Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a stern ultimatum to Ghana’s mobile network operators—MTN, Telecel, and AT—demanding a substantial improvement in service quality by December 31, 2025, or risk hefty financial penalties.
In a high-level meeting on Friday, May 30, the Minister, who also serves as the MP for Ningo-Prampram, warned that part of the fines would directly compensate affected customers.
“We are not doing sentiments. We are doing engineering,” he declared. “If you have infrastructure in place but your service is poor, we must begin to take regulatory action.”
The meeting, which included presentations from the National Communications Authority (NCA), revealed alarming disparities in network performance across 48 assessed localities.
Despite investments by telcos, subscribers continue to suffer dropped calls, poor data speeds, and blackouts in areas like Amasaman and East Legon.
Sam George emphasized that the acceptance of newly allocated spectrum must be completed by June 30, 2025, with immediate rollout plans and measurable impact expected by December.
He added, “The Ghanaian people must feel the impact of the spectrum rollout by the end of this year.”
Telco executives responded by outlining their recovery strategies. MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett cited a $230 million investment in 2024 and plans to open 300 new franchise outlets.
Telecel COO Mohamad Ghaddar promised improved customer service and accessibility, while AT CEO Leo Skarlatos assured stakeholders of visible upgrades by Q1 2026.
Beyond connectivity, the Minister reiterated government commitment to review data pricing through a committee formed in February, with the aim of enhancing consumer value without destabilising the market.
