MTN Ghana Marks 30 Years of Service

MTN Ghana has officially launched its MTN@30 celebration, marking three decades of operations in Ghana’s telecommunications sector, with leadership reflecting on the company’s impact on communication, economic activity and everyday life.

With a pledge to deepen investment in connectivity, digital infrastructure and national development initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s growing digital economy.

Speaking at the event in Accra to usher in a tall list of activities to mark the celebration, Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett described the milestone as a moment to pause, reflect and appreciate the transformation of connectivity in Ghana since the introduction of mobile telecommunications in the country.

Speaking at the launch event held at MTN House, he recalled the early era of mobile communication, referencing devices such as the Nokia 3310 and Motorola Razr, which symbolised the beginning of mobile adoption among Ghanaians.

He noted that the anniversary is not only a corporate milestone but also a reflection of how technology has reshaped the lives of ordinary citizens, enabling new forms of communication, business activity and social interaction.

Mr. Blewett shared an anecdote about a farmer who insisted on using an MTN pickup vehicle, explaining that his loyalty as a customer made him feel a sense of ownership in the brand. According to him, the story illustrates how deeply MTN is embedded in the daily lives of Ghanaians, who increasingly view the network as a shared national asset rather than a distant corporate entity.

He expressed appreciation to customers, government institutions, regulators, media partners and employees for their support over the past 30 years, noting that MTN’s journey began in 1996 when Ghana launched its first GSM service.

Since then, mobile communication in Ghana has evolved from a luxury service into an essential utility, encapsulated in MTN’s long-standing slogan, “Everywhere You Go.”

A major highlight of MTN’s impact, he said, has been the introduction of mobile money services in 2009, which expanded financial inclusion by providing millions of people with access to formal financial services, improved safety and enhanced economic participation.

According to him, mobile money has since become a critical part of household transactions, business operations and supply chain activities across the country.

He also reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, noting that despite widespread disruptions, MTN’s network played a key role in sustaining national connectivity. Schools transitioned to remote learning, businesses adapted to digital platforms, and families relied on mobile money to maintain financial stability during the crisis.

Mr. Blewett further highlighted MTN’s contribution to Ghana’s economy, stating that the company remains one of the largest contributors to public sector revenue and continues to invest heavily in network expansion and infrastructure development.

He revealed that MTN plans to invest about $1.1 billion in infrastructure over the coming years, including the deployment of 800 new network sites this year alone, a significant increase from 50 sites in the previous year.

Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, the company has also invested tens of millions of cedis in education, healthcare, skills development and economic empowerment initiatives across the country.

Looking ahead, Mr. Blewett said Ghana’s digital future will be shaped by artificial intelligence, increased connectivity and greater global competitiveness, particularly among young people.

He noted that emerging technologies will transform how users interact with mobile services, with future systems expected to rely more heavily on AI-driven platforms rather than traditional applications.

MTN is therefore strengthening its fibre infrastructure, modernising systems and investing in renewable energy solutions as part of efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient digital ecosystem.

He concluded that MTN’s legacy is best measured not in financial statements but in the everyday experiences of Ghanaians, students accessing education, farmers receiving payments, patients accessing healthcare and entrepreneurs expanding their businesses.

“That is what 30 years of progress truly means,” he said.