MTN Ghana pays GH₵9bn in taxes during first nine months of 2026

MTN Ghana contributed GH₵9.0 billion in direct and indirect taxes to the state between January and September 2026, a figure that exceeds the company’s profit after tax for the same period. The financial report for the first nine months indicates that the tax contribution increased from GH₵7.3 billion in the previous year. Despite this high tax burden, the telecommunications giant reported a profit after tax of GH₵7.8 billion, representing a 43.0% increase year-on-year. Beyond tax payments, the company also contributed GH₵533.6 million in fees and levies to various government agencies.

The company’s performance was underpinned by a 33.5% growth in service revenue, largely driven by the data and Mobile Money segments. Data revenue specifically surged by 44.5% to reach GH₵13.5 billion, supported by an active data subscriber base of 22.0 million. The company also recorded an Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of GH₵14.3 billion. CEO Stephen Blewett attributed the strong financial results to the company’s resilience and its strategic focus on diversification and network investment.

To ensure continued growth and service quality, MTN Ghana has maintained significant investment in its infrastructure, including a US$202 million acquisition of 5G spectrum. This expansion into higher-speed connectivity is expected to further bolster the company's digital and data revenue streams in the coming quarters. Following the strong performance in the third quarter, the company declared an interim dividend of GH₵0.03 per share for its shareholders.

The results highlight MTN Ghana’s critical role as a major contributor to the national treasury. By paying more in taxes than it retained in profit, the company remains one of the largest corporate taxpayers in the country. Analysts suggest that the continued growth in Mobile Money and digital services will remain the primary engines for the company's revenue as it navigates the evolving telecommunications landscape in West Africa.