MTN commits over $1.1bn to expand network, roll out 5G – Sam George

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations of Ghana, Samuel Nartey George, revealed that MTN Ghana has pledged over $1.1 billion in the next three years to enhance its telecom network and introduce 5G services nationwide. This substantial investment aims to tackle persistent network issues, boost connectivity, and bring dependable telecommunications services to underprivileged areas.

At a Government Accountability Series discussion on September 7, Mr George disclosed that $380 million of the investment will be allocated to the current year, funding network coverage expansion, additional cell site deployment, and 5G infrastructure rollout.

Mr George emphasized that this significant investment underscores MTN Ghana's dedication to enhancing its network infrastructure and satisfying the increasing demand for dependable, high-speed connectivity. The Ghanaian telecom giant plans to erect 800 new cell sites, the largest annual construction effort in a decade, with a focus on rural and peri-urban regions where network issues have been most severe.

The Minister also disclosed that government officials collaborated with Members of Parliament to pinpoint the most affected locations in the country's constituencies. This extensive exercise was unprecedented in its scale, and 180 of the selected sites have already begun functioning and handling traffic.