Sam George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has announced that MTN Ghana will invest over $1.1 billion in network expansion and 5G rollout.
According to Sam George, the over 1.1 billion will be used to expand and improve the telecommunications network, including the rollout of 5G services across the country.
The Communications Minister disclosed that the investment forms part of efforts to address persistent network challenges and improve connectivity.
Sam George highlighted that the scale of the investment demonstrates a significant commitment by MTN Ghana to strengthening its network infrastructure.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 7, Sam George stated, “MTN Ghana has committed more than $1.1 billion over the next three years, including roughly $380 million this year to expand coverage, deploy new sites and support 5G rollout”.
“We have 800 new cell sites in total, the highest annual build the company has undertaken in a decade, particularly at the rural and peri-urban communities where network challenges have been most pronounced”.
“I personally worked with Members of Parliament to mark the specific locations most affected in their constituencies, the first time such an exercise has been done at this scale, and 180 of those sites are already active and carrying traffic today.”
Also, Sam Nartey George has said the government’s Big Push programme has been responsible for nearly half of all fibre cuts recorded in Ghana.
He highlighted that the frequent damage to fibre networks was disrupting telecommunications services and imposing significant repair costs on operators.
Sam George argued that those resources could otherwise be channelled into expanding network coverage.
The Communication Minister explained that road construction accounted for about 49% of all fibre cuts, making it the single biggest source of damage to telecommunications infrastructure in the country.
He stated, “That’s money that without the fibre cut we could have used to build new sites… The biggest source of fibre cuts is from the Big Push project because the Ministry of Roads is carrying out an aggressive project to construct roads across the country”.
“25 per cent of fibre cuts are a result of galamsey. The telecom industry is one of the worst hit by the activities of galamsey operators. They [galamsey operators] just go in and make cuts. Road contractors will often report fibre cuts but galamsey operators won’t report it, and that is a real challenge to the sector.”
Meanwhile, in 2025, Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, has revealed that only a million devices can use 5G in Ghana.
According to the MTN CEO, there is a long way ahead for Ghana to fully realise the transformative impact of the 5G network.
With Ghana’s projected population of over 34 million and a mobile penetration rate exceeding 120%, only one million 5G-ready devices represent a tiny fraction of the potential user base.
He also alluded to the regulatory and licensing steps required for commercial rollout.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile, Stephen Blewett stated, “I think we’ve got a long way to go in 5G. I think it’s unfortunate that it’s taken a while for us to get there”.
“It’s important to understand that in terms of the number of devices, there are only a million devices that can use 5G as we currently sit.”
The MTN Ghana CEO added, “5G as a technology is important for the expansion of our economy, but it doesn’t mean 5G shouldn’t come.”
@ghnow_ Health Minister, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced the full rollout of Ghana’s Free Primary Healthcare programme in 135 districts, effective today, September 7, 2026. The initiative aims to remove financial barriers to basic healthcare and strengthen preventive and early-detection services. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ Minister of Health, Hon. Mintah Akando has announced the recruitment into the health service of voluntary health workers #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
