Telecel Ghana Foundation Wins SHIMEI Sustainability Award for Transformative Impact

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Telecel Ghana Foundation’s steadfast commitment to education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment has earned it the prestigious SHIMEI Sustainability Award.

This recognition highlights the Foundation’s far-reaching impact, which has directly benefited over 6,000 Ghanaians through health initiatives in communities, STEM education in schools, and digital and financial literacy workshops across the country within the last year.

For years, the Foundation has been at the forefront of bridging the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through its Grow Girls in STEM and DigiTech Academy programmes. These initiatives have equipped junior and senior high school girls with firsthand experience in artificial intelligence, data science, and robotics, preparing them for roles in the digital economy.

Beyond education, the Telecel Ghana Foundation continues to make a tangible difference in community healthcare. Through Healthfest, it has provided free medical screening and primary healthcare services to thousands in underserved communities. Additionally, its Rural Ultrasound Screening for Expectant Mothers project addresses maternal health challenges head-on, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing.

Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, underscored the significance of this achievement: “At Telecel Ghana Foundation, we believe true sustainability is about impact, ensuring that every initiative leaves a lasting mark on individuals and communities. This award is a celebration of the thousands of lives we have touched and fuels our commitment to do even more.”

As the Foundation continues to drive purpose-driven initiatives, this recognition reaffirms its role as a key force in corporate social responsibility, ensuring that no community is left behind in Ghana’s journey toward sustainable development.

As the corporate social responsibility arm of Telecel Ghana, Telecel Ghana Foundation is committed to contributing directly to positive change in communities through the ‘Connected for Good’ initiatives focused on three pillars – education, health and community partnerships.

Aligned with Telecel’s purpose-driven vision of “Connecting Energies,” the Foundation invests in initiatives that advance digital and STEM education, enhance the health and wellbeing of communities, and strengthen local collaboration to improve the quality of life and future outcomes of people.

(Rita Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability & External Communications at Telecel (second from right) receives the SHIMEI Sustainability Award at the SHIMEI Star Influential Awards.)

Telecel Ghana Employee Volunteers Deliver Clean Water to Akohia – Asesewa

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In the heart of Ghana’s Eastern Region, a quiet but powerful transformation has taken place. What was once a daily struggle for water in the Akohia community of Asesewa is now a story of relief, progress, and hope, thanks to the Telecel Ghana Foundation’s flagship Employee Volunteering Programme (EVP), Red Hearts.

On March 7, 2025, employees from the Technology team and the CEO’s office officially handed over a newly constructed borehole to the people of Akohia. This initiative, driven by the passion and commitment of Telecel employees, is a lifeline for over 600 residents who have long relied on rain, dug-outs and distant rivers for drinking, cooking, and other daily needs.

For generations, water scarcity, especially during the harmattan season, made life difficult. Now, with clean water flowing at their doorstep, the community can envision a future where young children no longer wake up at dawn to fetch water before school, where families can drink and cook without worry, and where health and hygiene standards significantly improve.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, community leaders expressed deep gratitude for the project.

“Thank you, Telecel, and God bless you,” said Emmanuel Nutsui Tepkertey, the community’s Dade Mantse. “We didn’t expect this project in our community, but it will bring great progress. We are happy, and we will always welcome you.”

For as long as John Tetteh can remember, water meant a long walk. As a child growing up in Akohia, he would wake up before dawn, trek to the river, fetch water, and haul it back home before school. That was life. It wasn’t easy, but it was normal.

“This project is not just for today, but it will help the young children grow up without suffering as we did, “John shared. During the harmattan, when water is scarce, we will also be able to welcome others from nearby communities.

Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Telecel Ghana Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications, stood beside the new mechanized borehole, reflecting on the transformation:

“When I saw what the community used to rely on for water, I knew this project had to happen. This mechanized borehole changes many things in this community. Schoolchildren don’t have to spend their mornings searching for water before class, women now have access to clean portable water for their daily chores, giving them more time for their families and businesses.

However, with great initiatives come great responsibility. Rita emphasized the importance of community stewardship in ensuring the borehole remains functional for years to come. “When we hand over a project, it belongs to the people. That means maintaining it, keeping it running, and ensuring it serves generations to come.”

The Red Hearts initiative is an annual initiative that empowers Telecel employees to champion CSR projects that bring real impact to their communities. Through Red Hearts, employees turn their passion for social good into tangible change, whether in education, health, and well-being or digital inclusion.

For the people of Akohia, this mechanized borehole is more than a structure; it is a symbol of what is possible when corporate social responsibility meets community needs. And for Telecel Ghana, it is another milestone in their journey of connecting energies, one project, one heart, and one community at a time.

