• Telecel Ghana has launched a $70 million network modernization project in partnership with Huawei.

• The initiative aims to expand 4G coverage to 2,500 sites and strengthen service reliability across the country.

• Telecel holds 19.8% of Ghana’s mobile market, far behind MTN’s 72.7%.

Telecel Ghana has launched a $70 million project to modernize its telecommunications network, seeking to improve service quality and regain market share in an industry dominated by MTN. The initiative, announced in November 2025, will roll out in several phases and focuses on enhancing network performance and delivering next-generation digital services for both consumers and businesses, according to local media reports.

As part of the project, Telecel signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese technology company Huawei, the Ghana News Agency reported on November 11.

“The proven expertise and technological leadership of Huawei will help us strengthen capacity, reliability, and innovation in Ghana’s telecom landscape,” said Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana.

The collaboration extends an existing partnership between the two companies. Since Telecel’s entry into the Ghanaian market, Huawei has played a key role in expanding the operator’s 4G infrastructure.

Telecel Group entered the Ghanaian market in February 2023 after acquiring a 70% stake in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited, formerly owned by Vodafone. The acquisition marked Telecel’s first major move to reposition Vodafone Ghana, which had been losing ground to MTN.

According to Ghana’s telecom regulator, Vodafone Ghana’s market share fell from 24.1% in June 2017 to 18.41% in February 2023. Telecel has pledged significant investments to reverse this decline through 4G network expansion and the development of fintech solutions aimed at diversifying revenue streams.

One year after taking control, Telecel and Huawei deployed more than 500 new 4G sites. The operator now targets 2,500 sites within three years, with plans to integrate satellite-mobile coverage to provide nationwide internet access, including rural areas.

According to data from the GSMA, improving service quality and network capacity remains a key differentiator in emerging telecom markets. As of July 2025, Telecel had 7.82 million mobile subscribers, representing a 19.8% market share.

MTN continues to dominate Ghana’s telecom sector with 29.3 million subscribers and a 72.69% market share, while AT (formerly AirtelTigo) ranks third with 3.2 million users and 7.93% of the market.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum