A group photograph of MTN officials and journalists
Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has announced plans to construct about 800 new cell sites nationwide as part of a $1.1 billion investment programme to expand network coverage and deepen digital services.
The three-year investment forms part of activities marking the company’s 30 years of operations in Ghana.
Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Angela Mensah-Poku, announced the plan at the MTN Media and Stakeholders Forum in Kumasi on Wednesday.
She said $380 million will be spent in 2026 alone to expand network capacity, strengthen digital infrastructure, support the rollout of 5G technology and enhance fintech services.
“This investment reflects MTN Ghana’s commitment to providing reliable connectivity and supporting the growth of businesses and individuals through digital solutions,” Mrs. Mensah-Poku stated.
Mrs. Mensah-Poku noted that MTN Ghana has evolved significantly since beginning operations in 1996 as SpaceFon, later Scancom, then Areeba, before rebranding to MTN in 2007.
Over the past three decades, the company has moved from voice and SMS into data, enterprise solutions and mobile financial services. It now commands more than 60 percent of Ghana’s mobile voice and data market.
She said MTN’s Mobile Money platform has also been instrumental in driving financial inclusion, bringing millions of Ghanaians who previously had limited access to banking into the formal digital economy.
Network and Digital Expansion
According to her, the 800 new cell sites will help address coverage gaps and increase data capacity across the country. MTN is also upgrading its core network infrastructure to move from 5G trials to full commercial deployment. In addition, the company will expand fintech infrastructure and enterprise solutions to support micro, small and medium enterprises.
Mrs. Mensah-Poku said the investment aligns with MTN’s Environmental, Social and Governance commitments. The company will increase the use of renewable energy at network sites to reduce carbon emissions and will continue youth empowerment programmes in digital skills and coding.
She added that MTN will leverage technology to support healthcare, education and social finance.
“This investment is about building the Ghana we all want—a digitally connected, inclusive and resilient economy,” she said.
She commended the Ashanti Region media for their role in telling the MTN story over 30 years, noting that customer and stakeholder feedback remains critical to the company’s growth.
The Kumasi forum is part of MTN Ghana’s nationwide engagements under the anniversary theme: “30 Years of Progress – Powered by You.”
FROM David Afum, Kumasi