Industry News

Telecommunications giant Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has cemented its market leadership with a stellar 2025 fiscal report, announcing a 55.9 per cent leap in profit after tax to GH¢7.8 billion. 

The results, underpinned by an aggressive expansion in data and financial services, come at a time when a stabilising macroeconomic climate has re-energised consumer spending across the country.

The company’s service revenue surged by 36.2 per cent, reaching a staggering GH¢24.4 billion. This growth was propelled by a near-tripling of digital revenue and robust gains in the mobile money and data sectors, reflecting Ghana’s rapidly maturing digital economy.

In a move that will delight investors, the Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of GH¢0.40 per share. This represents a significant increase from the GH¢0.24 paid out the previous year, signaling deep confidence in the company’s liquidity and future growth path.

Pending shareholder approval at the next Annual General Meeting, the dividend is slated for distribution on 10 April 2026.

In his review of the year, MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett attributed the financial windfall to a combination of heavy infrastructure spending and a friendly economic backdrop.

“MTN Ghana reported a strong operational and financial performance for 2025, driven by the significant investment in our network and targeted commercial initiatives that have enhanced the customer experience,” Blewett remarked.

He further observed that the broader economic recovery played a crucial role: “These results were achieved in a favourable macroeconomic climate, with subsiding inflation and a strengthened local currency boosting consumer purchasing power.

To sustain this growth, MTN Ghana committed GH¢6.4 billion in capital expenditure during the year. This investment was primarily directed at bolstering 4G coverage and improving overall service quality to support a burgeoning subscriber base. Total mobile subscribers now stand at 31.2 million, with active data users jumping to 19.9 million.

As the company transitions out of its “Ambition 2025” strategic cycle, the leadership team remains bullish on the medium-term horizon. The company has maintained its guidance for service revenue growth in the “mid-to-upper thirties” per cent range.

“Looking ahead to 2026, MTN Ghana is well-positioned to capitalise on Ghana’s improving macroeconomic environment. Building on 2025’s performance and operational agility, we will continue to deliver value to our stakeholders,” Blewett concluded.

Source : www.myjoyonline.com

MTN Ghana, in partnership with Emirates Airlines, awarded a loyal customer a complimentary return ticket to Dubai in a special reward drawn from its Closed User Group Offer (CUGO), reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering value beyond connectivity.

The initiative recognised clients on the uptake of the Emirates CUGO travel platform, which allows MTN customers to access exclusive flight booking benefits and discounts of up to 12 percent on selected economy, business and first-class fares.

At the presentation ceremony, Sandra Oduro Antwi, Senior Specialist, High Value Segment – Marketing at MTN Ghana, said that the collaboration with Emirates reflected MTN’s evolution from a conventional telecom provider to a lifestyle enabler.

“Connectivity is not just about networks. It is about connecting people to opportunity, convenience and experiences that enrich their lives,” she said. She explained that the Emirates CUGO portal was built to make international travel more accessible by eliminating complexity and hidden conditions in the booking process.

The complimentary ticket was randomly awarded to an eligible customer who had travelled using the CUGO platform during the qualifying period.

Speaking to BusinessGhana, Ms. Oduro Antwi said the partnership had been delivering value for nearly a decade and continued to provide MTN customers with travel discounts and periodic rewards. She explained that, in addition to the complimentary ticket sponsored by Emirates, MTN ensured the winner would remain connected during his trip by activating roaming on his eSIM-enabled device. He also received high-value MTN souvenirs for use during his travels.

“We want our customers to think of MTN not only for services but as a gateway to lifestyle benefits. We are building an ecosystem where customers receive real value beyond connectivity,” she said, encouraging customers to use the CUGO platform to unlock even more benefits and discounts as partnerships expand.

Representing Emirates Airlines, Mr Cecil Tenkorang, Sales Manager for Ghana and Ivory Coast, congratulated the winner and affirmed the airline’s pride in working with MTN Ghana. He noted that Emirates had connected Ghana to its global network of more than 150 destinations across six continents, offering travellers unparalleled service and seamless connections worldwide.

The lucky winner, Mr Kwame Kwakye, a businessman and long-standing MTN customer, expressed deep appreciation for the award. He recounted his long loyalty to MTN, dating back to the early 2000s when SIM cards were harder to obtain and network coverage was less reliable. Over the years, he said, MTN’s improvements in voice, data and broadband services had kept him connected and satisfied.

