- Scancom Limited (MTN Ghana) launched the first GSM service in Ghana in 1996.
- It now leads in 4G, mobile money, and CSR, impacting millions nationwide.
Scancom Limited: From Spacefon to national telecom leader
Scancom Limited, now trading as MTN Ghana, began its story in 1994 with its registration in Accra. Operations started in 1996 under the Spacefon brand, marking Ghana’s entry into the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) era. Services like Caller ID, call forwarding, and itemized billing were first introduced by the company. From a 20-person team on Graphic Road, it expanded rapidly and relocated its head office to Ridge Towers as demand surged.
The company grew alongside technology. It moved from 2G and GPRS to EDGE, 3G, HSPA, fibre optics, and 4G, maintaining leadership in each phase. Today, MTN Ghana serves over 25 million subscribers and plays a crucial role in both personal and enterprise communications.
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Scancom Limited: Investing in inclusion and infrastructure
MTN Ghana is not just a network operator—it is also a financial platform. Its Mobile Money (MoMo) service reaches millions, enabling payments, savings, and business transactions, especially for unbanked populations. The platform supports school fees, utility bills, remittances, and merchant services.
In June 2024, MTN Ghana announced major network upgrades to improve customer experience. This followed earlier infrastructure expansion efforts to increase 4G coverage, support fibre connectivity, and prepare for 5G-readiness. The company maintains strong cooperation with the National Communications Authority to ensure compliance and performance.
MTN’s vision is to “lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world,” and its mission is “to make customers’ lives a whole lot brighter.”
Scancom Limited: Social impact through the MTN Ghana Foundation
Founded in 2007, the MTN Ghana Foundation serves as a dedicated CSR vehicle. It focuses on health, education, and economic empowerment, with independent governance. The Foundation runs sustainable social interventions that align with national development priorities. It is funded from a set percentage of MTN Ghana’s post-tax profits.Its goal is “to improve the quality of lives” through strategic, community-led projects across the country.
