Ghana’s largest telecommunications company, MTN Ghana, has publicly dismissed speculation that it could leave the country amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where its parent company is headquartered.
The company’s unusually emphatic reassurance has raised questions about why such a statement became necessary in the first place.
Speaking at the 2026 MTN Media and Stakeholder Forum in Takoradi, the Chief Internal Audit and Forensics Officer, Michael Gbewonyo, firmly rejected suggestions that the company was reconsidering its presence in Ghana because of the unrest in South Africa.
“MTN is here to stay. We are not going anywhere,” he declared.
His comments come against the backdrop of renewed public discussions linking anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa to the operations of South African-owned businesses across the continent. Although there has been no official indication that MTN planned to exit Ghana, concerns and speculation appear to have prompted the company to publicly reaffirm its commitment.
Gbewonyo stressed that Ghana remains one of MTN’s most strategic markets and said the company remains committed to expanding its network, promoting digital inclusion and supporting the country’s economic transformation.
He noted that MTN has spent three decades investing in Ghana, contributing significantly to the economy through tax payments, job creation and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
According to him, the telecom giant contributes about six per cent of Ghana’s total tax revenue and has invested heavily in health, education and economic empowerment programmes through the MTN Ghana Foundation.
He also pointed to MTN Ghana’s listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange as further evidence of the company’s long-term confidence in the country’s economy.
“Our commitment to Ghana goes beyond business. We have invested in people, communities and institutions, and we remain focused on building a digitally connected future for all Ghanaians,” Gbewonyo said.
Reflecting on MTN’s 30-year presence in Ghana, he thanked customers, employees, business partners, communities, regulators and the media for supporting the company’s growth.
He acknowledged that constructive criticism from stakeholders had helped MTN improve its services and strengthen public trust over the years.
While the company insists there are no plans to leave Ghana, its decision to directly address the issue highlights the sensitivity surrounding South Africa’s recurring xenophobic incidents and the concerns they continue to generate across the continent.
For MTN Ghana, the message was intended to remove any uncertainty: despite the unrest in South Africa, the company says its future remains firmly rooted in Ghana.
