The Chief Executive Officer of Mobile Money Fintech Limited (MoMo), Shaibu Haruna, has assured customers that there will be no disruption to services following the company’s transition into a standalone fintech entity.
He said the separation from its parent company, MTN Ghana, is in line with regulatory requirements and will not affect how customers access mobile money services.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, April 20, 2026, Mr Haruna explained that the move was necessitated by Ghana’s financial regulations.
“We became a standalone entity because it was necessary due to the regulations of the country. The Payment Systems and Services Act requires that we operate as a separate company and be regulated by the Bank of Ghana,” he said.
He noted that the transition has been in progress for the past five years and involved significant structural changes to meet regulatory standards.
Mr Haruna said beyond compliance, the shift will position the company to expand its services and form strategic partnerships.
“Beyond the regulation, we also want a system that will allow us to go beyond a wallet service. This means we will be able to scale up quickly and form strategic partnerships to bring more value to Ghanaians,” he said.
He reassured customers that their experience would remain unchanged despite the restructuring.
“Our customers will not experience any change in the way we serve them. They will continue to access our services through the MTN distribution network. From their perspective, the only change will be the level of innovation that we will deliver,” he added.
Shaibu Haruna also disclosed plans to list the mobile money business on the local stock exchange in the coming years.
“We have also made a commitment to our shareholders that within the next three to five years, we will list MoMo on the local stock market to allow Ghanaians to buy shares in the business,” he said.
MTN Ghana has announced plans to invest more than $1 billion over the next three years to expand its network, strengthen cybersecurity systems and improve service delivery across the country.
The investment forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to enhance infrastructure, meet growing data demand and strengthen its resilience against evolving cyber threats in the telecommunications sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Stephen Blewett, disclosed this at the company’s 2026 Media and Stakeholder Forum held in Accra on Friday.
He explained that a significant portion of the investment would go into network expansion and upgrades of IT systems to ensure efficiency and resilience as the business continues to grow.
“As your business grows, you need more robust systems. With the increasing number of cyber-attacks globally, it is important to invest in resilience to ensure consistent service delivery,” he said.
Mr Blewett said the company remained committed to improving customer experience while maintaining secure systems capable of supporting Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
He identified fibre cuts as a major operational challenge affecting service quality, attributing the problem partly to road construction works and human interference.
According to him, while the company collaborates with relevant authorities during planned infrastructure works to relocate fibre installations, uncoordinated activities and deliberate damage continue to disrupt services. “We are experiencing many fibre cuts, some due to construction and others due to lack of awareness. In some cases, people even set fire near fibre installations, which is dangerous because it affects critical national infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Blewett called for stronger public education and stricter enforcement measures to protect telecommunications infrastructure, stressing that damage to fibre networks had nationwide implications.
The forum, held under the theme “MTN Ghana @30: Connecting Ghana, Shaping the Digital Future,” formed part of activities marking the company’s 30 years of operations in Ghana.
It brought together media practitioners, regulators, partners and other stakeholders to review the company’s performance and future outlook.
Mr Blewett described Ghana as a strong and attractive market, noting that MTN continued to record significant growth in subscriber numbers and data usage.
He revealed that MTN Ghana currently has over 31 million subscribers, while data usage has grown by about 48 per cent, driven by increased demand for video streaming, social media and other digital services.
“We are pleased with our performance, but we remain focused on sustaining growth and delivering value to our customers,” he said.
He identified digital services, particularly mobile gaming and entertainment, as emerging growth areas, especially among young people.
“Gaming is becoming a major opportunity. Many young people who did not have access to traditional gaming consoles can now access games on their mobile phones,” he said.
Mr Blewett added that MTN aims to support local developers to create and export digital content globally.
On infrastructure, he announced plans to roll out more than 800 new cell sites in 2026 to improve coverage and network quality nationwide.
He stressed that network performance depended on spectrum availability, coverage and fibre connectivity, adding that sustained investment was essential to meet customer expectations.
Mr Blewett also outlined the company’s sustainability efforts, noting that more than 50 per cent of its operational sites are powered by solar energy, with ongoing plans to increase the use of renewable energy.
He further said MTN was working towards achieving gender balance, with a target of 50 per cent female representation in its workforce.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney Fintech Limited, Mr Shaibu Haruna, disclosed that all 10,000 agents whose accounts had previously been blocked due to suspicious activities had been reinstated after a review.
He explained that the accounts were initially suspended in line with regulatory requirements to protect customers and ensure compliance.
Mr Haruna assured that the company would continue to monitor transactions closely and take decisive action against any agent found engaging in fraudulent activities.
