The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called on MTN Ghana to match its market leadership with improved service quality, fair pricing, and expanded network access, as the company launched its 30th anniversary celebrations in Accra.
Speaking at the press launch held on May 14, 2026, at MTN House, the Minister congratulated the company on reaching the three-decade milestone, describing it as a significant achievement within Ghana’s evolving telecommunications sector. He noted that the industry has transformed from limited fixed-line access in the 1990s into a modern, data-driven ecosystem with over 40 million subscriptions.
The Minister acknowledged MTN’s role in that transformation, citing its introduction of GSM technology, pioneering of Mobile Money services, and sustained investments in network expansion and digital infrastructure. He also referenced the company’s recently announced US$1 billion network investment programme and its continued contribution as one of Ghana’s largest corporate taxpayers.
However, he stressed that MTN’s designation as a Significant Market Power (SMP) operator comes with heightened responsibility.
“That designation is not a criticism; it is a recognition of your scale. But it also means the public and the Ministry will hold MTN to a higher standard on pricing, quality of service, network availability, and transparency,” the Minister stated.
He highlighted persistent consumer concerns, including the high cost of data, inconsistent network coverage in rural areas, dropped calls, and delays in resolving customer complaints. He urged the company to ensure that its ongoing investments translate into tangible improvements for consumers.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George further underscored the need for collective action across government, regulators, and industry players to address broader challenges such as infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and the digital skills gap.
He noted that the Ministry is currently reviewing key policy instruments, including spectrum policy and data protection frameworks, to support the sector’s next phase of growth.
Looking ahead, he pointed to emerging opportunities in 5G, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, urging operators to invest not only in profitable areas but also in underserved communities.
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr. Stephen Blewett, described the anniversary as a moment of reflection on a journey defined by connection, progress, and national impact.
He emphasized that MTN’s story goes beyond infrastructure, focusing instead on the lives transformed through connectivity. He recounted how Ghanaians have embraced the brand as their own, highlighting a symbolic anecdote of a farmer who viewed MTN’s assets as collectively owned due to his participation as a customer.
“This is not just a corporate anniversary. It is a national story, three decades of connection, progress, and possibility,” he said.
The CEO reaffirmed the company’s commitment to meeting the expectations set by government and customers, acknowledging the Minister’s call for higher performance standards.
Mr. Blewett, also announced a series of customer-focused activities and promotions as part of the anniversary celebrations, describing them as “bigger and better” initiatives to reward loyalty and deepen engagement.
The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adjoa Wiafe, noted that the anniversary is less about the passage of time and more about the impact the company has made.
She reflected on MTN’s evolution from a connectivity provider to a driver of digital and financial inclusion, highlighting its role in connecting homes, businesses, schools, and healthcare institutions across the country.
“Today is not about age; it is about impact. We are celebrating how far we have come and the lives we have touched,” she said.
She also pointed to MTN’s broader contributions to national development, including its support for sports such as the Black Stars, and its role in fostering unity and inclusion through digital connectivity.
