MTN Counters Telecel-AT Ghana Merger with Massive $1.1 Billion Investment Push

Africa’s top telecom giant, MTN Group, has announced a huge $1.1 billion investment in its Ghana operations. This money will go toward upgrading networks and infrastructure. The move aims to boost MTN’s strong hold on Ghana’s telecom market and give subscribers better service.

This is not just about adding more equipment. MTN wants to lead Ghana’s telecom sector by building the strongest network and growing its subscriber numbers. The plan comes right after news that state-owned AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana want to merge. Ghana’s government first shared this idea in September. The merger seeks to challenge MTN’s top position.

In the first half of 2025, MTN Ghana had 30.2 million subscribers, holding 73.9% of the market. Telecel Ghana came next with 18.3% or 7.29 million users. AT Ghana had just 3.15 million subscribers, or 7.9% share. If they merge, Telecel and AT will combine for 10.44 million users, grabbing 26.1% of the market. This won’t beat MTN yet, but it sets them up as the number two player.

MTN Counters Telecel-AT Ghana Merger with $1.1 Billion Investment

Ghana’s government promises $600 million over four years to support the merger. They see it as a key step to bring back competition and fight MTN’s control.

MTN’s $1.1 billion push is a clear answer to this threat. It’s the largest investment the company has ever made in Ghana. In the past five years, MTN spent $1 billion. Now, it plans to spend $1.1 billion in just three years. MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita called it an “accelerated investment.” He spoke about it during a media chat on Friday. Mupita said it shows MTN’s strong belief in Ghana. “Ghana remains a material operation for the Group,” he added. The goal is to build tough, reliable infrastructure.

MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett explained more details. The company will add at least 500 new network sites by the end of 2026. That’s a big jump from 50 sites in 2025 and 25 to 30 sites in 2024. Blewett called it a tenfold increase. “Now, we are moving to 500 sites in a single year,” he said. “Why? Because it gives better quality of service to our customers.”

This expansion will fix service gaps and spread broadband everywhere, especially in rural areas. Part of the money will improve 5G services. This helps more Ghanaians get online and use digital tools. MTN says it’s solving key connectivity problems in the country.

Beyond networks, MTN is teaming up with the Bank of Ghana to fight mobile money scams. These scams often use tricks like social engineering. MTN also wants to train young Ghanaians in digital skills. This prepares them for jobs in the changing global economy.

Both Telecel and AT Ghana have faced tough times lately with operations. MTN’s big rollout is one of its largest ever in Ghana. It looks like a smart plan to keep and grow its market lead.

This investment war shows how fierce Ghana’s telecom battle is getting. MTN is doubling down on quality and reach. Subscribers stand to gain from faster internet and wider coverage. As the merger talks continue, watch how these moves shake up the market.

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