Ghana’s telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has officially launched its 30th anniversary celebrations, reaffirming its commitment to deepening digital inclusion, expanding connectivity and accelerating Ghana’s digital economy agenda.
The launch in Accra, themed “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” brought together government officials, industry leaders, MTN executives, staff, partners, and media representatives to celebrate and reflect on three decades of telecommunications growth in Ghana.
Blewett: MTN’s journey mirrors Ghana’s digital transformation
The Chief Executive Officer Mr. Stephen Blewett described MTN’s 30-year milestone as more than a corporate celebration, stressing that it represents Ghana’s broader journey of connectivity, opportunity and inclusion.
He said the company’s story is not defined by infrastructure such as towers and cables, but by the impact of connectivity on everyday lives across the country.
Mr. Blewett emphasized that MTN has become deeply embedded in Ghanaian society, where customers increasingly see the brand as a shared platform for opportunity rather than a distant corporate entity.
Mobile Money emerges as turning point in financial inclusion
He Blewett highlighted Mobile Money, introduced in 2009, as one of the most transformative milestones in Ghana’s digital evolution.
He described it as more than a financial product, but a tool that expanded access to the formal economy and improved financial dignity for millions.
“MoMo was not just a product it was access. Access to the formal economy, access to safety and dignity, and access to growth,” he said.
He added that Mobile Money is now deeply integrated into Ghana’s daily economic life, supporting households, businesses and small enterprises nationwide.
COVID-19 period tested and proved network resilience
The MTN CEO noted that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of digital infrastructure, with connectivity becoming essential to national stability.
He said hospitals relied on digital coordination, schools shifted to online learning, families stayed connected, and businesses survived through mobile financial tools.
Blewett commended MTN engineers, agents and frontline teams for ensuring uninterrupted service during the crisis, describing their role as critical to national resilience.
MTN Ghana highlights strong economic footprint and future investments
He further outlined MTN Ghana’s economic contribution, noting that the company remains one of the country’s largest taxpayers while continuing to invest heavily in network expansion and social impact through the MTN Ghana Foundation.
Looking ahead, he said MTN is strengthening fibre infrastructure, modernizing systems and investing in emerging technologies to support innovation, productivity and national growth.
Sam George: MTN is a model of long-term investor confidence in Ghana
The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George commended MTN Ghana for its pivotal role in shaping the country’s ICT ecosystem .
He said MTN has been central to Ghana’s transition from basic telephony to a modern, data-driven digital economy through sustained investment in network expansion, fibre deployment and technological innovation.
The Sector Minister described MTN as a shining example of positive foreign direct investment, saying the company’s sustained investments reflect confidence in Ghana’s future.
He referenced MTN’s US$1 billion network expansion plan, localized shareholding structure and continued investment in Mobile Money as evidence of strong investor confidence in Ghana.
Mobile Money and ecosystem growth drive financial inclusion
However , he highlighted Mobile Money as a major catalyst for financial inclusion, enabling informal traders, SMEs, women and young people to participate more fully in the formal economy.
He also noted that MTN’s broader ecosystem of agents, vendors, contractors and innovators supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods across the country.
Government urges action on digital infrastructure and skills gaps
He cautioned that Ghana’s digital progress must be matched with solutions to key challenges, including affordability, infrastructure resilience, cybersecurity, digital skills development and environmental sustainability.
“These are systemic issues that require shared responsibility and collective solutions,” he said. He emphasized that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, cloud computing and data analytics will shape the next phase of Ghana’s digital economy.
Government reaffirms commitment to inclusive digital growth
He added that government remains committed to working closely with industry players to ensure that digital transformation is inclusive, secure and sustainable.
He commended MTN Ghana’s leadership, staff, partners and customers for their contribution to national development. “Indeed, you have connected lives and empowered progress for 30 years,” he said.
Adwoa Wiafe: MTN’s 30-year journey defined by impact, not age
The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Adwoa Wiafe said MTN Ghana’s milestone should be measured by impact rather than time.
She noted that while the journey has had challenges, MTN has remained resilient and focused on delivering value to customers and the nation.
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MTN expands beyond connectivity into inclusion and essential services
She explained that MTN’s evolution has gone beyond traditional telecommunications to actively enabling inclusion across homes, businesses, schools and healthcare institutions.
She added that the anniversary theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” reflects the critical role of customers, partners and stakeholders in MTN’s success story. The launch marks the beginning of a series of activities commemorating MTN Ghana’s 30-year journey and its continued role in shaping the country’s digital future.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
