Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has unveiled what it describes as the most ambitious network expansion programme in its history, with plans to deploy about 500 new cell sites across the country within the year.
The large-scale rollout, estimated to cost more than US$300 million in 2026 alone, represents a dramatic escalation in infrastructure investment and signals a decisive push to strengthen network capacity nationwide.
Tenfold increase in investment
The planned deployment is roughly ten times the approximately 50 sites installed in the previous year, underscoring a major shift in investment intensity.
Currently operating more than 5,000 telecom sites across Ghana, MTN noted that the aggressive expansion is aimed at significantly improving quality of service, particularly in peri-urban and rural communities where rapid population growth — often described as “urban creep” — has outpaced existing network infrastructure.
Closing service gaps nationwide
Explaining the rationale behind the expansion, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana Stephen Blewett noted that quality of service challenges are not always limited to the location of the person making a call.
“A customer initiating a call may be in a well-covered urban area with strong signal strength, yet the person receiving the call could be located in a region with weaker coverage,” he said.
“In such instances, the overall service experience is affected, even if the originating caller has good reception.”
He said this dynamic highlights the importance of broad-based infrastructure upgrades rather than isolated improvements in specific urban centres.
Concerns about service gaps in certain parts of the country, including the Volta Region, were recently raised during discussions with the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations.
In response, MTN has committed to accelerating the deployment of new sites and expanding broadband coverage to address identified weaknesses and enhance connectivity in underserved areas.
Customer-centric investment philosophy
Mr. Blewett stressed that the expansion drive is anchored in the company’s customer-centric philosophy.
“Customers deserve the best possible service and the best possible products. None of us will accept anything less than delivering the highest standards to customers,” he stated.
To demonstrate the seriousness of that commitment, he pointed to the scale of capital expenditure undertaken in recent years. Over a five-year period, MTN Ghana invested US$1 billion in network infrastructure and related upgrades.
That commitment is now being followed by a further US$1.1 billion over three years at Group level, reflecting sustained confidence in Ghana’s digital growth prospects.
Record-breaking deployment plans
The CEO contrasted recent deployment figures to illustrate the scale of the shift.
Two years ago, the company rolled out between 25 and 30 sites. Last year, that number increased to approximately 50.
In 2026, however, MTN plans to deploy up to 500 sites in a single year — an expansion not witnessed in the past decade.
He described the move as a targeted and aggressive intervention designed to eliminate service bottlenecks, improve call reliability, increase data speeds, and expand broadband access nationwide.
Analysts see turning point for connectivity
Industry analysts say the scale of the rollout, if successfully executed could mark a significant turning point in network quality and digital inclusion, particularly as demand for mobile data, digital financial services, and online platforms continues to grow across Ghana.
For MTN Ghana, the message is clear: the future of connectivity requires deeper investment, broader coverage, and a relentless focus on customer experience — and the company is prepared to commit the capital necessary to achieve it.
