The MTN Ghana Foundation has supported thirty-three (33) former Trokosi girls who graduated from the Baptist Vocational Training Centre in Frankadua, Eastern Region.
The beneficiaries received certificates in Catering, Hair Dressing, Dress Making, and Cosmetology. In addition to funding their training, the MTN Ghana Foundation provided them with seed capital and start-up equipment, including gas cylinders, ovens, sewing machines, fabrics, sewing kits, hair dryers, washing basins, hair relaxers, towels, roller stands, and hair products. This support is to enable the graduates to setup their businesses immediately after graduation.
Commenting on the reason for the investment, Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, said, “We hope that our support will aid in their reintegration into society, reduce their dependency on their families and ultimately help them break the cycle of poverty. She further stated, “It is our hope that they will become self-reliant by using the skills they have acquired to enhance their livelihood and that of their communities.”
Rev. Emmanuel Obani, Head of the Baptist Vocational Training Centre, praised the MTN Ghana Foundation for its assistance to the graduates. He said, “We are thankful to the MTN Ghana Foundation for supporting our graduates. This timely assistance will greatly benefit the beneficiaries in their career paths.”
This is the second time the MTN Ghana Foundation has supported the training and reintegration of former Trokosi girls. In 2021, the Foundation assisted 15 former Trokosi girls with training, equipment, and seed capital. The success of the first project helped in extending more support to the girls this year.
Since its inception in 2007, the MTN Ghana Foundation has executed over 168 major projects across Health, Education, and Economic Empowerment, positively impacting more than 4 million people throughout Ghana.
Beneficiaries at during the graduation.
A group picture of beneficiaries with some of the equipment that were presented to them.
Africa’s biggest mobile operator MTN is exploring partnerships with low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite providers to bring internet connection to rural and remote customers in particular, Group CEO Ralph Mupita said on Monday.
Satellite-internet has become an alternative connectivity solution across Africa with the popularity of providers such as Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
LEO satellites provide high-speed internet even in areas where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure such as fibre and mobile broadband is difficult and expensive to deploy.
“To keep customers and businesses connected at all times, we’re going to have to embrace satellite as an additional technology form,” Mupita said in a media call.
He said South Africa-based MTN was carrying out proof of concepts with several LEO satellite operators for possible partnerships.
“We are exploring several, and actually some of them we’re happy to be resellers through our enterprise business to some of our customers in specific countries,” Mupita said.
MTN is not alone in seeking out partnership agreements. Smaller rival Cell C is doing the same.
South Africa’s biggest operator Vodacom, majority owned by Britain’s Vodafone, announced a partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper LEO satellite last year.
“We’re very aware of the challenges of having to compete as a fixed and wireless operator with LEO satellites over time, so we’re arranging ourselves to be able to sure proof our businesses in our key markets,” Mupita said.
Starlink operates in several African countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others, including South Africa, and resistance from state telecoms companies.
South African regulator ICASA is currently working on the regulatory and licensing framework for satellite internet providers to provide clear rules for operators.
“LEO operators should be treated the same as terrestrial operators such as ourselves, subjected to the same regulatory requirements whether it’s around data privacy, data transport, localization and access to spectrum,” Mupita said.
“Our ask is that there just be a level playing ground.”
Dubbed: “Proxynet-Huawei Ekit”, the partnership seeks to deliver an extensive range of IT services and solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of diverse industries across Africa.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Country Manager of Proxynet Ghana, Constantine Eghebi, highlighted the unique benefits of the Proxynet-Huawei partnership saying “our goal is to provide enterprise customers with cutting-edge solutions, dedicated support, and competitive pricing that catalyze growth and efficiency in today’s fast-paced business landscape.”
He outlined Proxynet’s commitment to maintaining readily available stock of Huawei IdeaHubs in multiple sizes—65”, 75”, and 86”—to ensure prompt delivery, alongside a robust suite of technical resources for demonstrations, installations, and sustained client support.
He further expressed the company’s flexibility in exploring tailored payment options to accommodate various customer needs, coupled with Huawei’s reliable standard warranty across products.