(A milestone decision to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation and reduce fibre cuts nationwide)
Ghana’s Cabinet has approved a transformative proposal from the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications to integrate fibre-optic ducts and access chambers into all new road construction projects across the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, during a high-level discussion at the Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town, South Africa. The move positions Ghana as a continental leader in infrastructure-led digitalisation and sets a precedent for other African nations to follow.
“What Ghana’s Cabinet has approved is this, every new road is also going to be a digital new road,” the Minister stated. “Contractors will now build fibre chambers alongside roads, effectively eliminating the capital cost of digging for telecom operators. This will make network rollout faster, cheaper, and more sustainable, thereby allowing operators to reinvest in expanding connectivity.”
The policy, often referred to as the “Dig Once Policy”, stems from sustained advocacy by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and its member companies. The Chamber’s technical justification highlighted that about 60% of fibre cuts in Ghana, a major cause of service interruptions, are caused by road and construction activities. Between 2021 and the first three (3) quarters of 2025, fibre repair costs is projected to be $69.3 million, representing a significant drain on industry resources and national productivity.
By mandating the inclusion of fibre ducts in new roads, Ghana is expected to:
Reduce fibre cuts and network downtimes significantly
Lower broadband deployment costs
Accelerate 5G and digital infrastructure rollout across the country
Protect road assets and prevent repeated excavation, and
Foster innovation and inclusion through reliable, affordable internet access
This milestone decision aligns with the goals of Ghana’s Digital Economy Policy (2024) and National Broadband Strategy, advancing the vision of a digitally enabled economy that supports growth, inclusivity, and innovation.
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, on behalf of its member companies and the wider digital ecosystem, has commended the Government for this forward-looking decision. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation.
“This is a bold and visionary step that will shape Ghana’s digital future,” said Sylvia Owusu-Ankomah, CEO of the Digital Chamber of Ghana. “By embedding fibre in all new roads, we are laying the foundation for a connected nation, one that leverages digital infrastructure to drive growth, innovation, and opportunity.”
The initiative reinforces Ghana’s position as one of Africa’s emerging digital leaders and offers a scalable model for other African countries aiming to build resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital economies.
MTN Ghana has rolled out a Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) Business Clinic in Kumasi as a testament of its commitment to strengthening the\xa0 country’s economic backbone.
The programme, which has already made stops at Accra, Takoradi and Tamale, brought together over 120 SMEs in the Ashanti Region for two days of capacity building, digital empowerment and financial literacy to enhance business activities for beneficiary SMEs.
Speaking at the event, Senior Manager-SME Sales, MTN Ghana, Mohammed Abubakari-Sidick noted that the initiative was designed to tackle unique challenges facing SMEs – ranging from poor record-keeping and financial management to low technology adoption and lack of insurance cover.
“Most SMEs in the country contribute significantly to GDP but continue facing hurdles that limit their growth potential. With the SME Business Clinic, we are arming them with digital tools, financial literacy and insurance solutions to help them thrive,” Mr. Abubakari-Sidick said.
Key highlights of the programme include exposing SMEs to MTN’s ‘Y’ello Biz’ – a digital package that provides SMEs with fibre broadband, access to Microsoft 365, data management support and, crucially, web development services. This, Mr. Abubakri-Sidick, says will help bridge a major gap as many SMEs lack online presence – which often excludes them from international funding opportunities.
The Business Clinic was done in partnership with Sanlam Allianz and SME Ghana Awards (SMEGA) for beneficiary SMEs to understand and appreciate the benefits of insuring their businesses.
Mr. Abubakari-Sidick emphasised that with the right insurance cover, businesses can quickly recover and stay afloat in the event of disasters or shocks.
“Today, we are not just giving SMEs internet solutions. We are giving them the assurance that when unforeseen challenges come, they won’t lose everything. Insurance is now part of the digital toolkit,” he stressed.
The SME Business Clinic forms part of MTN’s broader strategy to support entrepreneurship and digital inclusion under its Vision 2025 agenda.
Some participants expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana, describing the SME Business Clinic as an eye-opener. They assured of their readiness to incorporate all that they have learnt to enhance their business.
MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita has called for empowering Africa’s youth with digital tools to capitalize on the continent’s growth potential, emphasizing partnerships in AI and connectivity during discussions at the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, challenged MTN and other firms to accelerate Africa’s AI revolution. Highlighting the launch of N-ATLAS—an open-source AI framework developed with startup Awarri and partners like Data.org—he urged MTN to fund data collection for underrepresented African languages. Trained on five Nigerian languages and accented English, N-ATLAS addresses AI biases from English-dominated datasets, risking exclusion of millions and cultural erosion. Tijani envisions scalable models like “S-ATLAS” for countries such as Sierra Leone, stressing collaborative leapfrogging: “Government is typically slow… MTN came in, IHS chimed in, Airtel contributed. And boom, we started the largest talent accelerator in the world.”
