Accra, Ghana//-Scancom PLC, the parent company of MTN Ghana, has posted impressive financial results in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, recording a significant revenue of GHS5.4 billion as against that of the same quarter of 2024.
This represents a 39.4 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, This is contained in MTN Ghana’s financial performance for the three-month period ending on 31st March 2025, published by the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE).
The telecoms giant company also recorded a whopping profit after tax of over GHS1.7 billion for the same period this year, which is above that of the same quarter last year.
The report added that service revenue increased by 39.6 per cent to about GHS5.35 billion compared to the same period last year.
The company paid a profit tax of GH₵719.7 million, which is about twice what it paid (48% +) for the same period under review.
Commenting on the historic performance, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, attributed the performance to strategic initiatives and investments across key business lines such as data, digital services, voice communications and Mobile Money.
In his own words: “The first quarter of 2025 was characterised by solid execution of our commercial strategy, culminating in a 5.2% expansion of our subscriber base and a 39.6% increase in service revenue”.
Operational and financial review
Service revenue
MTN Ghana in the report noted that its service revenue increased by 39.6 per cent Year on Year (YoY) to GH₵5.4 billion, despite the macro headwinds that characterised the first quarter of the year.
This growth surpassed its medium-term guidance and the average inflation for the period.
The rise in top-line revenue was driven by greater usage and demand for MTN’s connectivity and fintech services, enabled by ongoing investments and enhancements to its network and service delivery.
“We invested GH₵779.5 million in ex-lease capex to maintain network quality, expand coverage and capacity, and enhance our IT systems. These investments supported an increase of 1.5 million mobile subscribers, bringing the total to 29.2 million, while also improving network resilience and sustaining a 4G population coverage of 99.3% by the end of Q1 2025”
Data revenue
Data revenue increased by 54.9 per cent YoY, reaching GH₵2.8 billion. This growth was largely driven by a 10.8% YoY increase in active subscribers and continuous momentum in usage, fuelled by an enhanced value proposition and promotional data bundles.
According to MTN, its investments towards expanding network capacity and improving customer experience have supported overall data growth and increased our data subscriber acquisition and retention, which resulted in a 10.8% YoY increase in active subscribers.
Voice revenue
Voice revenue growth showed a positive turnaround compared to the previous year. Revenue in Q1 increased by 6.2% YoY to GH₵951.0 million. The revenue growth was supported by a 5.2% YoY increase in mobile subscribers. Usage was complemented by enhancements in call quality and portfolio optimisations.
Although we continue to observe shifts from traditional calls to Voice over Internet Protocol (Voip) services, our CVM initiatives and other portfolio optimisation efforts have helped mitigate the impact on revenue.
Digital revenue
Digital revenue recorded a growth of 65.4% YoY, reaching GH₵82.1 million. This growth results from the proactive improvements to gaming services, video streaming, and personalised call-back ringtone options, which have attracted a larger audience and encouraged existing subscribers to explore our digital offerings.
“We have also expanded partnerships with content providers, leading to exclusive music, TV, gaming, and entertainment content that resonates with our subscribers. The number of active users of our digital services increased by 14.7% YoY to 5.3 million, highlighting the increasing significance of digital experiences. The contribution of digital revenue to total service revenue rose to 1.5% (2024: 1.3%), the statement said.
Mobile Money continued to drive resilient growth by enabling consumers and businesses throughout Ghana. Revenue increased by 53.1% YoY to GHS1.3 billion.
This growth was supported by a 44.8% YoY rise in revenue from basic services and a 72.4% YoY boost in advanced service revenue.
The growth in advanced services underscores the partnerships with fintech ecosystem players and financial institutions to broaden access to digital payments, lending, and wealth management services.
