MTN Ghana begins process to expand network to tourist sites in underserved areas

MTN Ghana has started work to extend network coverage to tourist sites in underserved communities across the middle belt and other regions, in a move the company says will help boost tourism and improve visitor experience.

Telecommunication connectivity remains poor at many tourist destinations in the Bono, Bono East, Ahafo and surrounding regions, limiting efforts to promote domestic tourism. Visitors to waterfalls, wildlife parks, heritage sites and rural cultural centres often experience weak voice signals, unstable mobile data or complete network outages.

The lack of coverage creates difficulties for tourists and affects safety and service delivery. Many visitors struggle to navigate routes, make digital payments, contact hotels or share experiences online. Tourism operators say the interruptions reduce visitor satisfaction and constrain local communities from fully benefiting from tourism-related economic activity.

Nii Adotey Mingle, General Manager for MTN’s Northern Business District, said the company will, as part of its 2026–2027 network expansion programme, compile all tourist sites located in underserved areas and assess which ones can be connected immediately. Others will be added in later phases, he said.

Mr. Mingle spoke during MTN’s 2025 media and stakeholder engagement session in Sunyani, attended by journalists from the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions, as well as representatives from the National Communications Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana Highway Authority, Police Service and the Department of Urban Roads.

He said MTN remained committed to accelerating nationwide network expansion. “MTN will continue to invest in telecom infrastructure to drive digital transformation and support sustainable development as Ghana’s digital economy rapidly evolves,” he said.

Jemima Kotei-Walsh, MTN Ghana’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, said the company has invested US$1 billion over the past five years to strengthen digital infrastructure, including US$240 million allocated for 2025 to expand fibre capacity and enhance 4G and 5G services.

“These are not just network upgrades; they are the digital rails that support Ghana’s economic growth,” she said.

Ms Kotei-Walsh said sustainability is now a core part of MTN’s strategy. She noted that in April 2025 the company launched Project Zero, aimed at reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner operations. 

MTN’s head office and data centres now run on solar power, and the company has introduced electric vehicles into its fleet while continuing to invest in technologies that support its Net Zero 2040 agenda.