Minister of Communications and Digitization, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has asserted that the government has no intentions to divest its 30% shareholding in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Vodafone Ghana).
In a definite statement to Parliament, she disclosed that Vodafone Ghana, holding a 70% stake in the Ghana Telecommunications Company, completed the transfer of its shares to the Telecel Group in February 2023.
On Monday, December 11, 2023, the Minister made this known while responding to a query from Mr. Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwame Dafeamekpor, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi. Mr. Dafeamekpor sought clarification on the government’s intentions regarding the sale of its shares in Vodafone Ghana.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful highlighted that according to the shareholders agreement, the consent of the minority shareholder (Ghana Government) is not necessary for Vodafone Ghana (the majority shareholder) to transfer or sell its shareholding in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited. She emphasized that the agreement does not mandate the concern of the minority shareholder.
Mr Dafeamekpor asked the Minister whether she would be able to tell the House the value for the 70 per cent share that Vodafone Group Plc got in transferring its share in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited to Telecel Group.
“Mr Speaker, the question was specific, as to whether the Government has any plans of selling its shares in Vodafone Ghana Ltd. The answer has also been specific, that (the) Government has no such plans,” she said.
“If the Honourable Member requires any further information, I suggest that he files a substantive question to which I will come and give a response. I do not have that information at the top of my head. Thank you, Mr Speaker.”
The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, is calling for transparency regarding the reported sale of the Ghanaian government’s 30 percent stake in Vodafone Ghana.
He has raised concerns that this billion-dollar asset, owned by Ghana, has been sold on credit for a mere US$100 million.
Haruna Iddrisu expressed further dismay over the telecom sector’s decline, which was once a significant source of revenue for the government. He is demanding an explanation from the Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, and insists that she must appear before the House to clarify the matter.
“Mr. Speaker on my own accord, I want the Hon. Minister of Communications to come and respond to this House, whether it is true that Ghana’s 30 percent stake in Vodafone Ghana has been sold to the majority holder, on credit for less than US$100 million and what the state of that transaction is, as an economic transaction within the meaning of Article 185 of the 1992 Constitution and probably also to update this House on the withering away of Ghana’s telecom landscape and this trend,” he said while speaking on the floor of Parliament.
He pointed out that the sector, which had once been a significant source of state revenue, has been mismanaged by the government.
In 2016, Ghana’s telecoms regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), granted approval for Vodafone International Holdings (VOD.L) to sell its 70% stake in Vodafone Ghana to Telecel Group. This decision came after Telecel submitted an improved financial and technical proposal in December. The NCA had initially rejected Vodafone Ghana’s earlier sale plan as it failed to meet the necessary regulatory standards.
The NCA stated that the revised proposal offered more clarity on the financial requirements for the transaction and complied with regulatory criteria.
Immediate past minority leader and MP for Tamale South Haruna Iddrisu is demanding answers from Minister for Communications and Digitalization Ursula Owusu-Ekuful in the sale of Ghana's shares in Vodafone.#GHOneNewspic.twitter.com/KbekpZEy0k
Vodafone Ghana has introduced an enticing offer designed to empower new broadband customers with high-speed and dependable internet services, along with generous data allowances, cost savings, and a seamless online experience.
Albert Achiaw, Vodafone Ghana’s Fixed Business Manager, emphasized the advantages of this new offering, stating, “New customers who select a plan valued at ¢300 or higher will receive an additional 50% data for 30 days.
Moreover, if they opt for a three-month upfront payment, we will provide complimentary installation services. This is a wonderful opportunity to maximize value, and I urge new customers to seize this offer.”
The supplementary data provided will be prioritized over the primary data bundle, ensuring that customers fully enjoy its benefits.
Albert also pointed out that the offer is specific to certain plans, and customers subscribed to Browser, Streamer, Webmaster, One Family Small, and Non-expiry plans are not eligible for this promotion.
Additionally, the bonus data cannot be transferred to mobile accounts and does not carry over to subsequent periods.
To obtain more details about this offer, customers can visit fbb.vodafone.com.gh or simply dial *900#.
Vodafone Ghana Mobile Financial Services Limited (Vodafone Cash) and MobileMoney Limited (MML) have enabled interoperability services that allow both entities’ customers to pay at each other’s merchant point of sale.
This is a major milestone in creating an enabling environment in furtherance of the financial inclusion agenda of both entities and the Government of Ghana.
A press statement signed jointly by Director of Legal and External Affairs, Vodafone Ghana, Preba Greensheet, and Chief Corporate Services Officer, MTN Ghana, Mr Nana Kofi Asare, copied to GNA said the service was launched on March 1, 2023, and was available to all Vodafone Cash and MTN Mobile Money customers.
The Customers of both networks can now make direct payments for goods and services at any MTN Mobile Money or Vodafone Cash merchant point across the country.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of MMLMr Shaibu Haruna, said that the step made was in line with MTN Group’s ambition of developing the largest financial services platform in Africa.
