MTN Ghana plans to build 500 new cell sites nationwide as part of a US$1.1 billion investment programme to boost network coverage, service quality and digital inclusion over three years.
The telecommunications company has, therefore, allocated US$380 million for 2026, with part of the investment targeting rural communities where access to reliable connectivity remains limited.
Mr David Gyimah Boadi, General Manager for MTN Ghana’s Southern Region, announced the programme at the company’s 2026 Regional Media and Stakeholder Forum in Koforidua.
He said the investment would expand network capacity, improve service quality and make the company’s infrastructure more resilient as demand for digital services continued to grow.
He noted that extending coverage to underserved communities would give more people access to communication, digital services and mobile financial platforms.
The investment comes as MTN Ghana marks 30 years of operations in the country.
Beyond network expansion, the company said it was investing in digital skills, education and entrepreneurship to help young people benefit from the growing digital economy.
Its MTN Skills Academy is expected to train more than 100,000 young people in digital literacy and career development.
The company is also working with the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to support innovation and start-up development.
Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, 500 students received comprehensive scholarships this year covering tuition, accommodation, stipends and laptops.
The expansion plans follow strong financial performance during the first half of 2026.
MTN Ghana said service revenue increased by 32.3 per cent to GH¢15 billion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose by 47.1 per cent to GH¢9.3 billion.
Profit after tax grew by 46.8 per cent to GH¢5.1 billion during the period.
The company reported paying GH¢5.5 billion in direct and indirect taxes, along with GH¢384.7 million in regulatory fees and levies.
Its mobile money business also recorded growth, with transaction values increasing by more than 23 per cent year-on-year. Active users rose by over four per cent.
Mr Boadi said customer trust remained critical as more people relied on mobile money and other digital services.
He explained that MTN continued to strengthen its cybersecurity and data protection systems but urged customers to take precautions when using digital platforms.
The forum brought together the media, regulators, government institutions and other stakeholders to discuss the company’s operations and plans.
Welcoming participants, Mr Prince Owusu Nyarko, Senior Manager at MTN Ghana, said MTN’s 30th anniversary, marked under the theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” provided an opportunity to reflect on its growth and contribution to Ghana’s digital development.
Mr Nyarko described the Eastern Region as an important centre for agriculture, commerce, tourism and emerging industrial activity.
He observed that the region’s position as a gateway to key economic corridors gave it an important role in national development and livelihood creation.
Mr Nyarko said cooperation among businesses, regulators, public institutions, communities and the media would be necessary to make digital growth more inclusive and sustainable.
MTN Ghana pledged to deepen engagement with regulators, state institutions, the media and other stakeholders as it implemented the infrastructure programme.