Mupita accepted the challenge: “We like these kinds of partnerships.” South Africa’s Communications Minister Solly Malatsi echoed the push for linguistic diversity in AI, criticizing the tech’s “glaring gap” in covering over 7,000 global languages. At a G20 forum in April, he advocated for regulatory frameworks to include more voices, viewing AI as a tool for language preservation through data creation and education.
Bridging the Digital Divide
GSMA’s Sub-Saharan Africa head, Angela Wamola, warned that without broader internet access, Africa risks lagging in the AI era. Citing Worldometer data (1.55 billion Africans) and GSMA’s 2025 report (only 500 million online, or 30%), she used a soccer analogy: Africa’s “team” has just three players on the pitch—330 million with smartphones (mostly 3G) and 80 million on feature phones—while 1 billion remain “on the bench” or in the “locker room” due to coverage or affordability gaps. Mobile operators have invested over $40 billion in 4G networks, but low device penetration hampers adoption. Wamola called for partnerships to “get all those on the bench… onto the pitch.”
MTN is targeting this through affordable devices, negotiating $20 smartphones with manufacturers, and drawing lessons from India’s $12 JioBharat 4G feature phone. In South Africa, MTN’s May initiative—partnering with Smartphone For All—will distribute 1.1 million preloaded 4G devices to select customers by 2026, locked to MTN SIMs. Mupita noted tax hurdles like 30% customs duties but praised government collaborations, including Nigeria’s subsea cable security efforts.
Youth Dividend and UNGA Focus
Mupita, GSMA’s global deputy chair, highlighted Africa’s youth bulge (ages 15–64 outnumbering dependents) as a “huge advantage” if nurtured via education, skills, and jobs—per UN guidelines—to avoid a “burden” of frustrated youth. He stressed digital access as “fundamental as electricity,” warning against Africa becoming a “digital underclass” in Global North-led AI talks. At UNGA, Tijani prioritized AI productivity in sectors like agriculture, affordable connectivity, and digital skills, while Mupita eyed geopolitical navigation.
Tech for Agriculture
Both leaders see AI and connectivity transforming agriculture, Africa’s economic backbone (25% Sub-Saharan GDP). Mupita noted the continent’s 70% share of global arable land but low yields, urging tech for better markets and pricing—e.g., helping East African coffee farmers. Tijani contrasted Nigeria’s 2.5 tons/hectare maize yield with South Africa’s 5–6 tons and Brazil’s 10–12 tons via precision farming, enabled by connectivity for targeted inputs.
MTN’s stakeholder ties—with regulators, governments, and 300 million customers—underpin these efforts, leveraging spectrum for infrastructure. As Mupita put it, “We must be in the rooms… designing our future.”
Accra, Ghana – August 28, 2025 – Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. This marks a significant leadership transition, with the immediate past Chairperson, Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, stepping into the role of Vice-Chairperson.
The appointments were made at the 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Chamber earlier this month, where members reviewed the industry’s progress and challenges. Blewett’s one-year tenure as Chairperson will focus on steering the Chamber through a period of rapid digital transformation and regulatory evolution, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to address pressing issues and drive sustainable growth.
The leadership renewal comes amid a host of challenges facing Ghana’s telecommunications sector, including theft of active infrastructure, vandalism at cell sites, destruction of fibre optic cables, high taxation, hike in fees and cybersecurity threats.
In his acceptance address at the AGM, Mr. Blewett thanked the outgoing Chairperson for the outstanding work done. He also highlighted the need for unified action to ensure the industry’s resilience. “The telecommunications sector is the backbone of Ghana’s digital economy, but the challenges we face demand collective ingenuity and partnership. We must bind together to surmount these obstacles and ensure sustained growth,” he stated.
As Chairperson, Mr. Blewett is expected to lead advocacy efforts in collaboration with the CEO of the Chamber, on key policy matters, enhance industry-government relations, and promote innovation in areas like digital inclusion and cybersecurity. His role will involve chairing bi-monthly Governing Council meetings, overseeing strategic initiatives, and representing the Chamber in national and international forums. With his extensive experience at MTN Ghana, Mr. Blewett is poised to drive initiatives that mitigate infrastructure vulnerabilities and support economic development.
Madame Patricia Obo-Nai, now Vice-Chairperson, expressed optimism about the new leadership. “It’s been a difficult time over the past couple of years due to severalchallenges, but we’ve stood strong. The times ahead require us to work collectively, and I’m confident Stephen’s vision will guide us forward,” she said.