“As a loyal customer, this recognition means a lot. MTN has been part of my journey from the early days of connectivity to now enjoying high-speed services and seamless roaming. I have no intention of leaving the network,” he said. He also suggested that future collaborations could explore additional travel-related benefits such as hotel discounts to enhance the customer experience further

Source : www.businessghana.com

MTN Ghana’s plan to install 500 new network sites in 2026 alone, backed by a US$1.1 billion three-year capital programme, has taken on a new strategic dimension following its parent group’s acquisition of a majority stake in IHS Towers, the infrastructure company that currently owns and operates a substantial portion of the physical masts underpinning MTN’s Ghanaian network.

In February 2026, MTN Group acquired the remaining 75 percent stake in IHS Towers, one of the largest tower infrastructure companies in Africa, valuing the deal at approximately US$6.2 billion. The acquisition significantly deepens MTN’s control over the physical infrastructure underpinning its network operations across its 16 markets, including Ghana, reducing its dependency on third-party tower operators and creating structural conditions for faster rollout.

For Ghana specifically, the timing is significant. MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita confirmed during a three-day working visit to Accra that the company currently operates more than 5,000 telecommunications sites across the country and intends to add 500 more this year alone, representing a tenfold increase compared with recent expansion rates. MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett put the acceleration into perspective, noting the company built 50 sites in 2025 and between 25 and 30 in 2024 before committing to 500 in a single year.

Previously, the pace of tower deployment in Ghana was partly constrained by the need to negotiate site acquisition, construction and lease arrangements through third-party tower companies. With MTN Group now owning IHS Towers outright, the chain of approvals and cost structures for new site development across its African markets shortens materially.

The US$1.1 billion capital programme targets network resilience, 4G densification, 5G connectivity, large-scale data centre development, and expanded subsea cable connectivity to improve international bandwidth resilience, areas directly aligned with Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a regional artificial intelligence and cloud services hub.

On 5G, Mupita was direct in his discussions with Communications Minister Sam George. He told the minister that the availability of 5G spectrum would enable and empower everyday Ghanaians in terms of home connectivity, and that quality of service improvements, particularly in peri-urban and rural areas, were at the centre of the company’s commitments to government. Ghana has yet to formally auction 5G spectrum, and MTN’s accelerated investment timeline creates additional pressure on the National Communications Authority to clarify its spectrum allocation roadmap, as operators cannot deploy 5G equipment without licensed frequencies regardless of how many physical sites they build.

The US$1.1 billion commitment also encompasses digital skills training for Ghanaian youth, an area MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita described as a deliberate strategic extension of the company’s role beyond connectivity into human capital development, with a focus on supporting young Ghanaians to become content creators rather than simply content consumers.

Source : www.newsghana.com.gh

Huawei today unveiled its latest suite of smart retail solutions at EuroShop 2026, the world’s leading retail trade fair, to accelerate digital transformation and enhance customer experiences across the retail industry. Together with partners, the company showcased digital infrastructure and intelligent retail technologies for smart stores, cognitive supply chains, and immersive customer experiences.

While exhibiting and speaking at EuroShop 2026, Huawei addressed the fundamental shift underway in sales and retail. Stores are evolving into instant service hubs, relying on smart devices to optimize in-store processes. Across the supply chain, the focus is moving from reactive stock management to anticipatory demand forecasting. At the same time, retailers face growing expectations for AI-powered, personalized shopping experiences as consumers increasingly seek innovative and tailored services.

To help retailers seize new opportunities, Huawei introduced solutions across four key areas: smart stores, cognitive supply chains, immersive consumer experiences, and IP & IT infrastructure.

Smart Store

Electronic shelf labels connected via specialized access points utilize Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4 to enable centralized, real-time price and promotion updates, helping reduce operating costs.

RFID-enabled access points with passive tags automatically capture inventory movements and stock levels, improving accuracy and streamlining restocking processes.

Cognitive Supply Chain

AI-driven predictive demand planning tools support sales and order forecasting, enabling proactive planning across the supply chain.

Immersive Customer Experience

A virtual showroom platform leverages AI and augmented reality for immersive product presentations and interactive consultations.

