MTN Ghana has reinforced its commitment to stakeholder engagement and inclusive digital growth by hosting a Civil Society Forum at its Head Office in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The gathering brought together representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the country to discuss pressing issues relating to connectivity, affordability, inclusivity, and sustainability in Ghana’s telecommunications sector.
The forum is part of MTN’s broader strategy to foster transparency, build trust, and strengthen partnerships with CSOs as the company works toward its ambition of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
Opening the event, Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, highlighted the critical role of CSOs in shaping public discourse and ensuring accountability. She described the telecommunications sector as the “sector of sectors,” noting its impact on healthcare, education, commerce, and national development. According to her, MTN’s operations are grounded in sustainability, with initiatives such as the ban on plastic bottles across company offices to reduce waste and the integration of renewable energy sources, which now supply half of MTN Ghana’s total energy requirements.
Ms. Wiafe emphasized that while MTN is focused on growth and innovation, it also has a responsibility to safeguard the environment and ensure inclusivity for all Ghanaians. She reaffirmed MTN’s readiness to work closely with CSOs in aligning business priorities with societal needs.
Reuben Opata, Chief Technical Officer of MTN Ghana, delivered a detailed technical presentation on the state of MTN’s network. He disclosed that the company has invested more than $1 billion into expanding and modernizing Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure. Despite these efforts, he explained, service delivery continues to be disrupted by recurring fiber cuts, which have cost the company about $22 million in repairs this year alone. He stressed that fiber connectivity remains the backbone of communication, and without it, the entire network would be severely compromised.
Mr. Opata assured participants that MTN will continue to channel significant investments into expanding coverage, upgrading technology, and improving reliability to meet the growing demands of customers nationwide.
Addressing participants, Mrs. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, reaffirmed MTN’s pledge to maintain open dialogue with CSOs. She emphasized that inclusivity, affordability, and customer protection are challenges that cannot be solved by MTN alone, but require strong collaboration with civil society, regulators, and government. She assured participants that the concerns raised would be integrated into MTN’s ongoing strategies.
During the interactive discussions, CSO representatives raised issues of Mobile Money fraud, high service costs, and accessibility challenges for persons with disabilities. They urged MTN to strengthen its consumer protection frameworks, design affordable digital packages, and extend services to underserved communities. Participants also called for stronger community engagement programs to empower Ghanaians with digital literacy and promote responsible use of digital platforms.
Also present at the event were Mr. Samuel Bartels, Senior Manager for Regulatory and Government Affairs, members of the Corporate Communications team, and other MTN Ghana staff.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment between MTN Ghana and CSO representatives to sustain constructive dialogue and cooperation in addressing connectivity challenges. Both parties agreed that advancing Ghana’s digital transformation requires collective effort, significant investment, and inclusive policies that leave no one behind.
Through this forum, MTN Ghana reaffirmed its role not only as a leading telecommunications provider but also as a partner committed to working hand in hand with civil society to ensure that Ghana’s digital future is accessible, sustainable, and equitable for all.