The Product Manager at Huawei, Mohammed Ayata, delivered an in-depth presentation detailing the capabilities of the Huawei IdeaHub and Huawei Ekit.
His demonstration illustrated how these solutions can significantly enhance productivity and collaboration, meeting the demands of modern enterprises for integrated, agile, and efficient workspaces.
The College of Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has honored the Chief Executive of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Chief Executive Officer award at its inaugural Alumni Excellence Awards & Fundraising Dinner.
The citation, signed by the Provost, Prof. Kwabena Britwum Nyarko, said the honor was in recognition of her remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of engineering. “The prestigious award reflects your outstanding leadership, professional accomplishments and commitment to the advancement of engineering,” the citation said.
Held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, the maiden Alumni Excellence Awards celebrated the achievements of notable alumni and raised funds to support the KNUST College of Engineering’s continued excellence in engineering education. The ceremony was attended by alumni, faculty, and industry leaders from across the country.
Receiving her distinguished honor presented by Professor Mark Adom-Asamoah, former Provost of the College of Engineering, Ing. Obo-Nai, who graduated from KNUST with a degree in Electrical Engineering, expressed her gratitude for the role the university and the College of Engineering played in shaping her career journey.
“It is an immense privilege to receive this award tonight. My time at KNUST laid the foundation for everything I have accomplished, and I stand here today as a reflection of the incredible opportunities this institution provided me,” Ing. Obo-Nai said.
The event was also a fundraiser, with proceeds aimed at advancing the College’s strategic initiatives, including infrastructure development, scholarships for deserving students, and research funding. The fundraising dinner attracted generous donations from alumni, corporate partners, and philanthropists.
The KNUST College of Engineering has long been recognised as a hub of excellence in engineering education, producing some of the brightest minds in the field, both in Ghana and internationally.
During the quarter ending September 30, MTN Group made significant strides in its localization initiatives. As Africa’s largest telecom services provider, the company has been expanding its local shareholder base across several operational companies, with notable progress in Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda.
Headquartered in Johannesburg, the telecom giant announced that these efforts are part of MTN’s broader localization strategy. The company released its results for the current reporting period yesterday. Group CEO and President Ralph Mupita highlighted the ongoing advancement of their strategic priorities, including localization initiatives. He noted, “In the third quarter (Q3), we achieved an additional 2.1% localization in Ghana, bringing the local shareholding in Scancom PLC to 30%.”
Mupita further elaborated on the progress, stating, “This achievement followed the successful sell-down in June 2024 of an additional 7% in MTN Uganda. Additionally, we have exited Guinea-Bissau as part of our portfolio optimization strategy, and efforts are underway to complete our exit from Guinea-Conakry.”
In South Africa, the company successfully concluded the extension of its 2016 broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) scheme, which is operated through MTN Zakhele Futhi (MTNZF) Limited. Mupita explained, “The proposal to extend the scheme was approved by both MTN Group and MTNZF shareholders at general meetings held post the period end in October 2024. All related conditions precedent have been fulfilled.”
He emphasized that the extension aligns with MTN’s commitment to transformation and the creation of shared value for South Africans. “It is integral to the ethos of MTN, and we believe that B-BBEE participation is crucial to the future success of the Group,” Mupita added.
Looking at other markets, Mupita expressed optimism about the continued growth contributions from MTN Ghana and MTN Uganda, which are significant contributors to the Group’s overall revenue and profits. He acknowledged the challenges faced in other markets, where operations have been impacted by economic and regulatory headwinds, as well as increased competitive pressures. However, he assured that efforts are ongoing to turn around performance in these regions.
Source: Tapiwa Matthew Mutisi ( Innovation-village.com)
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has disclosed that it has secured assurances from the Ministry of Roads and Highways aimed at ensuring uninterrupted telecommunications services during the upcoming general elections.
From the assurance, the Chamber confirmed that there will be no major excavation works in key areas that could potentially disrupt the transmission of electoral data over the Internet.
In an interview with Citi News, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, explained that this move is part of a broader strategy to safeguard the integrity of the country’s telecom infrastructure during this critical period.
