MTN Ghana has announced plans to invest US$1.1 billion over the next three years to expand network coverage, improve service quality and accelerate digital inclusion across the country.
The investment includes approximately US$380 million in 2026, with a focus on strengthening connectivity in the Northern, Savannah, Upper East and North East regions.
Speaking at a regional media and stakeholder engagement in Tamale, MTN Ghana representative Emmanuel Afutu disclosed that the company would deploy 80 new network sites across the four regions.
The Northern Region will receive 38 sites, Savannah 17, Upper East 14 and North East 11. Nationwide, MTN Ghana plans to expand its infrastructure by 500 cell sites.
Mr Afutu said the investment went beyond expanding network infrastructure, stressing that connectivity must translate into tangible economic and social opportunities for communities.
“The true value of connectivity is measured not only by the sites we build or the technology we deploy, but by the opportunities it creates and the lives it touches,” he said.
Mr Afutu said MTN’s Mobile Money (MoMo) platform had become a major driver of financial inclusion as more Ghanaians increasingly embraced digital financial services.
In the first half of 2026, MoMo transaction value grew by 44.4 per cent year-on-year, while active users increased by 3.1 per cent. Transaction volumes and MoMo revenue also recorded 23.3 per cent growth.
He described MoMo as “more than a payment platform,” saying it had become an important gateway to economic participation.
He added that the increasing use of digital services had heightened the need for stronger cybersecurity and data privacy measures to protect customers and maintain public trust.
The investment programme is backed by strong financial performance recorded by MTN Ghana in the first half of 2026.
Service revenue grew by 32.3 per cent to GH¢15 billion, while EBITDA increased by 47.1 per cent to GH¢9.3 billion. Profit after tax also rose by 46.8 per cent to GH¢5.1 billion, with EBITDA margins improving to 61.8 per cent.
The company also paid GH¢5.6 billion in direct and indirect taxes and GH¢384.7 million in fees and levies during the period.
Mr Afutu said the company’s financial performance would enable it to sustain investments in network infrastructure, employment and community development.
Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, the company continues to invest in education, health and economic empowerment.
The MTN Skills Academy aims to equip more than 100,000 Ghanaian youth with digital, financial and employability skills, alongside career-readiness training and mentorship.
The Bright Scholarship Scheme has also supported more than 1,200 students with school and hostel fees, as well as essential learning devices, including laptops.
MTN has also increased the prize money under its Heroes of Change initiative. The overall winner will receive GH¢400,000, while winners in the three categories will each receive GH¢200,000. Finalists will receive GH¢100,000, with new awards introduced to recognise sustainability and digital innovation.
MTN Ghana’s social investment programmes also include water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives.
This year, employee volunteers supported 16 basic schools across all 16 regions to improve hygiene and create healthier learning environments.
In northern Ghana, beneficiary schools included Zogbeli Cluster Block A JHS, Damongo Girls Model School, Walewale Catholic School and Bolgatanga Preparatory Model School.
The company has also supported community health screening exercises, including activities at Sawla District Hospital and Anigazanga Hospital, bringing basic healthcare services closer to communities.
Mr Afutu acknowledged that challenges relating to affordability, access, digital literacy and skills development remained and said MTN Ghana would continue working with government, regulators, educational institutions and communities to address the gaps.
MTN Ghana’s sustainability agenda is anchored on four ESG pillars: Doing for People, Doing it Right, Doing for Growth and Doing for the Planet.
The company launched its 2026 Sustainability Month on August 3 under the theme “Small Actions, Big Impact.”
Mr Afutu said sustainability was central to the company’s long-term business strategy and reaffirmed MTN Ghana’s commitment to creating lasting value for customers, communities and the country as it marks 30 years of operations in Ghana.
He said the company’s growth would remain closely linked to Ghana’s development through continued investments in connectivity, digital inclusion, innovation and community development.
“As Ghana grows, we grow. As Ghana innovates, we innovate. As Ghana aspires to greater heights, we stand ready to play our part,” he said.
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