AI-powered contact centers enable direct video communication between customers and service staff, ensuring efficient handling of inquiries.

IP & IT Infrastructure

High-performance network and storage infrastructures support the rapid deployment and reliable operation of smart applications.

AI in Retail: Industry Dialogue at EuroShop 2026

Joined by several European partners, Huawei delivered two keynote speeches at the trade fair on current retail trends, featuring case studies with European companies. The presentations focused on real-time data utilization, automation, and AI-driven customer experience optimization.

The company also hosted roundtable discussions on smart retail solutions and infrastructure. By combining innovative technologies with strong partnerships, Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital transformation in retail—delivering greater efficiency, data precision, and enhanced customer experiences.

Source : www.e.huawei.com

The Minister of Communication, Innovations, and Digital Technologies, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, says the government, through his ministry, is targeting a 70% 5G population coverage by 2027, where Ghana will be celebrating its 70th Independence Day.

Addressing participants at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Mr. Nartey George explained that the task for achieving 70% 5G population coverage will require rapid deployment of networks, infrastructure expansion, and significant capital investment.

“Our vision is to achieve 70% of 5G population density coverage by the 70th independence celebration of our nation, next year. So, the work is cut out for the regulator.

You have barely a year to roll out 5G using both the wholesale model and the network-led operations and achieve 70% population density coverage,” the minister stressed.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in the capabilities of the NCA team.

“It is a steep aspiration, but I am more than confident in the resilience and abilities of the people who run the NCA,” he added.

Source : www.gbcghanaonline.com

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) is reviewing its governing legislation to strengthen Ghana’s response to increasingly complex cybercrime cases.

Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9FM, the Director of Communication, International Cooperation and Strategic Partnership, Benjamin Avornyotse disclosed that the review of the Cybersecurity Act is being led by the Minister responsible for the sector, Sam George, with the aim of aligning the law with emerging global standards and the evolving nature of cyber threats.

According to him, Ghana is dealing with sophisticated cyber investigations, some of which have national and intercontinental dimensions, requiring stronger legal and institutional frameworks.

“We are dealing with very complex investigations in cyberspace, some of which are at national and intercontinental levels. It requires that even the handling of cyber evidence by our courts and law enforcement agencies is something we need to look at carefully,” he said.

Mr. Avornyotse revealed that part of the ongoing review includes discussions on whether the NCSA should be granted expanded powers, including the authority to carry out arrests and prosecutions in specific cyber-related cases.

He stressed that without robust enforcement mechanisms and properly trained personnel, successful arrests may not necessarily translate into successful prosecutions.

“You may make all the noise about arrests, but when it comes to prosecution and handling cyber evidence, the technical complexity can become a challenge,” he noted.

To strengthen Ghana’s cybercrime response, the Authority has intensified collaboration with international partners, including the Council of Europe, INTERPOL, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

These partnerships, he said, are focused on training law enforcement agencies and enhancing investigative capacity to meet global best practices in digital forensics and cybercrime prosecution.

Mr. Avornyotse also disclosed that the Judicial Service of Ghana, in collaboration with the NCSA, has initiated the creation of specialised cyber courts to handle cybercrime-related cases.

He explained that cyber offences are highly technical and demand judges and prosecutors with specialised knowledge in digital evidence and cyber law.

“Cybersecurity crimes are very technical and quite complex. If you do not have the right training and expertise in handling cyber evidence, prosecution can become difficult,” he said.

The CSA is also working to close gaps in the protection of Ghana’s Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), which includes essential digital systems that support national security, financial services, telecommunications and other vital sectors.

Mr. Avornyotse said the Authority is working behind the scenes to tighten loopholes in cybercrime prosecution, improve evidence management processes, and strengthen institutional coordination to safeguard the country’s digital ecosystem.

The review of the Cybersecurity Act is expected to position Ghana to better confront emerging cyber threats while enhancing confidence in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

Source : www.zedmultimedia.com

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has announced that the government has initiated processes to transition the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) into a new entity to be known as the Digital Economy and Innovations Development Fund (DEIDEF).

He disclosed this at the official launch of the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the National Communications Authority (NCA), where he highlighted the steady growth of Ghana’s communications sector over the years.

According to the Minister, the progress recorded in the sector reflects sustained leadership and policy continuity across different political administrations.