He added that they were committed to building an all-inclusive payment ecosystem that provided a platform for all players to flourish.
“We look forward to partnering with other players in the market to leverage off our distribution network to offer their services to customers,” he noted.
Madam Judith Adumua-Bossman, Acting Mobile Financial Services Manager at Vodafone Cash, said they believed that partnerships were key to expanding access to financial services for everyone and they were dedicated to creating innovative solutions that would help their customers better manage their financial goals.
Madam Adumua-Bossman said, “this is a truly historic moment for us, and this new feature underscores our commitment towards growing accessibility, convenience and value for our customers.”
A leader in Ghana’s telecommunications industry Vodafone Ghana is at the front of the charge for a green energy revolution in Africa.
In line with Vodafone Group, the business is taking significant steps to reduce its impact on the planet by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025 and becoming net zero by 2040.
To set the ball rolling, the company is starting with the solarization of two telephone exchanges in Accra – Dansoman and Achimota. A telephone exchange is an important but energy-hungry part of the communications network, responsible for connecting people by constantly processing large amounts of voice and data.
25,622.1KWh of solar power was generated to run Vodafone’s Dansoman exchange in 2022. This is equivalent to ~11,839kg of CO2 reduced from the environment. While this may seem a modest amount in comparison to the ~400 million tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere yearly because of human activity worldwide, takes each individual cumulative effect to make the substantial difference necessary.
Prior to the completion of the Achimota exchange solarisation project in 2022, Vodafone Ghana’s engineers are working to reduce energy consumption through obsolete equipment replacement with more energy-efficient ones. This was made possible through advancements in solar technology and recent upgrades to key components.
Through these solarisation projects, Vodafone Ghana aspires to take full control of its electricity requirements and manage them more efficiently and at substantially lower costs. Vodafone has engaged the relevant energy authorities on the possibility of feeding the excess energy produced by the Vodafone Ghana solarisation projects into the national grid to bolster its output to the nation.
As Sustainability Manager at Vodafone Ghana, Jacqueline Makumator-Jones shared in an interview, “…it is important that our business success does not come at the cost of the planet. We have committed to halving our environmental impact and reducing our carbon emissions by 2040. At Vodafone Ghana, we are taking major steps to green our energy consumption which accounts for a large percentage of the carbon footprint of our core operations.”
In the last decade, significant advancements have been made in the development of cheaper and more efficient solar and other green technologies. Nevertheless, businesses and governments remain hesitant to implement these technologies, citing cost as a key factor – a finding which was confirmed at the 2022 World Economic Forum in Davos.
Other factors found to be limiting the implementation of green technologies at both the macro and micro levels include a lack of will and a general ‘sluggish’ attitude towards green change. Experts and environmental activists from several countries have called for businesses and governments to finance the global transition to a greener future at a faster pace than they had been doing.
Vodafone Group is taking significant steps to reduce its impact on the planet, in line with which it has made commitments towards going 100% green. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025, becoming net zero by 2040, and purchasing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. As part of its social contract, Vodafone Ghana is also committed to ensuring compliance with all environmental requirements.
Speaking on the solarisation efforts, Chief Executive Office of Vodafone Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai stated that, ‘At Vodafone Ghana, our brand of corporate responsibility prioritises activities and actions that reduce the environmental impact on business and the communities in which we serve.
“The solarisation of our exchanges is a testament to our efforts in putting into action our green energy agenda to curb carbon emissions towards reducing the negative effects of climate change on our people and environment and reduce our dependence on the national grid. At Vodafone, we believe in advocating and practising greater responsibility that has a positive impact on the wider society.”
The Attorney General, after a thorough assessment has approved the sale of Vodafone Ghana to Telecel.
The Finance Ministry had earlier written to the Attorney General with a request for a review of all relevant transaction documents on the transfer of 70 percent majority shares in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Vodafone Ghana) held by Vodafone International Holdings B.V. to Telecel Group with a view to carrying out due diligence for the transaction and providing legal advice.
Commenting on the details of the transactions after the review the Attorney General indicated that the documents provided met all the conditions per Section 98 of the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), Regulations 34 of the Regulations and Articles 14 & 15 of the Shareholders’ Agreement.
In a letter cited by Citi Business News from the office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice to the Minister of Finance on the deal, the AG advised that “the transaction may proceed…”
This development was the final lap to complete the transfer of shares to be approved by the company’sboard.
With this concluded, insiders at Vodafone Ghana say the board will likely meet next week to approve the transaction.
Last year, Vodafone Ghana applied to the NCA to transfer 70 percent of its majority shares to Telecel, but this did not pull through after it failed to meet regulatory requirements.
