MTN strives to boost Ghanaian economy

In its bid to boost the Ghanaian economy, telecommunication giant, Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) contributes nearly 60% of the telecommunication sector’s revenue to the nation’s revenue mobilization annually.

This was disclosed by the Acting Senior Manager in charge of corporate communications at MTN, Ms Efua Falconer, at an interaction with the media in Cape Coast over the weekend.

According to her, the company’s contribution to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2000 and 2005 tripled from 1.8% to 6%, currently estimated to be nearer to 10%.

Ms Falconer added that MTN also contributed GH¢ 222.8 million representing 5% of the total tax revenue of GH¢4,299.5 million mobilized by the country in 2008.

Touching on education and health, Ms Falconer revealed that the company has invested GH ¢ 929,580 in Information Communication Technology (ICT) in all ten regions in the country. She went on to add that the company was in the process of sponsoring this year’s National Best teacher award with GH¢18,000.

She indicated that the company will sponsor needy but brilliant students to complete their tertiary education by 2015 at the cost of GH¢ 108,607.

Chief Marketing Officer of MTN, Mr. George Andah

On health, she said the company completed the refurbishment of the second floor of the labour ward of the Korle-Bu maternity block at the cost of GH¢ 650,000 as part of its social responsibility to boost education and health which are basic needs for the Ghanaians.

The technician in charge of Western and Central regions, Mr Mathew Ackah, said the company was able to acquire 89 sites in the region as at the end of 2008 but has been able to increase it to 154 sites in the region from January to September this year.

Mr Ackah disclosed that measures were being put in place to train staff on ICT to be able to catch up with the global telecommunication market.

He said the company has been able to penetrate about 55% of the Ghanaian population and was working hard to ensure that all communities with or without electricity get access to network.

BY MAGDALENE SEY, CAPE COAST