The proposed transition, he explained, forms part of broader efforts to align Ghana’s digital infrastructure financing framework with emerging innovations and the country’s expanding digital economy agenda.

“Under Hon. Albert Kan Dapaah, the government established the Ghana Investment Fund for Telecommunications, then known as GIFTEL, recognizing that universal access required deliberate intervention.

“That initiative evolved into GIFEC which continues to expand connectivity and digital opportunities. Today, the ministry is undertaking legislative review to transition GIFEC into DEIDEF; the Digital Economy and Innovations Development Fund,” he said.

Source : www.citinewsroom.com

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially launched the celebration of its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of regulating and advancing the communications sector in Ghana.

The launch sets the tone for a year-long programme of activities under the theme “30 Years of Communications Regulation – Celebrating Impact, Advancing a More Inclusive Digital Future.” The milestone reflects the Authority’s journey from a modest telecommunications landscape to a dynamic, technology-driven communications ecosystem that supports Ghana’s growing digital economy.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, recounted the evolution of the Authority and acknowledged its significant contributions to national development.

“Beyond its statutory regulatory mandate, the NCA has over the years played an important enabling role in strengthening Ghana’s communications and digital ecosystem through targeted institutional and sector-wide interventions,” he noted.

Looking ahead, the Minister urged stakeholders to remain committed to building a resilient and inclusive digital future. “Our responsibility as a nation is to ensure that innovation serves development, inclusion, and opportunity. We must build forward-looking regulatory systems, invest in digital skills for our young people, protect citizens in the digital space, and create an environment where innovation thrives,” he added.

In her remarks, the Board Chair of the Authority, Ms. Mavis Ampah, reflected on the NCA’s transformation into a strong and respected regulator while sharing personal memories from the early days of Ghana’s telecommunications reforms.

“It is both an honour and a deeply personal privilege to stand before you today as Board Chairperson of the National Communications Authority at the launch of its 30th Anniversary celebrations. For me, this moment truly feels like coming full circle. Many years ago, I had the privilege of contributing to Ghana’s telecommunications reform programme, which laid the foundation for sector liberalisation,” she said.

She recalled key milestones from the Authority’s formative years, including the acquisition of its first spectrum monitoring system and the securing of its first operational office at First Rangoon Close in Cantonments.

Charging stakeholders to prepare for emerging opportunities and challenges, she emphasised the importance of inclusion in the next phase of sector growth. “If the first thirty years were defined by expanding access, the next thirty must be defined by deepening inclusion — better and more reliable connectivity, broader opportunity, and more diverse leadership. Let this celebration mark not only our achievements, but also a renewed commitment to excellence, integrity, innovation, and inclusion,” she stressed.

The Director General of the NCA, Rev. Ing. Edmund Y. Fianko, shared a personal reflection on his journey within the Authority while highlighting the remarkable growth of the communications sector.

“I joined this Authority in December 2004 as a National Service person, fresh from university and eager to contribute. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving continuously within the NCA, learning, growing, and working alongside dedicated professionals who believe deeply in the mission of this institution,” he said.

Rev. Ing. Fianko further noted that sustained investments by industry players in infrastructure, emerging technologies, and service innovation have significantly expanded connectivity and digital opportunities for millions of Ghanaians.

“The progress we celebrate today reflects not only regulatory leadership but also the confidence of investors, the ingenuity of engineers and entrepreneurs and the strong collaboration between the Authority and industry,” he stated, while expressing appreciation to operators, broadcasters, and stakeholders for their continued partnership.

The anniversary launch event, held at the NCA Tower, brought together staff of the Authority, former Directors General and past executives, retirees, government officials and key players across the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.

The NCA’s 30th anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year with stakeholder engagements and initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, strengthening regulation, and advancing a more inclusive digital future for Ghana.

Former Board Chairs in attendance included Mr. Jude Arthur, Mr. Kwaku Sakyi Addo, and Mr. Isaac Emil Osei Bonsu Jr. The launch was also graced by several former Directors-General: the inaugural Director-General, Mr. J. K. Gyimah, Mr. Bernard Forson Jr., Mr. Paarock VanPercy, and Dr. Joe Anokye, whose visionary leadership has helped shape the Authority over the years.

