First Ghanaian to be appointed MTN-Ghana CEO promises to grow MTN market share

Newly- appointed Chief Executive of MTN Ghana, Ebenezer Twum Asante, is promising to grow the telecommunications network’s market and value share.

As the first Ghanaian to be appointed into that role, he wants to sustain present gains whilst exploring new business opportunities.

MTN currently leads the Ghanaian telephony market, with a subscriber base of 51 per cent.

Mr. Twum Asante told journalist after a visit to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi his immediate task is to introduce digital innovation, improved internet, voice and mobile financial services.

“MTN today has about 51% of the market and it is our delight to grow that market volume. We also expect to grow our value share because you can measure the market both in terms of the number of subscribers as well as the value that you derive from their subscription.

We will also try to do so not only by relying on traditional business by also building new streams and to support. We will not seek to grow by killing others. We will seek to grow and grow the industry”.

The new CEO worked previously with Unilever for about 13-years during which he rose to become Managing Director for the Zambia office.

Until his latest appointment he was Head of MTN-Rwanda.

Mr. Twum Asante also looks forward to more investment by MTN in Ghana by expanding the company’s social responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation.

“They [Ghanaians] should expect a lot more innovation in the area of digital, in the area of internet; in the area of digital mobile financial services and even when you talk about the core voice area also, there is a more that lies ahead of us and Ghanaians should expect that we will continue to improve and take MTN to the next level”. Mr Asante promised.

Mr. Twum Asante's appointment follows a request by the Asantehene to officialsof MTN to appoint an indigenous Ghanaian to take head the company.

MTN-Ghana has since 2006 invested over 2.4 billion dollars into the local economy, with a whooping 700 million dollars in the Ashanti Region alone.

Out of 110 million dollars spent annually in Ghana, the region receives 35 million dollars, providing jobs for over 30,000 people.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu the second wants MTN to do more to impact on the lives of Ghanaians.

He is particularly suggesting the company partner hospitals, universities and other private sector collaborators to eliminate graduate unemployment, with emphasis on technical education.

Story by Ghana/Nhyira Fm/Ohemeng Tawiah