“The Minister for Roads and Highway has also agreed that because we need the networks to be resilient, we can’t afford fibre cuts during the elections. A week before and after the elections there will be no excavation for these road works in major places that might affect the EC and other people’s accessibility,”
Dr. Ashigbey stressed that collaboration is key to addressing the recurring issue of fibre cuts, which have historically posed challenges to network reliability across the nation.
To this end, he said: “We have had meetings with the IGP as well and we’ll do some training with the prosecutors and investigators. We have also engaged the Chief Justice and she has given two courts, one in Accra and another in Kumasi.
“We’ve also engaged the attorney general to get us a fiat like the way SSNIT lawyers prosecute their own cases but that will take a while as the deputy attorney general has mentioned that they will dedicate some particular attorneys that we will train in this particular endeavour.”
These proactive measures reflect the Chamber’s commitment to maintaining seamless communication for both electoral processes and broader national interests, ensuring that the election results are transmitted efficiently and securely.
MTN South Africa, in partnership with Huawei, has completed Africa’s first 5.5G network trial at MTN’s headquarters in Johannesburg, marking a milestone in the continent’s telecommunications landscape.
This advanced 5.5G network, introduced as part of MTN’s efforts to drive a tech-centric future for Africa, is expected to significantly boost South Africa’s digital economy by expanding connectivity and enhancing lives.
The newly trialed 5.5G network delivers a 10-gigabit experience and comes equipped with groundbreaking capabilities, including enhanced Internet of Things (IoT) integration, autonomous driving network technology, and green ICT. The technology allows for network performance upgrades that promise ten times the speed and number of connections compared to existing 5G, while also reducing latency and power consumption by a factor of ten.
For the trial, MTN South Africa used Huawei’s advanced SingleRAN ultra-wideband active-antenna units along with hybrid beamforming and Inter-FR carrier aggregation technologies. With spectrum resources allocated for the test, the trial achieved impressive speeds of up to 8.6 Gbps per user. This high-speed connection unlocks a range of applications for both consumers and businesses, paving the way for next-generation services like 24K Extended Reality (XR), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and holographic conferencing.
Rami Farah, MTN South Africa’s Chief Technology Officer, described the 5.5G validation as “not just a technical breakthrough but also a testament to MTN’s ongoing pursuit of excellence.” He added that the company looks forward to deploying innovative solutions that enhance connectivity for South Africans.
Li Chen, Huawei’s Vice President for the Sub-Saharan Region, said, “The joint release of 5.5G by MTN South Africa and Huawei deepens our strategic partnership and demonstrates Huawei’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology to Africa.” Jason Shao, Managing Director of Huawei MTN SA, noted that the success of the trial is a major step in advancing South Africa’s digital transformation.
With the 5.5G network, MTN aims to transform how South Africans interact with technology, promising improved business operations, consumer experiences, and a boost to the country’s digital landscape.
AT, Ghana’s leading innovative telecommunications company, with a vision of providing a better life for its subscribers, has launched a promotion dubbed “Y’agye Sika.” The promotion is set to run from mid-November through the end of the festive season.
The initiative aims to show gratitude for customer loyalty and encourage further engagement with the service.
The promo is straightforward and transparent; all subscribers need to do is maintain an active AT wallet and perform person-to-person (P2P) transactions of 50 cedis or more using AT Money via the short code *110# or the AT app, available on the Play Store or App Store.
The Director of Mobile Financial Services of AT, Dr. David Sefa further said, “this promo reflects our commitment to making mobile financial services (ATMoney) accessible, rewarding, and engaging for our Subscibers, and that we are thrilled to offer our users a chance to win exciting rewards while experiencing the convenience and security of our platform.”
“Our goal is not just about providing services but creating opportunities for people to save, transact, and grow their financial potential. This promo is one way we inspire users to adopt and maximize digital financial solutions.” He added.
A total of 225 subscribers will be rewarded over the course of the promotion. Each week during the promo period, subscribers with the highest transaction volume and value will be selected as winners. He advised subscribers to remain vigilant against fraud during the promotion.
