growth, particularly in areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things.
He urged operators to extend investments beyond commercially attractive urban markets into underserved communities.
Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, described the company’s anniversary as a reflection on three decades of “connection, progress, and national impact.”
“This is not just a corporate anniversary. It is a national story, three decades of connection, progress, and possibility,” he said.
Blewett said MTN remained committed to meeting expectations from both government and customers, while announcing customer-focused promotions and engagement activities tied to the anniversary celebrations.
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Adjoa Wiafe said the anniversary highlighted the company’s broader impact on digital and financial inclusion, citing its role in connecting businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and households across the country.
“Today is not about age; it is about impact. We are celebrating how far we have come and the lives we have touched,” she said.
She also pointed to the company’s contributions to sports and national development initiatives, including support for the Black Stars.
