Accra, Ghana//-MTN Ghana today revealed that it has made a fiscal contribution of GHS3.1 billion to the socio-economic development of the country just in 2021.
Out of the figure GHS2.8 billion was paid to Ghanaian government in direct and indirect taxes, representing 35.8% of the company’s total revenue.
The Board Chairman of MTN Ghana, Ishmael Yamson disclosed this at the company’s fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Accra.
Over the years, MTN has won various awards as the highest taxpayer in Ghana in recognition of its contribution to the fiscal development of the country, he added.
Mr Yamson continued: “In line with our commitment to creating shared value, we continue to make significant contributions through the creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities impacting over 500,000 Ghanaians, as well as interventions to support our people, our cherished customers and other key stakeholders through the socioeconomic challenges brought about by the pandemic”.
Bringing hope to communities
The economic and social development of telecom company’s customers and communities is central to its core objectives of supporting the communities within which it operates, he noted.
“As a responsible corporate institution, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of delivering sustainable development to communities, especially in this era of the pandemic”.
Through the MTN Foundation, the company had donated an additional GHS5 million, bringing its total contribution to GHS10 million since 2020, to the National COVID-19 Trust Fund in support of the government’s efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Foundation which is the corporate social responsibility wing of MTN Ghana also encouraged vaccinations and donated 356,000 vaccines to the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Health.
MTN also extended the zero-rating of all MoMo P2P (person-to-person) transfers up to a value of GHS100 per subscriber a day until further notice, which has saved customers an estimated total of GHS165 million in 2021 (2020: GHS110 million) while promoting the safety of Ghanaians and deepening financial inclusion.
Beyond this, MTN through the Foundation expanded its contribution to healthcare, education, and economic empowerment by supporting youth employment and job creation through various initiatives implemented during the year.
In 2021, the Foundation according to him equipped 100 young Ghanaians with technological skills in telephone and device diagnostics and repairs through our youth empowerment Initiatives.
Furthermore, the Foundation extended its support to 465 students through the MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme, of which 119 have successfully completed their programmes and are now in the workforce contributing towards the growth and development of Ghana in their own small ways.
Overall, the Foundation disbursed GHS2.3 million to cover tuition, accommodation and a stipend for books.
In addition, the Foundation constructed a blood bank unit for the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in Cape Coast, constructed a 600-bed girls dormitory block for Tamale Senior High School in Tamale and a 24-unit classroom block for the Ghana Police School in Accra.
These formed part of a total commitment of GHS14.3 million earmarked towards corporate social responsibility projects for the year.
“We are privileged to be able to support the development of Ghana through these initiatives that improve the quality of lives of Ghanaians, providing appropriate and sustainable social interventions in communities across the nation.
For 2022, through the MTN Ghana Foundation, we will dedicate at least GHS20 million towards social investments to support the communities within which we operate”, Mr Yamson said.
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