Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has outlined an ambitious future for the telecommunications giant, anchored on 5G technology, FinTech expansion, and sustainability investments.
Speaking at the launch of MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations in Accra, Mr Blewett said the company was preparing to invest heavily in next-generation connectivity and digital financial services as part of its long-term “Ambition 2030” strategy.
He said that MTN would invest $1.1 billion over the next three years to expand and modernise its network infrastructure, with $380 million expected to be spent this year alone.
According to him, the company plans to deploy about 800 new network sites this year to improve connectivity and service quality across the country.
“MTN another 30 years has approved. We believe in Ghana and we will invest in Ghana,” he stated.
5G and AI to shape next digital era
Mr Blewett said the future of telecommunications would go beyond traditional voice and data services, with 5G technology expected to reshape how people interact with digital services and artificial intelligence (AI).
“5G is going to become something in the next few years that we get used to. No one cares about 5G, 4G or 6G. It’s what it does for you,” he said.
He explained that the next phase of digital transformation would be driven by AI-powered systems and smarter applications that simplify daily life.
“The world is going to change and we have to go along with that,” he added.
FinTech expansion deepens financial inclusion
On FinTech, Mr Blewett said mobile money services were evolving beyond transfers and cash withdrawals into more sophisticated financial products.
“FinTech is going beyond just the transfer and cash out of money. We are already doing loans and savings and additional services so that will continue,” he said.
He noted that MTN’s mobile money platform had become a major driver of financial inclusion and economic growth over the years.
“Mobile money is a product that was creating access to growth and creating value chains and improving daily lives,” he said.
Sustainability agenda gains momentum
Touching on sustainability, the MTN Ghana CEO said the company was investing in greener operations, including solar-powered facilities and environmentally friendly data centres.
“In terms of sustainability, MTN is investing heavily in making sure we have got a business that is kind to the planet,” he stated.
30yrs of connectivity and impact
Reflecting on MTN Ghana’s three-decade journey, Mr Blewett described the anniversary as a celebration of people whose lives had been transformed through connectivity.
“It’s not just about corporate anniversary but people whose lives have been transformed by virtue of just being connected,” he said.
He added that MTN had become deeply embedded in Ghanaian society and thanked customers, government, and stakeholders for supporting the company’s growth over the years.
“The milestone belongs to you,” he said.
He recalled the company’s journey from the launch of the first GSM network in 1996 to its current role in deepening digital and financial inclusion in Ghana.
According to him, MTN’s contribution to the country’s development was tangible and measurable.
“Our contribution to Ghana is not abstract but one that can be valued,” he said.
5G rollout hinges on spectrum auction
Mr Blewett further indicated that MTN would aggressively pursue 5G deployment once the spectrum auction process was completed.
“If we are successful in the auction when it gets launched, we will participate in it,” he stated.
He said the company intended to rapidly expand 5G access to support innovation, AI adoption, and future digital services.
“Ghana’s future is digital and young people will define it,” he said.
Nationwide promotions to mark anniversary
As part of the anniversary celebrations, MTN Ghana will roll out a nationwide mega promotion campaign featuring cash, data, and vehicle rewards for customers.
MTN celebrates 30yrs of impact
Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, said the company’s impact over the past 30 years had gone beyond connectivity to include health, education, and community development.
“We celebrate 30 years of impact,” she said, adding that MTN’s support for initiatives such as sponsorship of the Ghana national football team reflected its commitment to national unity.
Govt Calls for Responsible Leadership
For his part, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, assured MTN of government support in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the telecommunications industry.
He, however, noted that MTN’s dominance in the sector came with greater responsibility to drive innovation and inclusion in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
