Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled Telecel Ghana after the parent company, Telecel Group, acquired a majority shareholding in Vodafone Ghana, with a call on telcos to move beyond seeking to expand the physical infrastructure of their operations.
He charged telecommunication companies operating in the country to invest in human and other resources that are at the heart of their offerings to the Ghanaian and African markets.
Dr. Bawumia reminded telcos, fintechs and stakeholders in the technology ecosystem that one of the surest ways of ensuring lasting success is investing in the youth who are the future of any endeavour.
“Your corporate social responsibility must include a deliberate investment and development of the digital capabilities and capacities of young Ghanaians across the country at all levels,” he pointed out.
Need for innovation
The Vice- President reminded the leadership of Telecel that innovation is the heartbeat of success in the telecom and indeed the business environment, and challenged them to make a difference in the Ghanaian telecom market with offerings that would make their brand attractive.
“In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, innovation is key to staying ahead. Your customers require an accessible, safe, affordable, and reliable network always. I am happy about Telecel’s commitment to expanding its network and bringing more innovation into this space. In that regard, you have the government’s firm support,” he said.
Expressing his satisfaction with the Group’s emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility in its services, Dr. Bawumia disclosed that expanding its reach and investing in infrastructure development translate to also creating opportunities for economic growth and social empowerment for the underprivileged.
Extolling the virtues of the introduction and growing use of Mobile Money, the Vice-President urged the management of Telecel to explore the many opportunities available for deepening financial inclusion, saying although much had been done, there was more to do.
Worthy partners
Welcoming the Telecel Group to Ghana, Dr. Bawumia maintained that the company must be worthy partners for national development.
“I applaud your commitment to corporate social responsibility through the Telecel Foundation and Africa Start-Up Initiative Programme (ASIP). Your initiatives to support education, healthcare, and support for start-ups reflect your dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond business success. This aligns perfectly with our government’s vision of building a more equitable and prosperous society for all Ghanaians,” he said.
“As key players in the telecommunications industry, I urge you to uphold the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and corporate governance in all your endeavours,” Dr. Bawumia added.
Better service
In his remarks, the Chairman and Co-founder of the Telecel Group, Mr. Nicolas Bourg, said the company intends to focus on “positive disruption and innovation in the Ghanaian telecoms market,” adding “we chose to invest in Ghana because of the manifest potential of the youth and people of Ghana.”
Madam Patricia Obo-Nai, the Chief Executive Officer, Telecel Ghana, recalled the trajectory of the telecom company, dating back to 1974 as P&T and transitioned to Vodafone Ghana in 2009.
It currently has more than six million customers using its mobile telephone network with over 200,000 on fibre and thousands of others patronising its cash transfer services.
Madam Obo-Nai assured the company’s numerous customers of its readiness to provide innovative services to them and impact more lives in the coming years.
The Telecel Group acquired Vodafone International’s 70% stake in Ghana Telecom in February 2023, with the Government of Ghana retaining its 30% stake. The two organisations have since been working to synergize their operations, with changes in leadership and operations.
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