MTN Ghana has assured customers, stakeholders and the general public that it has no plans to exit the country, despite concerns arising from recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where the company’s parent group is headquartered.
The company said Ghana remained a strategic market and reaffirmed its long-term commitment to contributing to the country’s digital transformation and socio-economic development after three decades of operations.
The Chief Internal Audit and Forensics Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Michael Gbewonyo, gave the assurance at the 2026 MTN Media and Stakeholder Forum held in Takoradi for journalists and stakeholders from the Western and Central regions.
“MTN is here to stay. We are not going anywhere,” he stated, dismissing suggestions that developments in South Africa could influence the company’s operations in Ghana.
He said the company would continue investing in network expansion, digital inclusion, employment creation and partnerships aimed at supporting Ghana’s economic growth.
Mr Gbewonyo highlighted MTN’s contribution to national development through tax payments, corporate social responsibility initiatives, job creation and investments in critical sectors.
He noted that the company’s commitment to Ghana was also demonstrated through its decision to list part of its shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange and the interventions of the MTN Ghana Foundation in education, health and economic empowerment.
30 years of partnership
Reflecting on MTN Ghana’s 30-year journey, Mr Gbewonyo said the company’s growth had been driven by the trust and support of customers, employees, communities, the media and other stakeholders.
Under the theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” he said MTN’s transformation was closely linked to Ghana’s own digital evolution.
He recalled that three decades ago, making phone calls between cities such as Takoradi and Cape Coast was challenging, but advancements in telecommunications had now made communication easier and more accessible.
“Today, a business owner in Takoradi can meet a client in Accra without leaving his or her shop. What was once exceptional is now effortless. That is Ghana’s transformation story. It is MTN Ghana’s story too,” he said.
Mr Gbewonyo stressed that the company’s success was not measured only by business growth but also by the impact it had created through improved connectivity, support for businesses and efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Six per cent of tax revenue
The MTN official disclosed that the company contributed about six per cent of Ghana’s total tax revenue, making it one of the significant contributors to government revenue.
He said through the MTN Ghana Foundation, thousands of young people had received scholarships and support to pursue education and personal development goals.
“In communities across the Western and Central regions and beyond, our investments in health, education and economic empowerment are changing lives every day,” he said.
Mr Gbewonyo added that MTN was proud of its achievements not merely because of its size as a business but because of the positive impact created through collaboration with stakeholders.
Commitment to accountability
The Chief Internal Audit and Forensics Officer said MTN remained committed to accountability, transparency and responsible business practices as it expanded its services.
He explained that the company placed customers at the centre of its operations and relied on stakeholder feedback to improve service delivery.
“Progress is not only about growth; it is about trust. As we launch new services, expand our reach and serve more customers, we do so responsibly, transparently and with our customers at the centre,” he stated.
The forum, which brought together journalists from the Western and Central regions, also had representatives from institutions including the Ghana Police Service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Communications Authority (NCA), and the Roads and Highways sector.
Mr Gbewonyo commended the media for highlighting community concerns, telling MTN’s story and providing constructive criticism that had helped the company improve.
He pledged continued collaboration with the media and other stakeholders, including plans to support media partners in the two regions with improved connectivity solutions.
He said MTN Ghana would continue building on the progress achieved over the past 30 years while supporting Ghana’s ambition to become a digitally driven economy.
