Telcos to invest $1.2bn to boost data quality -

Ghana’s telecommunications sector is poised for a major transformation as three key players—MTN, AT, and the state-owned Telecel—gear up to collectively invest $1.2 billion into improving data quality and network reliability across the country by the end of 2025.
The planned investment will be channeled into spectrum acquisition, installation of new transmitters, and equipment upgrades to enhance customer experience and expand coverage.

Cabinet approves additional spectrum

Announcing the initiative at a media briefing, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, said Cabinet had granted approval for additional spectrum to be made available to MTN and Telecel to support the network improvement agenda.
“I would at this point commend the Chief Executive Officers of the three groups for their pledge of commitment to collectively invest approximately $1.2 billion in their networks between now and the end of the year to enhance quality of service,” Mr George said.
He further revealed that the spectrum sale process for MTN would be finalised by the first week of July, allowing the company to commence its network enhancements without delay.

Telecel to optimise spectrum use

In a further boost to the initiative, the Minister disclosed that policy approval had been secured for the National Communications Authority (NCA) to issue a connected entity licence to Telecel.
This will enable the telco to better utilise its 2100-megahertz spectrum, which is expected to translate into tangible improvements in customer experience within weeks.
“This should result in a significant improvement in the quality of service and customer experience in the coming weeks,” he said, reiterating the Ministry’s engagement-led approach to managing the telecom sector.

NCA to assess network quality from October

Mr George noted that while the government is facilitating the right policy environment, the burden of execution lies with the telcos.

He urged all operators to step up their network investments between July and September, ahead of a planned comprehensive quality-of-service assessment by the NCA from October to December 2025.
“We have pledged our continued fidelity to the people of Ghana who are the customers of the telcos,” the Minister said. He also issued a firm warning: telcos that fail to deliver on service quality improvements would face sanctions.

Govt plans to reduce data costs

In addition to technical improvements, Mr George said the government is actively working on measures to make data more affordable for Ghanaians.

He mentioned ongoing consultations with the Ministries of Finance, Energy and Green Transition, and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to introduce a telecom tariff regime similar to that used in the mining sector.

He also cited efforts to rationalise taxes on telecom services in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, which could ease the cost burden on both operators and consumers.

Long-term vision for digital Ghana

The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to protect investments, drive affordability, and make Ghana a preferred hub for digital infrastructure development in West Africa.

“We are committed to ensuring that Ghana remains an attractive destination for digital investment and that every Ghanaian benefits from high-quality, affordable data services,” he concluded.

The latest developments follow recent improvements in data bundle offerings by telecom operators after government engagement, and mark another significant step in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.