MTN Ghana has announced plans to invest $1.1 billion over the next three years to expand its digital infrastructure, enhance network quality and accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation as the telecommunications company celebrates 30 years of operations in the country.
The investment, which will support network expansion, 5G deployment, mobile financial services and enterprise digital solutions, was announced at the MTN Media and Stakeholders Forum in Kumasi by the company’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku.
She disclosed that $380 million has been earmarked for deployment in 2026 alone as part of the broader investment strategy.
Speaking under the anniversary theme, “30 Years of Progress – Powered by You,” Mrs. Mensah-Poku said the investment reflects MTN’s continued commitment to supporting Ghana’s digital economy while improving connectivity and expanding access to technology.
As part of the 2026 infrastructure programme, MTN plans to construct about 800 new cell sites nationwide to improve network coverage and increase data capacity.
The company will also upgrade its core network infrastructure to support the commercial rollout of fifth-generation (5G) technology following ongoing trials.
In addition, MTN intends to expand its Mobile Money (MoMo) platform and enterprise digital solutions to better serve micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthen financial inclusion.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Mrs. Mensah-Poku said MTN’s operations in Ghana began in 1996 under the SpaceFon brand, at a time when telecommunications services were largely limited to fixed-line connections.
She noted that the company later rebranded from SpaceFon to Areeba before becoming MTN in 2007, evolving from a voice and SMS provider into Ghana’s leading digital services company.
Today, MTN commands more than 60 percent of the country’s mobile voice and data market and has played a pivotal role in expanding financial inclusion through its Mobile Money platform, bringing millions of previously unbanked Ghanaians into the formal digital economy.
Beyond telecommunications, the company remains one of Ghana’s largest taxpayers, contributing an estimated six percent of the country’s total tax revenue while supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs through vendors, Mobile Money agents and technical partners.
Mrs. Mensah-Poku said the company’s first-quarter performance in 2026 reflected strong growth driven by increasing demand for data services, enterprise digital solutions and mobile financial services.
She also acknowledged the contribution of the media, particularly in the Ashanti Region, to MTN’s growth over the past three decades.
“The media in Ashanti have told the MTN story. From our first call in 1996 to today’s 5G trials, you have been our voice in communities, holding us accountable and helping us connect with the people we serve,” she said.
According to her, feedback from customers, regulators, media organisations and business partners continues to shape the company’s operations and long-term strategy.
Mrs. Mensah-Poku further stated that the investment programme aligns with MTN Ghana’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda.
She said the company will continue transitioning network sites to renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint while investing in digital skills training programmes aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with practical technology and coding skills.
The investment will also support technology-driven solutions in healthcare, education and social finance, as well as initiatives that promote the growth of small businesses and local communities.
“This investment is about building the Ghana we all want—a digitally connected, inclusive and resilient economy,” Mrs. Mensah-Poku said.
The Kumasi forum formed part of MTN Ghana’s nationwide stakeholder engagement tour to commemorate its 30th anniversary, with similar engagements planned across all regions of the country.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
