BY DANIEL BAMPOE
MTN Ghana has announced plans to invest US$1.1 billion over the next three years to strengthen its network infrastructure, improve connectivity and extend telecommunications services to underserved communities across the country.
The investment includes approximately US$380 million earmarked for 2026 alone, according to the company’s General Manager, David Gyimah Boadi.
He announced the investment during a Regional Media and Stakeholders Engagement in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, where he outlined the company’s plans to improve connectivity, expand digital services and strengthen its relationship with stakeholders.
As part of the expansion programme, MTN Ghana is deploying 500 new cell sites nationwide, with particular attention to communities that have historically experienced limited network coverage.
The investment comes as the telecommunications company marks 30 years of operations in Ghana, with management highlighting the importance of continued infrastructure development in meeting the growing demand for digital connectivity.
MTN Targets Underserved Communities With 500 New Cell Sites
Gyimah Boadi said the deployment of 500 additional cell sites formed part of the company’s broader strategy to improve network coverage and provide more reliable telecommunications services.
The expansion is expected to extend connectivity to underserved communities while strengthening the infrastructure supporting MTN’s growing customer base.
According to the company, more than 32 million subscribers rely on its network daily, underscoring the importance of maintaining and expanding the infrastructure required to support voice, data and digital financial services.
The planned investment is also intended to improve the network’s capacity to accommodate increasing demand for digital services across different parts of the country.
However, the extent to which individual communities will benefit will depend on the deployment and commissioning of the new cell sites.
MoMo Transactions Record Strong Growth
Beyond telecommunications infrastructure, MTN Ghana reported continued growth in its Mobile Money (MoMo) business, which has become an important component of the company’s digital financial services operations.
Gyimah Boadi disclosed that the value of MoMo transactions increased by 44.4 per cent in the first half of 2026, while active users recorded year-on-year growth of 3.1 per cent.
Transaction volumes and MoMo revenue also increased by 23.3 per cent, according to the General Manager.
He said the figures reflected the growing role of mobile money in facilitating financial transactions for individuals and businesses.
Gyimah Boadi described MoMo as more than a payment platform, emphasising its contribution to financial inclusion and the creation of economic opportunities.
Mobile money services allow users to conduct financial transactions through digital channels, potentially improving convenience for people and businesses that rely on electronic payments.
The reported growth also highlights the importance of reliable network infrastructure in supporting the expansion of digital financial services.
MTN Foundation Awards 500 Scholarships
MTN Ghana also highlighted its education and youth development initiatives, with Gyimah Boadi announcing that the MTN Ghana Foundation had awarded 500 scholarships to young Ghanaians in 2026.
The scholarship package covers tuition, accommodation, a stipend and a laptop, providing beneficiaries with financial and technological support for their education.
The initiative forms part of the company’s broader efforts to support educational opportunities and equip young people with resources that can improve their prospects.
Gyimah Boadi also disclosed that the MTN Skills Academy was equipping more than 100,000 young people with digital literacy, financial skills and career readiness.
The programme is intended to prepare participants for opportunities in the digital economy, where technological knowledge and practical skills are increasingly important.
The company’s emphasis on digital skills development reflects its broader ambition to expand connectivity while helping people develop the capabilities needed to benefit from digital services.
Digital Access and Affordability Remain Challenges
Despite the planned investment and expansion of its digital services, Gyimah Boadi acknowledged that challenges remain in improving access to telecommunications and digital opportunities.
He identified affordability, access, digital literacy and relevant skills as areas requiring continued attention.
He said MTN would continue collaborating with government, educational institutions, development partners and communities to address these challenges.
The remarks highlight the fact that expanding network infrastructure alone may not be sufficient to ensure that everyone can benefit from digital services.
Access to suitable devices, the cost of connectivity and the ability to use digital platforms effectively also influence how individuals and businesses participate in the digital economy.
MTN’s planned infrastructure expansion and skills development initiatives therefore form part of a broader effort to address both connectivity and digital inclusion.
