Ghana is set for a major boost in mobile network quality following a bold new policy shift led by Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.
Instead of collecting fines from telecom companies for poor service, the government is now requiring them to invest directly in infrastructure—ensuring that customers see real improvements where it matters most.
At a recent media engagement during the launch of the One Million Coders Programme, the Minister announced that MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana have committed to building a combined 1,150 new cell sites in 2026. This includes 800 sites from MTN and 350 from Telecel—marking one of the most ambitious network expansion efforts in the country’s history.
This new direction replaces a system where fines were paid to the regulator, the National Communications Authority, but delivered little direct benefit to everyday users. Now, those same penalties are effectively being transformed into tangible upgrades that will improve call quality, data speeds, and coverage nationwide.
The scale of the commitment is especially striking. MTN Ghana’s 800-site rollout for 2026 is nearly four times its average annual expansion over the past decade—signaling a significant acceleration in investment and service improvement.
Alongside this, the government has raised service quality standards, tightening allowable network failure rates from 3% to just 1%. This ensures that telecom providers not only expand coverage but also maintain higher performance levels.
The result is a clear win for consumers: better connectivity, stronger networks, and faster progress toward a digitally inclusive Ghana. With construction already underway, users can expect noticeable improvements in service quality in the months ahead.
Source : www.newsghana.com.gh