The Authority earlier this year gave clearance but added that it was conditional on both sides making concessions and was issued in response to the assessment of the Telecel Group’s revised proposal.
The statement added, “Following the NCA’s decision, the buyer resubmitted a revised financial and technical proposal in December 2022 which demonstrated the needed capital investment to extend the deployment of 4G and launch innovative Fintech solutions,” the statement read in part.
“The NCA found that the revised proposal provided more clarity and certainty in terms of the funding required for the acquisition and commitments from both the Seller and buyer.
In addition, the buyer has strengthened the overall governance and management team, and made firm commitments toward meeting the regulatory requirements of the NCA,” it further indicated.
Based on this, the NCA determined that the Purchaser’s revised plan now satisfies regulatory requirements.
As a result, it gave conditional approval for the transfer of shares to the buyer, subject to the filing of a staff retention strategy.
But since news broke about the deal, there has been uneasy calm amongst the staff of Vodafone over their job security. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citi Business News, Managing Partner at Telecel Group, Nicholas Bourg, stated that there was no cause for concern.
The transfer of Vodafone International Holdings B.V.’s 70% ownership stake in Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Vodafone Ghana) to Telecel Group has received conditional permission from the National Communications Authority (NCA).
This is dependent on the seller making certain adjustments and the buyer giving the NCA certain assurances.
The NCA in a statement confirmed that the revised proposal from the buyer “now meets the regulatory threshold and hence has granted conditional approval for the transfer of shares to the Buyer including the submission of strategies for employee retention.”
In order to ensure a smooth transition and service continuity, it gave the general public and all stakeholders the assurance that it would keep working with Vodafone Ghana and the buyer to complete all outstanding regulatory procedures.
It would be recalled that in January 2022, Vodafone Ghana submitted a request to the NCA for the sale of 70% of the company’s majority shares, which were held by the seller, to the buyer.
The Buyer and Vodafone Ghana were both involved in the National Communications Authority’s evaluation of the application based on numerous criteria.
At the time, the NCA came to the conclusion that the request did not satisfy the legal requirements for approval to be given.
Following the NCA’s decision, the buyer resubmitted a revised financial and technical proposal in December 2022 which demonstrated the needed capital investment to extend the deployment of 4G and launch innovative Fintech solutions.
The NCA found that the revised proposal provided more clarity and certainty in terms of the funding required for the acquisition and the commitments from both the Seller and Buyer.
In addition, the Buyer has strengthened the overall governance and management team and made firm commitments to meeting the regulatory requirements of the NCA.
On a panel discussing “The Status of Ghanaian Women” at the EVE project’s inaugural meeting, Angela delivered these remarks.
Due to their lack of exposure to how technology is used in society, Angela noticed that the majority of job applicants lack practical skills.
“As young women in STEM, you must be pragmatic with the education you obtain,” she recommended in her submission. “Consider how you can apply the knowledge you have gained to address issues in society.
“In my field, for example, I am on the lookout for candidates who have experience with artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, robots, automation and digital marketing. So, while you are pursuing an education in physics, math or any other STEM discipline, you must consider how you will apply your knowledge in society.”
She explained how Vodafone Ghana has led the way in this area by making a concerted effort to expose young women to the experience of working in a real company through internships.
She also said that the presence of women in leadership roles at Vodafone Ghana gives these young women “real-life examples and role models who show what can be done after getting an education”.
According to Angela, Vodafone Ghana’s efforts have paid-off thanks to initiatives like the Female Engineering Students Sponsorship Programme.
The programme is a key part of the telco’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
It works with top STEM schools to find the best female engineering graduates and help them become leaders in their fields.
The 4th National Communications Honors was held this past weekend at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, and Vodafone Ghana won five important awards there.
The Vodafone Ghana Fixed Broadband team received the Access Innovation Award for Broadband Connectivity, while the Vodafone Ghana Foundation received the Social Contribution Award.
Furthermore, the organisers named Vodafone Cash one of Africa’s Top 20 Technology and Telecom Products.
Two of the telco’s executives were also honoured with Patricia Obo-Nai, Vodafone Ghana CEO, named Transformational Technology Leader of the Year, and Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, HR Director of Vodafone Ghana, was named Telecom HR Personality of the Year.
In her remarks about the awards, Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, Human Resources Director at Vodafone Ghana, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the event’s organisers, Vodafone employees, and customers.
“These awards demonstrate Vodafone Ghana’s commitment to introducing innovative and creative ways to ensure that we adhere to best practices.”
It validates our commitment to providing our customers with an unparalleled experience.
“We will continue to invest in our network and people to provide quality services to our customers,” she said.
These new awards, along with Vodafone’s extensive list of past honours, solidify the technology company’s leadership in product innovation, creative and engaging advertising, and sustainable community campaigns that promote development.
The National Communications Awards are a prestigious, high-impact development communications program created and produced by RAD Communications Limited to promote effective communication as a means of national development.
