MTN Ghana has engaged representatives of various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Accra for a forum dedicated to connectivity, sustainability and digital inclusion.
The CSO Forum, held at the head office in Accra on Wednesday, forms part of MTN’s wider stakeholder engagement efforts aimed at fostering transparency, gathering feedback and strengthening partnerships in line with the company’s ambition to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
In her opening remarks, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer (CCSSO) of MTN Ghana, underscored the vital role of CSOs as partners in shaping policy and public discourse.
She stressed that as the telecom and digital sector evolves into what she called the “sector of sectors,” MTN must strike a balance between business growth and responsibility.
Ms. Wiafe noted that sustainability remains at the heart of MTN’s strategy, citing the company’s ban on plastic bottles in its offices as one of several initiatives to reduce waste and protect the environment.
She also highlighted MTN Ghana’s progress in renewable energy adoption, stating that half of the company’s energy needs are now met through green sources.
Reuben Opata, Chief Technical Officer of MTN Ghana, delivered a presentation on the evolution of mobile technology and the state of MTN’s network. He stressed the importance of continuous investment to deliver reliable connectivity.
“You cannot deliver quality service without significant investment. MTN has invested over $1 billion in Ghana’s network because that’s what it takes to expand coverage and improve quality,” Mr. Opata said.
He added that despite these large-scale investments, challenges such as frequent fiber cuts continue to disrupt service delivery.
“This year alone, MTN has spent about $22 million repairing fiber cuts. Without these repairs, communication simply stops, that’s how critical fiber is to Ghana’s connectivity,” he explained.
Mrs. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in advancing Ghana’s digital agenda. She pledged to maintain open and transparent communication with CSOs to deepen collaboration and build trust.
The forum also explored issues including accessibility for persons with disabilities, customer experience and the role of digital technology in driving economic growth.
CSO representatives welcomed the dialogue and raised concerns on Mobile Money fraud, affordability, accessibility and inclusivity. They emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and pointed out areas where MTN could improve to better serve communities.
Also in attendance were Mr. Samuel Bartels, Senior Manager for Regulatory and Government Affairs, alongside members of the Corporate Communications team and other MTN Ghana staff.
Source: www.KumasiMail.Com/JosephZiem
