Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a stern warning to Ghana’s telecom providers to improve service quality by December 31, 2025, or face heavy financial penalties, 40% of which will go directly to affected customers.
The ultimatum came during a high-level meeting on May 30, 2025, with CEOs and technical teams of MTN, Telecel, and AT. Sam George criticised ongoing poor network performance, especially in expanding urban areas like East Legon and Amasaman, despite recent infrastructure investments.
“We are not doing sentiments. We are doing engineering,” George said. “If you have infrastructure in place but service is still poor, we must act.”
A National Communications Authority (NCA) report presented during the meeting revealed inconsistent network performance across 48 localities. Key indicators assessed included 3G coverage, Call Setup Time (CST), Mean Opinion Score (MOS), and 3G data throughput.
The NCA will conduct a nationwide service quality test across all district capitals in Q3 2025, and the results will determine government action.
As part of new regulatory measures:
40% of any fines imposed on non-compliant telcos will be passed to customers as data or call-time bonuses.
Operators have until June 30, 2025, to begin deploying newly allocated spectrum.
“You may not complete upgrades in three months, but Ghanaians must feel the impact by the end of 2025,” George emphasized.
Telcos Respond
MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett said the company invested $230 million in 2024 to enhance its network and IT systems. Plans include 300 new outlets, 400 new hires, and improved SIM swap tools.
Telecel Ghana COO Mohamad Ghaddar noted continued network optimization and plans to add 100 new retail shops, with special attention to customers with disabilities.
AT Ghana CEO Leo Skarlatos announced ongoing network upgrades, promising visible improvements by Q1 2026.
George also addressed data pricing, citing a February 2025 committee tasked with creating a long-term plan for reducing costs while maintaining infrastructure investment.
The minister’s directive signals a bold move toward stricter telecom regulation, aiming to improve connectivity and digital inclusion across Ghana.
