Cape coast: Telecommunications giant, MTN Ghana, has reiterated its frustrations over the continuous destruction of its fibre-optic network cables, which it has described as the major challenge facing the company. The organization has called for an end to this persistent issue that poses significant economic and security implications for the company, businesses, and citizens.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Magnus Coffie, the General Manager of Network Operations at MTN Ghana, highlighted the financial burden caused by this challenge, revealing that the company spends an average of GHC20 million on fibre relocation alone and several millions more on replacing damaged cables annually. He emphasized the risks involved, noting that damage to the network during road construction or clearing activities leads to communication disruptions and security risks for individuals and businesses.
Mr. Coffie reiterated these concerns during the 2025 MTN Media and Stakeholder Forum for the Central Region, which aimed to update the media on the company's progress and plans while soliciting feedback to enhance their services. The forum also sought to strengthen MTN Ghana's relationship with the media and explore new ways to build a brighter digital future.
He urged construction companies to collaborate with the Chamber of Telecommunications and mobile network operators to ensure the safe relocation of network cables. Furthermore, he disclosed that network companies and the Chamber of Telecommunications are planning to petition the Minister of Communications for a permanent solution to this issue.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Coffie assured the public of MTN Ghana's commitment to providing excellent services, highlighting ongoing investments to enhance customer experience across all platforms. He mentioned that 240 million dollars has been spent this year alone on infrastructure improvements, innovations in Artificial Intelligence, and the development of new technologies.
Mr. Michael Gbewonyo, General Manager in charge of Internal Audit and Forensics, emphasized MTN Ghana's focus on improving connectivity and enhancing digital platforms to integrate Ghana further into the global digital economy. He also highlighted the MTN Ghana Foundation's interventions in education, health, business, and other sectors across the country.
In the Central region, initiatives such as the Bright Scholarship project have awarded full scholarships to tertiary students, while healthcare facilities like the Bawjiase Polyclinic and Cape Coast Teaching Hospital blood bank have been upgraded. In line with environmental sustainability efforts, MTN plans to roll out the Embedded SIM (E-SIM), a digital version of the SIM card, which Mr. Gbewonyo encouraged the public to embrace.
Madam Janet Quarshie, General Manager, Retail Experience, announced plans to establish service touch points in communities nationwide, bringing essential customer care services closer to the people. Mr. David Woasey, Central and Western Regional Area Sales Manager, reiterated MTN Ghana's commitment to building stronger relationships with the media and promoting open dialogue.
Mr. Nurudeen Issah, Deputy Central Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), commended MTN for its media engagement efforts and urged support for the EPA's environmental sustainability campaign. Mr. Kingsley Nana Buadu, Central Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association, praised MTN Ghana for its media partnership and called for a special support scheme for journalists in the region.