The Telecel Group, an Africa-focused telecommunications company, is set to complete the comprehensive rebranding of Vodafone Ghana to “Telecel” by the conclusion of February 2024. This strategic initiative follows the acquisition of a 70% majority stake in Vodafone Ghana (Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited – GTCL) in February 2023.
In a statement, Telecel Group CEO Moh Damush emphasised the significance of the rebranding, stating, “The acquisition of Vodafone Ghana in February 2023 paved the way for an extensive rebranding campaign. This transformation goes beyond a mere name change; it underscores our dedication to advancing telecommunications in Ghana, with a renewed focus on meeting the evolving needs of our customers. The rebranding marks a bold stride into a future where innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction remain integral to our identity. Our objective is to offer Ghanaians exceptional services that surpass their expectations.”
Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Vodafone Ghana, expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating, “I am truly excited about this evolution. Our aim is to provide a superior network for our customers, fostering connectivity that supports personal and business growth.”
The rebranding process, set to commence in January, will culminate in a full brand reveal at the end of February 2024. The rebranding efforts will extend across Vodafone Ghana and its three subsidiaries: National Communication Backbone Company Limited (Vodafone Wholesale), Vodafone Ghana Mobile Financial Services Limited (Vodafone Cash), and Vodafone Ghana Foundation.
Telecel Group Expands 4G Coverage in Ghana Following Vodafone Acquisition.
Following the acquisition of a 70% majority stake in Vodafone Ghana, the Telecel Group has intensified its growth strategy by deploying an additional 300 4G sites across various regions in Ghana. This expansion underscores Telecel’s unwavering commitment to elevating the quality of the acquired network as part of a broader strategic expansion plan. Emphasising the significance of this initiative, the Chief Operating Officer, Malek Atrissi, highlighted that the 4G rollout represents a pivotal step toward achieving sustained nationwide growth.
Presently, only about 15% of mobile users in Ghana utilise 4G, with the majority still relying on 3G. As of June 2023, Vodafone Ghana had less than 5% of subscribers on 4G. MTN Ghana dominates the market with over 67% market share and a 21% 4G adoption rate. Smaller players, AirtelTigo and Glo Mobile, do not offer 4G services. Regulatory measures have been implemented to address MTN’s dominance, and recent technology neutrality rules aim to facilitate increased 4G deployment for competitive purposes.
Telecel acknowledged the support of the Ghanaian government in its rapid 4G expansion. Since entering the Ghanaian market, Telecel has swiftly modernised Vodafone’s network to close the 4G gap, aligning with its mission to enrich digital experiences for Ghanaians. This substantial 4G investment underscores Telecel’s commitment to enhancing services in Ghana’s dynamic telecoms market, recognizing the critical role of 4G connectivity as data usage continues to grow.