The anniversary launch event, held at the NCA Tower, brought together staff of the Authority, former Directors-General and past executives, retirees, government officials, and key players across the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors.

Source : www.nca.org.gh

Six communities in the Bole District of the Savannah Region have been successfully connected to telecommunications network access, bringing relief and renewed opportunities to residents.

The beneficiary communities include Kabilma, Bale, Gbenfu, Doli, Kilampobile, and Chache.

Residents expressed their joy following the development, noting that the lack of telecommunications network had long affected communication, business activities, and access to emergency services.

They lamented the difficulties they faced in communicating with relatives, accessing mobile money services, and conducting business transactions due to the absence of reliable network connectivity.

They added that the introduction of telecommunications network services will help accelerate development in their communities and improve communication with families, business partners, and the outside world.

In an interaction with the media, the engineer of Redmi Ghana, Prince Yeboah Boateng, disclosed that his team was deployed to the Bole District to extend telecommunications network services to underserved communities.

He explained that the project forms part of efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that rural communities benefit from modern communication infrastructure.

According to him, the installation process involved site surveys, erection of network equipment, and testing to ensure reliable connectivity for residents.

He assured the communities of Redmi Ghana’s commitment to providing stable and efficient telecommunications services.

The Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana stated that the Ministry of Communications has approved plans to connect all communities in the district that currently lack telecommunications network access.

He noted that the initiative forms part of government’s broader agenda to expand digital infrastructure and promote inclusive national development.

He further revealed that Redmi Ghana has already visited several communities to strengthen weak telecommunications signals and improve overall service quality in the district.

He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to ensure that all underserved communities are connected before the end of the current administration’s tenure.

Source : www.citinewsroom.com

MTN Group has officially elevated its Ghana operations to a major subsidiary, following the country’s remarkable performance and immense growth potential, according to the telecommunication’s Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ralph Mupita.

In a media engagement at the MTN head office in Accra, Mr. Mupita underscored the country’s consistent double-digit growth, sturdy digital adoption, and significant initiative towards mobile money, data and growing digital services.

He noted that these strategic steps have positioned the Ghanaian market as one of the top-performing operations in the group.

“Until last year, we had only two major subsidiaries — South Africa and Nigeria. Ghana has now been added as the third. This decision was based purely on performance and potential,” he highlighted.

He stressed that the meeting focused on quality of service, investment promotion, digital infrastructure, and fintech regulation.

During the visit, Mr. Mupita met with key stakeholders including the Bank of Ghana, the Communications Minister Sam George, and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). The discussions focused on quality of service, investment promotion, digital infrastructure, and fintech regulation.

The CEO mentioned network expansion , where MTN is committed to add 500 new telecommunications sites in 2026 to improve coverage and quality of service.

Also, an advocacy on 5G. The company emphasized that access to 5G spectrum would empower households and businesses, enhancing broadband connectivity across urban and rural areas.

On Mobile Money security, the telecommunication says it will collaborate with the Bank of Ghana, while leveraging AI tools to address fraud and scams in the mobile money ecosystem.

Digital Infrastructure and AI Initiatives was also discussed. Mr. Mupita also revealed that MTN Group will support with fiber rollout, AI data centers, and digital skilling programs for youth, particularly in creative content development.

Concluding, Mr. Mupita expressed confidence in Ghana’s digital transformation potential  while citing India’s digital growth as an example.

“Ghana has the raw talent, human capital, and infrastructure to achieve similar socio-economic transformation. Nothing stops Ghana from fulfilling its ambitions by deploying digital infrastructure and leveraging the digital economy,” he established.

He also reaffirmed MTN’s excitement about deepening capital investment and driving socio-economic impact in Ghana: “We are super excited to allocate more capital here because we believe it can have a meaningful socio-economic impact. The future is bright, and we will deepen our commitments in the months ahead.”

Ebenezer Asante, Senior Vice President, MTN Ghana also highlighted that leadership engagement with authorities is about reaffirming the company’s commitment and aligning strategy with national priorities, and stressed that the country’s success is not only measured by past performance but its readiness to accept future opportunities.

Mr. Asante echoed optimism and noted that: “Even as the company performs, so will we continue to transform and take full advantage of AI and emerging opportunities. The team here is fantastic, and we are ready for the next phase of growth.”

Source : www.cedirates.com