Telecel Ghana employee volunteers’ hand over a life-changing borehole to the Akohia community

Red Hearts: How Telecel Ghana employees are crowdfunding for positive community

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Each year, Telecel Ghana employees from across functions collaborate to pitch their
passion humanitarian projects for possible selection as part of Red Hearts – the telco’s
Employee Volunteering Programme (EVP).


From improving local schools to supporting health initiatives, the overarching goal of Red
Hearts is to create meaningful, lasting positive change in underserved communities.
Selected projects are brought to life by the lead teams rallying employees together to
raise funds to match Telecel Foundation’s seed fund, dedicate time and expertise for the
completion of the community initiative.


“Red Hearts is built on the belief that employees are change-makers within their
communities. They can make their impact felt locally by giving back to the community
that nurtured them,” said Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and
External Relations. “We are proud of our volunteers who contribute their time, energy,
and finances to providing better opportunities and outcomes, particularly in underserved
communities.”


Over the last year, the collective effort of employees has seen the renovation of a
community clinic, under-equipped Information Computer Technology (ICT) labs in rural
communities being completely refurbished and equipped with computers and tech
accessories as well as the construction of boreholes to increase access to water supply
in deprived areas.

Bridging the digital divide
Young people in the Anfoega Traditional Area, which consists of 13 small communities,
have long faced the challenge of learning hands-on digital skills as there are no
computers functioning in the schools. Students struggle to learn essential ICT skills that
would improve their performance in school and more importantly, in the Basic Education
Certificate Examination (BECE).


Telecel Ghana’s Finance, Digital Transformation and Commercial Operations teams
came to the aid of the communities by spearheading the renovation, furnishing and
equipping of the computer lab at the Anfoega Akukome E.P Primary School. With the new, state-of-the-art ICT lab handed over to the community in February, young people
are developing their digital skills in the lab, which is available to them during and after
school hours.


“I’ve always believed in the power of education, and it is unfair that some young people
are deprived of access to basic digital tools to develop their skills,” said Divine Madzi, a
project leader and Cash Operations Support Executive. “When we raised the funds to
complete the renovation and equipping of the lab, it felt like we were giving them a
better future.”

Water is life
In Akohia Siasi near Asesewa in the Eastern Region, Telecel employees led by the
technology team and the CEO’s office have recently inaugurated a water borehole in
the town to provide clean and reliable water to over 150 homes and families, who
previously struggled to access safe drinking water. Recognising the severe water scarcity
in the community, employees banded together to raise funds to match the seed fund
from Telecel Foundation and organised resources for the borehole.


“Clean water is a basic human need and right, and we’re proud to have played a role
in bringing this vital resource to Akohia Siasi. It will not only improve health and sanitation
but also contribute to a better quality of life for the community,” said Ing. Juliana
Ametorwogo, project lead and technology specialist at Telecel Ghana.
At the core of Red Hearts are the employees who embrace the spirit of volunteerism by
crowdfunding to raise the necessary funds and dedicating their time to oversee the
completion of the projects. Telecel Ghana’s CEO, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai expressed pride
in the extensive community impact of the EVP initiatives.


“Our purpose comes alive through our employees. We believe in connecting energies
for the greater good and Red Hearts is a shining example of how our employees play an
active role in shaping the future of our local communities. The success of these projects
is the result of the generous spirit of our employees and the power of collective action.

Let’s protect MoMo agents from senseless attacks – EMIs to Mahama, IGP, others

EMIs

The Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana has strongly condemned the recent spate of violent attacks against mobile money agents, calling for urgent intervention to protect their lives and livelihoods. The Chamber extended its condolences to the families of agents who have been killed in these incidents, emphasizing that their role in Ghana’s financial ecosystem is invaluable and must be safeguarded.

Expressing deep concern over the escalating attacks, the Chamber has called on the President, the Interior and Finance Ministers, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to take immediate action. They urged law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring justice for the victims.

As part of its response, the EMIs Chamber is engaging with the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to explore effective security solutions. Additionally, discussions will be held with the Bank of Ghana to strengthen the Agent Registry and implement security measures to enhance the safety of mobile money agents.

The Chamber also debunked the misconception that mobile money agents carry large amounts of cash, warning that such misinformation makes them easy targets for criminals. They stressed that mobile money transactions are predominantly digital, with minimal cash handling.

To mitigate risks, the Chamber advised agents to adopt precautionary measures, including closing their shops early, avoiding carrying large sums of cash, installing CCTV cameras and alarm systems, and maintaining close contact with local police stations.