The AGM also saw the adoption of the Chamber’s 2024 Financial Statement and authorization for the Governing Council to set auditor remuneration. The Governing Council, which serves as the Chamber’s board of directors, includes heads of member organizations and the CEO.
In a significant overhaul of its executive team, MTN has announced a series of leadership changes effective November 1, 2025, with notable shifts for two prominent Ghanaians, Selorm Adadevoh and Ebenezer Asante, as the company refines its strategy beyond 2025. The moves come as MTN adjusts to evolving geopolitical, macroeconomic, and technological landscapes, aiming to strengthen its execution of priorities outlined in its “Ambition 2025” plan.
Selorm Adadevoh (formerly MTN Ghana CEO), currently MTN’s Chief Commercial Officer, is set to broaden his influence with the addition of strategy and transformation responsibilities. This expansion comes as Chika Ekeji, the current Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, transitions to focus exclusively on emerging business opportunities. Mr. Adadevoh’s new role underscores his rising stature within the company, leveraging his extensive experience to steer MTN’s strategic direction and operational evolution.
Similarly, Ebenezer Asante (also a former MTN Ghana CEO), previously the Senior Vice President (SVP) of markets, is stepping into a more expansive leadership position as Vice President (VP) of Ghana, Southern, and East Africa. This promotion reflects his growing impact, shifting from a regional markets oversight role to a broader operational leadership position across multiple key markets, enhancing MTN’s regional strategy.
The reshuffle also sees other significant changes. Charles Molapisi, MTN South Africa CEO since 2022, will return to his former role as Group Chief Technology And Information Officer (CTIO), with Group Chief Risk Officer Ferdi Moolman stepping in as his replacement. Mazen Mroue, the current CTIO, will retain oversight of digital infrastructure while expanding his remit, while CFO Tsholofelo Molefe’s portfolio will now include mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity.
Further adjustments include Yolanda Cuba, current VP for Southern and East Africa, becoming deputy CEO of MTN South Africa, and Ismail Jaroudi, VP Middle East and North Africa, taking on VP of special projects alongside his CEO role at MTN Dubai. Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO, will additionally oversee VP Francophone Africa.
MTN emphasized that these changes are designed to “streamline” its focus beyond 2025, building on three core platforms: connectivity, financial technology, and digital infrastructure. The company’s board review confirmed the relevance of its current Ambition 2025 objectives, with the leadership shakeup aimed at ensuring robust strategy execution in a dynamic global environment.
For Mr. Adadevoh and Mr. Asante, these promotions mark a pivotal moment, positioning them as central figures in MTN’s strategic and operational transformation across Africa and beyond.
The MTN Ghana Foundation reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and digital transformation at the 2025 National Youth Mentorship Summit, held at the University of Ghana Business School. The event drew about 800 students and young professionals for sessions on mentorship, digital readiness, and leadership.
Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, MTN Ghana’s Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, underscored the company’s focus on equipping youth with digital tools and soft skills for success in a connected world. She encouraged participants to “stretch” beyond their comfort zones to achieve excellence.
A key feature of MTN’s participation was a spotlight on the MTN Skills Academy, which offers free training in data analytics, cybersecurity, and career development. Ebenezer Terkpeh, Education Portfolio Advisor, revealed the Academy aims to reach over 10,000 youth in Ghana with globally certified digital training.
Albert Prempeh Kusi, convener of the summit, commended MTN Ghana for its sustained investment in youth development, noting the impact of initiatives like the Skills Academy and national mentorship collaborations.
MTN Nigeria, in collaboration with Huawei, has launched the nation’s first hybrid 400G–800G Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON)—a major leap in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
This cutting-edge deployment introduces high-speed optical channels capable of 400G and 800G transmissions, boosting MTN’s network capacity and reliability amid rising data demands. The network promises to revolutionize access to cloud services, enterprise platforms, and home broadband, enabling faster and smarter connectivity for users across Nigeria.
Among the technological milestones achieved:
First activation of L0 + L1 ASON (optical and electrical switching) on the Lagos segment of MTN’s DWDM backbone.
Deployment of Nigeria’s first single-wavelength 800G optical channel, setting a new benchmark for optical transport networks in West Africa.
These innovations were powered by Huawei’s next-generation 400G/800G platforms, including advanced Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) systems and hybrid ASON architecture. The result is a smarter, faster network that reduces operational costs while enhancing agility and scalability.
MTN Nigeria CTO Yahaya Ibrahim emphasized the strategic importance of the upgrade. “The growing demand for high-performance networks requires intelligent and scalable solutions. This deployment significantly enhances our capacity and resilience, supporting Nigeria’s digital economy agenda,” he said.
The initiative cements MTN’s leadership in broadband innovation and sets a precedent for future infrastructure upgrades across the region.
