MTN Ready to Fast-Track 5G Rollout- MTN Ghana CEO
Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has endorsed remarks by Samuel Nartey George on the expectations tied to 5G deployment, pledging that the telecom giant will accelerate rollout to ensure widespread access if it secures spectrum in the upcoming auction.
Speaking in an interview during MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations, Mr Blewett said the company is prepared to embrace its leadership responsibility in Ghana’s telecom sector, particularly as the country prepares for the next phase of digital transformation.
He described the minister’s comments on MTN’s significant market power (SMP) status not as criticism but as a call to action for the company to do more.
“As the minister rightly said, we should not see it as something negative but as a badge of honour,” he noted. “It means we are expected to act as the big brother in the industry and lead from the front.”
Mr Blewett emphasised that if MTN is successful in acquiring 5G spectrum, the company will prioritise rapid deployment to extend the benefits of the technology beyond urban centres.
“We will use the opportunity of 5G to expand it very quickly so that everyone can benefit not just on their phones, but in how technology evolves,” he said.
He explained that while much attention is often placed on the technical aspects of 5G, its real value lies in enabling broader innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), digital services, and enterprise solutions.
“People don’t really care whether it’s 4G, 5G or 6G; it’s about what it does for them,” he stated, adding that the future of connectivity will be driven by AI-powered systems that simplify digital experiences.
The MTN Ghana CEO revealed that the company is already positioning itself for this transition, with significant investments aimed at strengthening network capacity and improving service delivery.
He disclosed that MTN plans to invest $1.1 billion over the next three years, with $380 million earmarked for 2026 alone. This includes the rollout of approximately 800 new network sites this year to enhance coverage and quality of service.
According to him, these investments are critical to ensuring that customers experience tangible improvements in connectivity, especially as demand for data continues to rise.
Mr Blewett acknowledged that operating in Ghana presents financial challenges, particularly as network investments are made in foreign currency while returns are earned locally.
Despite this, he reaffirmed MTN’s long-term commitment to the Ghanaian market.
“You have to invest in both good times and bad times,” he said. “Over 30 years, we have shown that we believe in Ghana and will continue to invest here.”
Beyond connectivity, he highlighted the company’s expanding role in fintech, noting that mobile money services have evolved from basic transfers to include loans, savings, and other financial solutions.
He added that MTN is also prioritising sustainability, with ongoing investments in renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered infrastructure to reduce environmental impact.
Reflecting on the company’s 30-year journey, Mr Blewett said the anniversary is ultimately about celebrating customers and the people behind MTN’s success.
“This is about recognising that we are part of the fabric of Ghana,” he said.
He further announced a series of customer-focused activities to mark the anniversary, including promotional campaigns featuring prizes such as data bundles, smartphones, and vehicles.
Looking ahead, Mr Blewett expressed confidence that 5G, combined with AI and digital services, will redefine Ghana’s digital economy over the next decade.
He stressed that MTN’s goal is not only to deploy advanced technology but also to ensure inclusive access that empowers individuals, businesses, and communities across the country.
“The world is changing rapidly, and we must move with it,” he said. “Our responsibility is to make sure that change benefits everyone.”
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