The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government, security agencies, and stakeholders to address these security threats. It urged swift and decisive action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of mobile money agents, who play a critical role in Ghana’s digital financial transformation.

Source: EMIs Chamber of Ghana

Telecel Healthfest Opens Healthcare Access for Rural Ghana, Enrolls Hundreds in National Insurance

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In the rural community of Sefwi Bekwai, where healthcare once felt like a distant privilege, a single day marked a turning point for hundreds. Kyei, a local farmer from Bakokurom, had long grappled with the fear of illness striking his three children.


For years, even Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) seemed unattainable-until February 19, 2024, when Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Healthfest brought free medical care and NHIS enrollment to his doorstep.


The outreach, a collaboration between Telecel Ghana Foundation, Ghana Health Service, and the Divine Mother & Child Foundation (DMAC), provided critical services to over 500 residents, including free screenings for hypertension, diabetes, malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis B. For Kyei, the event meant securing NHIS coverage for his family without cost. “Now, when my children cough at night, I won’t panic,” he said, holding his new registration card. His relief echoed among 358 others who gained insurance access that day.


The initiative exposed systemic gaps in rural healthcare, where cost, distance, and distrust often deter treatment. Margaret Yankey, a mother who endured months of untreated malaria, typified the struggle. “I kept telling myself, ‘It’ll pass,” she admitted. At Healthfest, she received diagnosis and medication-a lifeline she’d lacked.


Healthcare workers underscored the urgency. Rebecca Nkrumah, a physician assistant, identified undiagnosed hypertension and diabetes cases, noting how rural residents often normalize symptoms until crises strike. Midwife Amanda Owusu Serwaa highlighted maternal care challenges: “When women are turned away by costs after walking miles, it’s a failure. This event bridges that gap.”

Since 2014, Telecel Ghana Foundation has leveraged Healthfest to tackle rural healthcare “blind spots,” blending immediate treatment with long-term solutions like NHIS enrollment. Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Sustainability & External Communications at Telecel Ghana Foundation, emphasized partnerships as key: “By combining DMAC’s grassroots reach with our resources, we’re making healthcare a right, not a privilege.”


The program’s success lies in its dual approach: addressing emergencies while dismantling systemic barriers. For Kyei, it meant security; for Margaret, renewed health. As Ghana’s rural communities grapple with access, Healthfest offers a blueprint for transforming care-one village at a time.

Source: News Ghana

Cell C 5G launch in South Africa is imminent

Cell C

Cell C is planning to launch 5G services in South Africa in the next couple of months as its financial turnaround plan gains traction.

CEO Jorge Mendes told TechCentral in an interview on Thursday that the company is at an advanced stage of preparing to launch 5G to its subscribers – and it plans to use the technology to deliver both 5G on smartphones and to offer a range of new, 5G-based fixed-wireless broadband solutions with large data bundles that compete with fibre.

Cell C’s 5G launch plans come after a period of intense negotiations with network partners MTN and Vodacom, which operate the last-mile infrastructure that connects consumers to the company’s core network. Mendes said those discussions have progressed well and that Cell C is confident it will be able to launch a 5G offering that makes commercial sense.This is very, very exciting and is a different place from where we were 24 months ago on the technology side

He said Vodacom and MTN have proved to be good partners and that there is mutual respect between the three operators, despite the fact that they compete head-on in the marketplace for a share of consumers’ wallets.

Mendes said Cell C’s decision, taken several years ago, to shut down its own radio access network in favour of outsourcing that function to Vodacom and MTN has worked well. Not only has it significantly reduced the company’s capital expenditure, it has also greatly improved Cell C’s network quality, he said.

Cell C has spent the past 18 months deploying a Mocn – multi-operator network core – roaming system, which has allowed it to create a virtual representation of its network on top of either MTN or Vodacom’s infrastructure.

VoLTE

This, according to Mendes, has given Cell C significantly greater control over where it directs user traffic, allowing it to lower costs and be more efficient.

It is also aggressively moving voice calls off old circuit-switched technology and onto an internet protocol-based technology known as VoLTE that routes calls over 4G/LTE.

“This is very, very exciting and is a different place from where we were 24 months ago on the technology side,” said Mendes.  

Source: extensia.tech

Telecel Ghana is customer service leader in telecom sector

Telecel Ghana has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to customer service, earning the coveted Customer Service Leader in the Ghanaian Telecommunication Sector honour in the 7th Ghana Customer Service Index.

