Xenophobic attacks: 'We are not going anywhere'

MTN Ghana, Ghana’s leading telecommunications network, has stated emphatically that it has no intention of leaving the country following concerns over the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where its parent company is headquartered.

Mr Michael Gbewonyo, the Chief Internal Audit and Forensics Officer, said Ghana remained a strategic market for the MTN and reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to the country’s socio-economic development, as demonstrated over the past 30 years.

Mr Gbewonyo gave the assurance at the 2026 MTN Media and Stakeholder Forum in Takoradi, organised for journalists from the Central and Western Regions.

“MTN is here to stay. We are not going anywhere,” he insisted, dismissing suggestions that the company could reconsider its operations in Ghana because of the unrest in South Africa.

He assured that the company would continue to expand its network, support digital inclusion, create opportunities for Ghanaians, and partner the Government and other stakeholders to drive the country’s digital and economic transformation.

He cited the company’s contribution to national development through taxes, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and the numerous employment opportunities it had created as evidence of its commitment to Ghana.

He said MTN’s commitment to Ghana was also evident in its decision to list part of its shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange and its social investment programmes through the MTN Ghana Foundation, among other development-oriented initiatives.

Reflecting on the company’s 30-year journey in Ghana, Mr Gbewonyo expressed appreciation to customers, partners, employees, communities, the media, and other stakeholders for their trust, support, and contributions.

He observed that MTN’s success had been built not only on business growth but also on maintaining public trust through accountability, responsibility, transparency, and customer-centric services.

He credited the company’s achievements to the support, constructive criticism, and collaboration of all stakeholders, noting that their feedback had helped improve services, bridge the digital divide, support businesses, and connect more people.

The Chief Internal Audit and Forensics Officer underscored MTN’s contribution to national development, disclosing that the company contributed about six per cent of Ghana’s total tax revenue.

He said: “Through the MTN Ghana Foundation, thousands of young people have received scholarships and support to pursue their dreams.

“In communities across the Western and Central Regions and beyond, our investments in health, education, and economic empowerment are changing lives every day.”

“We are proud of our achievements, not because of the size of our business, but because of the impact we have made together,” he added.

Mr Gbewonyo expressed appreciation to the media for telling the company’s story, highlighting community issues, providing honest feedback, and holding it accountable.

He pledged that MTN would continue working with stakeholders to create greater impact and build on the progress achieved over the past 30 years.

GNA

Xenophobic attacks: 'We are not going anywhere' – MTN Ghana