Subscribers were reminded that AT Money does not request payment or PIN codes before awarding prizes, and any such requests should be treated as fraudulent.
All official communication related to the promotion will come from AT authorised social media handles.
The total contribution of the telecommunications industry by way of taxes, fees, levies, and other payments to government in 2023, has risen by more than 30%. The industry’s overall taxes and other payments to the government in 2023 rose to GHS 9.84 billion, up from GHS 7.32 billion in 2022.
This was made known by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey during the launch of the 2023 Mobile Industry Transparency Initiative Report in Accra. The event was well attended by representatives of members of both Chambers, members of the media, and external validators including Mr. William Demitia, a law lecturer at the University of Ghana and Mr. Gordon Dardey, Partner at KPMG.
The annual report, based on data from members of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications including AT, MTN, Vodafone, ATC, Helios, Comsys, CSquared, Ericsson, and Huawei, and members of the EMIs Chamber of Ghana including AT Money, G-Money, Mobile Money Limited, Telecel Cash and Zeepay, aims to illustrate the industry’s societal and economic contributions to the country’s development.
During his presentation, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, revealed that the industry’s tax contribution and other payments span various categories, including Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Communication Service Tax (CST), Import Duties and the E-levy, among others. The CIT alone contributed GHS 1.71 billion, while VAT and CST amounted to GHS 1.42 billion and GHS 636.83 million respectively. Additionally, import duties and other remittances formed a substantial part of the total tax payments.
This extensive contribution according to Dr. Ashigbey underscores the industry’s commitment to Ghana’s economic progress. Beyond taxes, the telecom sector is pivotal in driving socio-economic development. With approximately 35 million mobile connections in Ghana, mobile penetration boosts jobs, productivity, and financial inclusion. Mobile money, for instance, has made financial services accessible to the unbanked, particularly benefitting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The report also highlighted the industry’s contributions to employment, with over 5,800 direct and indirect jobs (not counting the jobs created for mobile money agents and others). The industry also demonstrated a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, investing millions into social initiatives across the country.
These contributions showcase the ongoing efforts of the telecom industry to align with government revenue goals, support national development, and bridge the digital divide in Ghana.
Methodology
The study employed the Total Contribution methodology, encompassing both tax and non-tax contributions made by GCT members as well as members of the EMIs Chamber to government.
Tax contribution breakdown
Corporate Income Tax (CIT) jumps from GHS 1.35 bn to 1.71bn
The breakdown of tax contributions included Corporate Income Tax (CIT), increased from million to GHS 1.35 billion in 2022 to GHS 1.71 billion, accounting for a significant rise of approximately 26.62%
VAT grows from GHS 930 m toGHS 1.42 bn
Value Added Tax (VAT) surged from GHS 930 million to GHS 1.42 billion, marking it as the second most significant tax category for the industry after Corporate Income Tax (CIT). The report shared by the Chamber demonstrated a notable increase of 52.04 % in VAT in 2023.
Withholding Tax jump to GHS 849.5 bn in 2023
Withholding Tax (WHT) continued to grow in 2023 like it did in 2022. WHT rose from GHS 699.25 million in 2022 to approximately GHS 849.52 in 2023, indicating an increase of about 21%. The continued rise can be attributed to escalating business costs and increased spending, impacting the overall industry value chain.
Communications Service Tax (CST)
Proceeds from the Communications Service Tax (CST) rose by 25% in 2023, from a figure of GHS 509.46 million in 2022 to GHS 636.83 million in 2023. This industry specific tax continues to put a damper on the potential volume growth and affects the affordability of data and voice for the Ghanaian subscriber. We would continue to propose that the rate of CST should be reduced in the near term or scrapped entirely.
GHS 2.01bn in other remittances
The report further highlighted that; other remittances collectively contributed GHS 2.01 billion in 2023. Other Remittances jumped because of surcharge on international inbound call termination (SIIT). Though in USD terms the amount it increased by just 1%, in cedi terms it increased significantly by more.