Scoring the highest with 75% ahead of other telcos, the prestigious accolade demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s dedication to providing superior customer experience in the telco sector, almost a year after its rebranding efforts.

The recognition reflects the telco’s consistent efforts to prioritise customer needs and deliver efficient service.

“This recognition reflects our longstanding commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations at every touchpoint.

“Addressing our customers’ needs is always our top priority, and we will continue to innovate and adapt to provide efficient, and inclusive customer service for all,” Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, said.

The Ghana Customer Service Index, a survey conducted by the Institute of Customer Service Professionals, is a national indicator of customer evaluations for the quality of goods or services patronised by both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians living in Ghana.

Commenting on the recognition Mercy Dawn Akude, General Manager of Commercial Operations said, “At Telecel Ghana, we believe that our customers are at the heart of everything we do and that drives us to continuously improve how we serve them, be it in-person or through our self-help channels.

“This recognition is a testament to our team’s devotion to building lasting relationships with our valued customers.”

The Ghana Customer Service Index uses ten parameters in its survey of organisations across eleven sectors – trust, competence, professionalism, look and feel, customer-centric innovation, staff engagement, processes and procedures, health and safety and ease of doing business.

Telecel Ghana made significant strides in enhancing its customer service experience, achieving a 32 per cent increase in the number of calls answered at their Call Centre last year.

This rose further in January 2025, with a remarkable 68 per cent rise in call responses.

The telco also rolled out a series of initiatives including the expansion of multi-channel support, over 400 community shops nationwide, upgraded Telecel Play App and AI-powered chatbot, TERi and a clear demonstration of its commitment to inclusivity through its Super Care initiative – tailored assistance for the Deaf community.

Looking to the future, Telecel Ghana remains bent on elevating its customer service standards by embracing digital transformation and responding promptly to the evolving needs of its customers.

Source: Myjoyonline

Telecel Cash director pushes investment in connectivity and innovation to unlock Africa’s digital future

Philip Amoateng

Director of Telecel Cash and Digital Transformation, Philip Amoateng, has underscored the importance of digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology as fundamental pillars for the continent’s economic growth and integration.

Speaking on how Africa can leverage digital infrastructure, innovation and technology to connect the continent on day two of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2025, Mr Amoateng said there is a need for strategic investments in technology with a unified approach to drive the continent’s shared prosperity.

“We live in a time where the future of our continent is being shaped not only by the physical roads we build, but by the invisible networks that power our economies, our communities, and our relationships.

“These are the digital highways of technology, which is now the lifeline of our socio-economic development,” he said, speaking to an audience of business leaders, industry stakeholders, government officials, private sector stakeholders and influencers from across the continent.

Mr Amoateng believes that Africa’s prosperity is closely linked to its ability to harness digital infrastructure and connectivity to advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s blueprint for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.

With over 300 million people still without internet access, making the continent one of the least connected in the world, Mr Amoateng said without reliable and affordable access to the digital space, millions of Africans remain locked out of the global economy.

“We need to prioritise investments in broadband networks, fibre-optic cables, and 5G infrastructure to close the connectivity gap, specifically in rural and remote areas. This expansion will ensure that every African can access the opportunities of the digital economy.”

Organised by the Africa Prosperity Network and in partnership with the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Secretariat, APD 2025 was on the theme “Delivering Africa’s Single Market through Infrastructure: Invest. Connect. Integrate.

The three-day gathering convened Heads of State, political leaders, private sector stakeholders, industry captains and financial players to forge partnerships, bridge Africa’s infrastructure gaps, and drive economic integration through strategic investments.

Citing the success of mobile money interoperability, which has transformed financial inclusion across sub-Saharan Africa, through the power of cross-collaboration, Mr Amoateng called for tech integration across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance.

With more than 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, he stressed the need to create an environment that empowers young Africans to solve real-world challenges using digital tools like artificial intelligence.

He also shared an example of Telecel Ghana’s efforts through its Connected Learning programme, which has already exposed over 20,000 children to digital technologies like AI and robotics.

“We are equipping the next generation with the skills to not only understand AI but to build AI solutions from scratch. This ensures we have the right talent to drive Africa’s digital future,” Mr Amoateng said.

Source: telecelglobal.com

Telecel Ghana Foundation Introduces “Telecel Digitech Academy” To Equip Students With Future-ready Skills

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Telecel Ghana Foundation has launched the Telecel Digitech Academy at St. Cecilia RC School, Hodome in the Volta Region, to equip young students across Ghana with the essential digital skills required for the future. The Telecel Digitech Academy is a hands-on practical approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education with the aim to prepare the next generation of Ghanaians for the evolving global economy.