The awards are given to individuals and organisations that have demonstrated excellence while tackling new challenges in Ghana’s media, information, and communications sectors.
Vodafone Ghana received five prestigious awards at the 4th National Communications Awards, which was held this past weekend at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
The Vodafone Ghana Fixed Broadband team received the Access Innovation Award for Broadband Connectivity, while the Vodafone Ghana Foundation received the Social Contribution Award.
Furthermore, the organisers named Vodafone Cash one of Africa’s Top 20 Technology and Telecom Products.
Two of the telco’s executives were also honoured with Patricia Obo-Nai, Vodafone Ghana CEO, named Transformational Technology Leader of the Year, and Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, HR Director of Vodafone Ghana, was named Telecom HR Personality of the Year.
In her remarks about the awards, Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, Human Resources Director at Vodafone Ghana, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the event’s organisers, Vodafone employees, and customers.
“These awards demonstrate Vodafone Ghana’s commitment to introducing innovative and creative ways to ensure that we adhere to best practices.”
It validates our commitment to providing our customers with an unparalleled experience.
“We will continue to invest in our network and people to provide quality services to our customers,” she said.
These new awards, along with Vodafone’s extensive list of past honours, solidify the technology company’s leadership in product innovation, creative and engaging advertising, and sustainable community campaigns that promote development.
The National Communications Awards are a prestigious, high-impact development communications program created and produced by RAD Communications Limited to promote effective communication as a means of national development.
The awards are given to individuals and organisations that have demonstrated excellence while tackling new challenges in Ghana’s media, information, and communications sectors.
Vodafone Ghana has announced activities to mark the 2022 edition of its Care Month initiative, scheduled from October 3rd to 7th.
The telecommunications giant joins the world to celebrate International Customer Care Week, which is dedicated to celebrating customer service excellence, honouring employees who delight customers daily, and appreciating customers who support the growth of businesses.
Vodafone Ghana has also dubbed October ‘CARE Month’ and dedicated the period to celebrating its devoted clients at various touchpoints with Vodafone-branded mementoes, and free calls, as part of the celebration with the theme “Celebrate Service.”
Vodafone Ghana will also provide avenues for customers to engage in fun activities such as fastest fingers and captivating social media trivia to win several prizes, while also rewarding its customer-facing staff.
Speaking ahead of the week-long celebration, the Director of Digital Transformation and Commercial Operations, Angela Mensah-Poku, said: “While we highlight our frontline workers and other employees for their excellent service to our customers, we also acknowledge the support and patronage of our customers that have significantly contributed to the progress of our business. Care Week also allows us to reaffirm our commitment to always give our customers value through excellent services and products.”
The telecommunications company is known for improving its products, services, and customer experiences with a focus on the demands of the client. Customers benefit from this and are better able to adapt to the rapidly changing digital world.
Vodafone Ghana will mark the 2022 Customer Service Week event across all its channels.
In order to offer consumers who visit service stations, lube bays, restaurants, and TotalEnergies’ recently announced electric vehicle (EV) charging docks Wi-Fi, VODAFONE Ghana has teamed with TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC.
The collaboration highlights the business’s dedication to expanding customer access to quick, easy, and dependable wireless internet options.
According to a press release from the business, “Vodafone Ghana’s internet solution will reliably keep consumers connected whenever they visit TotalEnergies service stations.
Employee productivity and efficiency are also facilitated because they can work from anywhere on the firm grounds.
Speaking on collaboration, the Director of the Enterprise Business Unit at Vodafone Ghana, Tawa Bolarin, said the initiative will allow her outfit to expand internet connectivity to its customers no matter where they find themselves.
Digital transformation
“We are leveraging this partnership to enhance the customer experience in internet connectivity. In recent times, more people are working remotely, sometimes multitasking at different locations.
“As a company whose hallmark has been to drive the nation’s digital transformation, we are excited to extend Wi-Fi access to Ghanaians through our partnership with TotalEnergies,” she said.
Ms Bolarin lauded TotalEnergies’ innovation and revealed that customers can expect the service at many more locations in the coming months.
“We are particularly excited to partner with TotalEnergies to launch this service, which offers free Wi-Fi powered by Vodafone Ghana at selected TotalEnergies Service Stations. This site is the first of many—there will be three additional sites in Accra and Kumasi by the end of 2022.
“For Vodafone Ghana, this is another milestone in our digital transformation journey. We are proud to partner with Total Energies in this venture,” she added.
The Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC, Olufemi Babajide, said the partnership with the private and public sectors was crucial to accelerate change and promote innovation and new technologies.
Know this
– Vodafone Ghana’s Enterprise Wi-Fi is a wireless internet solution that businesses can use to keep their customers and employees connected at their premises.
– Its features include quota management, rich analytics dashboards, social media integration, SMS and email integration, and more.