Import Duties rise from GHS 330.9 m in 2022 to GHS 609.7 in 2023
Import duty collections in 2023 stood at GHS 609.68 million. This rise can be attributed to among other things the significant depreciation of the Ghana Cedi against its major trading partners in 2023. As highlighted in the previous edition of this report, there’s a pressing need to focus efforts on developing and implementing local solutions that alleviate pressure on the local currency. Additionally, we propose that government considers waiving some import duties and taxes on some critical telecommunications equipment that are very important for the country’s development. This should also include components for the provision of solar energy other than the panels that are currently exempt.
Pay as You Earn
The report’s analysis revealed a significant growth in the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) tax line, inching up from GHS 167.2 million in 2022 to GHS 234.01 million in 2023 marking a 39.95% increase. This demonstrates not only the growth in payments made to our direct employees but also the numbers employed within an environment where unemployment is a critical national challenge. This is one of the reasons why the government should consider easing the fiscal burden on the industry to enable it further expand its employment capacity.
E-Levy increases by 93.8%
Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) collected in 2023 stood at GHS 938.87 million, a rise of about 94% from the GHS 484.5% paid by the industry in 2022. The reduction in the E-Levy rate has resulted in some recovery in the volumes and values. But there is the need for further revision in this policy to align it to government’s digital by default strategy.
An Industry Poised for Growth with Tax Reforms
Beyond the numbers highlighted above, the telecom industry has positioned itself as the horse pulling the economic cart up the hill, making invaluable contributions to the digital transformation and connectivity needs of Ghana.
As a driver of economic progress, the telecom industry holds the potential to bring more people into the formal economy, particularly in the informal sector, which is traditionally outside the tax net. Through innovations in mobile money, data services, and digital platforms, telecom companies can facilitate the tracking of transactions and financial flows within the informal sector, creating an opportunity for the government to expand its tax base. By working closely with the telecom industry, the government can develop policies and systems that encourage the registration and taxation of informal businesses, thereby boosting national revenue. This partnership can create a win-win situation, where the informal sector benefits from access to digital financial tools and the government increases its revenue from a broader tax base.
Additionally, the government can play its part in supporting the telecom industry by reconsidering the current taxes (especially industry specific ones) and rates. A more extensive tax base with fair rates could ultimately foster a more sustainable and inclusive economy, as businesses of all sizes would feel more inclined to operate within the formal economy, knowing that their contributions are fairly assessed.
In summary, the telecom industry’s growth is not just about revenue; it is about creating a more inclusive, connected, and robust economy. By enabling greater formalization within the informal sector and fostering digital access, the industry empowers individuals and businesses to participate more actively in the economy. With the government’s support in refining tax policies to encourage compliance and reduce the burden on citizens, Ghana can leverage this synergy to accelerate growth and drive sustainable development across the nation.
Note: All 2022 figures have been revised to reflect the final confirmed figures from members of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana.
MTN has honored Archie Hesse, the CEO of Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), as the Fintech Champion of the Decade during the MTN MoMo @15 National Stakeholder Dinner and Awards Night.
This event celebrated top-performing partners, agents, and merchants who have played pivotal roles in the success of MTN’s mobile money service, MTN MoMo.
GhIPSS was also celebrated with the Ecosystem Expansion Award, in recognition of its efforts to promote financial inclusion and expand Mobile Money usage through Mobile Money Interoperability.
Since its launch in 2009, MTN MoMo has revolutionized Ghana’s financial landscape by offering millions of users’ access to secure, convenient, and affordable mobile money services. The platform continues to grow as a key tool for financial transactions across the country.
Under Mr. Hesse’s leadership, GhIPSS has also made significant contributions to the mobile money ecosystem by introducing services such as mobile money interoperability and linking mobile money to bank accounts and the e-zwich payment system.
These innovations have enhanced the utility of mobile money and driven its widespread adoption in Ghana. Mr. Hesse has also been instrumental in advocating for regulations that support the growth of financial technology (FinTech) services in the country.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Hesse thanked MTN for its ongoing collaboration and emphasized the potential of FinTech to drive future growth. He expressed his hopes of working with telecom companies, including MTN, to elevate Ghanaian FinTech companies to continental prominence.
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