Speaking at the launch event, Augusta Andrews, Director of Legal and External Affairs at Telecel Ghana, emphasized the academy’s mission of empowering students, particularly young girls.

“The Telecel Digitech Academy is not just about providing technological tools, but empowering our youth to be creators, problem-solvers, and leaders. Our goal is to give as many students as possible the opportunity to succeed in the digital economy,” she stated. The academy places a strong focus on inclusivity, ensuring that 70% of participants are girls, addressing the gender gap in STEM education across the country.

The Telecel Digitech Academy, under the Foundation’s connected learning pillar, will focus on providing practical knowledge in robotics, programming, and website development, ensuring students are not only consumers of technology but creators and innovators. The initiative is also part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering future-ready skills for students in both urban and rural areas.

In support of the initiative, the Director of the National STEM Centre Mrs. Olivia Serwaa Opare, stressed on the importance of partnership and collaboration to achieve Ghana’s digital agenda. In a speech read on her behalf, she said, “programs like the Telecel Digitech Academy are shaping Ghana’s future. To truly empower our youth and prepare them for a competitive global market, we must ensure that they do not just use technology but understand and master it,” she added that digital literacy and STEM education are no longer optional but essential for the country’s growth.

David Asumadu, CEO of Asustem Robotics, one of the implementing partners in the program, highlighted the academy’s emphasis on practical application. “We are not just teaching students how to code or build robots. We are preparing them for the future of work, where technology will be at the core of everything,” he explained. The academy’s curriculum covers website development, scratch programming, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics, providing students with the tools to innovate in various fields. He further encouraged students to embrace the skills they acquire, noting, “After this training, you’ll be able to develop websites, work on AI projects, and apply your knowledge in the real-world challenges.”

The Telecel Digitech Academy will run along the GES school term and is designed to supplement traditional classroom education with project-based learning. 

Source: Telecel Global

Telecel Foundation empowers women entrepreneurs in Kumasi with digital and financial literacy training

Telecel

Telecel Ghana Foundation in partnership with SHE Hub Ghana has trained 140 women entrepreneurs from the informal sector in  Kumasi on digital and financial skills as part of the telecommunications giant’s annual Ashanti Month celebrations.

Fusing digital and financial skills with entrepreneurship, the training is aimed at exposing women business owners in the informal sector to digital and financial tools that will elevate their businesses to new heights to promote inclusive economic growth.

The women, who represent a diverse group of vocational traders include hairdressers, dressmakers, traders, and agribusiness owners, were each presented with a digital phone and a year’s supply of mobile data by the telco at the end of the training, a move designed to help them access the critical digital tools and apply their new skills to expand their market reach.

Delivering the keynote at the opening ceremony, Board Chair and Co-founder of Telecel Group, Nicolas Bourg highlighted the long-term value of the skills they will acquire and the advantages it would afford them as business owners in today’s rapidly evolving economy.

“Having a good understanding of digital tools and financial management skills will help you connect with a wider customer base through online platforms, expand your market reach and assist you in making informed financial decisions to secure your business’ future. Utilise the opportunity to ensure the growth of your business” Nicolas said”.

The training forms part of Telecel Ghana’s 2024 Ashanti Month celebrations in Kumasi, which include key activities such as headlining the 67th Asantehene Open Golf Tournament, customer visits by senior management, health screenings, clearing the medical bills of indebted patients in the regional hospital and market activations.

Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, explained the purpose and significance of the digital and financial skills training in expanding businesses. “This training is an opportunity to level the playing field for women in the informal sector who face barriers in accessing the tools and knowledge that could help them grow. Today, that changes. We are giving the beneficiaries of the training the intellectual and physical tools to unlock the full potential of their businesses.”

The training module focused on digital tools for business promotion – the use of mobile apps, social media, and e-commerce platforms to improve service delivery and expand customer reach; and secondly, financial literacy – budgeting, record-keeping, and utilising mobile financial services to improve financial management and support sustainable business growth.

Each of the participants shared updates on their business and how the training will help them scale, as well as asked questions on several areas of the training for better grasp. At the end of the training, each received a smart phone with a special Telecel package of 2.5GB data every month for a year.

Training participant and owner of BLERG Couture, Priscilla Osei Brempong, was excited and grateful for the opportunity to build her capacity through the digital and financial skills training. “I’ve always wanted to reach more customers and grow my business. With the digital phone and data, I can now advertise online and manage my finances more easily. This training is exactly what I needed to take my business to the next level,” Priscilla said.

Source: Telecel Global