Ghana’s Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, has dismissed claims that MTN’s market dominance is deterring investment in the telecom sector, revealing that multiple suitors are eyeing stakes in struggling operators Telecel Ghana and AT Ghana.
The announcement comes as the government scrambles to stabilize a sector where MTN controls over 70% of mobile subscriptions, leaving smaller players scrambling for viability.
George, who inherited a regulatory landscape where measures to curb MTN’s “significant market power” (SMP) status have faltered, acknowledged the operator’s persistent growth—even as network congestion plagues its customer base. Critics argue recent decisions, including granting MTN additional spectrum under “technology neutrality” terms, further entrench its dominance. Yet the minister insists investor interest remains robust. “Contrary to perceptions, potential investors are lining up for both Telecel and AT Ghana,” he stated, adding that proposals are under review to determine the most viable partnerships.
The optimism follows years of turbulence. Telecel’s 2023 acquisition of Vodafone Ghana’s assets, conditional on a $100 million upfront investment, remains unfulfilled, with George demanding proof of financial commitment before greenlighting further deals. “Telecel must demonstrate readiness to inject capital into network upgrades,” he emphasized, signaling impatience with unmet promises.
Meanwhile, AT Ghana’s outdated infrastructure has reached a critical juncture. Its core network, capable only of 3G services, is deemed “end of life,” prompting government plans to provide a temporary “quasi-network” to sustain operations until an investor materializes. George criticized predecessors for propping up failing operators like Airtel and Tigo through a merger instead of allowing market forces to prevail. “Forcing unsustainable unions created burdens,” he argued, noting that sub-30% market share renders operators unviable in Ghana’s current climate.
The minister’s strategy hinges on attracting equity injections to revive competition and avert a full monopoly. However, industry analysts question whether investors will risk capital in a market where MTN’s infrastructure and financial heft dwarf rivals. Previous attempts to balance the sector, including SMP regulations capping MTN’s promotional activities, failed to curb its expansion, revealing the limits of regulatory interventions.
George’s push coincides with broader efforts to modernize Ghana’s digital economy, including the contentious 5G rollout led by state-backed NGIC. For Telecel and AT, survival may depend on aligning with investors willing to fund network overhauls and niche services a tall order in a high-risk environment.
The sector’s trajectory underscores a recurring dilemma in emerging markets: fostering competition in the shadow of a telecom titan. While Ghana’s government seeks to position itself as a mediator, the real test lies in translating investor interest into tangible upgrades that empower smaller players. As MTN continues to outpace rivals, the window for a diversified telecom ecosystem narrows a reality that even the most optimistic rescue plans cannot ignore.
The coming months will reveal whether Ghana’s telecom landscape can evolve beyond a one-horse race or if regulatory goodwill merely postpones an inevitable reckoning. For consumers, the stakes extend beyond connectivity to the very principles of choice and affordability in an increasingly digital world.
