MTN Ghana has made significant contributions to public finances, paying GH¢9.0 billion in direct and indirect taxes to the state in the first nine months of 2026. This figure exceeds the company's profit after tax of GH¢7.8 billion for the same period. According to the company's latest unaudited financial statements, tax payments rose from GH¢7.3 billion in the prior year to GH¢9.0 billion. The company's financial results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2026, show a substantial increase in tax payments.
In addition to the direct and indirect taxes, MTN Ghana also paid GH¢533.6 million in fees and levies to government agencies. The company's profit after tax increased by 43.0 per cent year-on-year to GH¢7.8 billion. This growth was driven by a 33.5 per cent surge in service revenue to GH¢23.2 billion, underpinned by strong performances in data, digital, and Mobile Money segments. The company's financial performance is a testament to its resilience and diversification.
Data revenue proved to be the primary growth engine for MTN Ghana, surging by 44.5 per cent to GH¢13.5 billion. This growth was supported by a 16.1 per cent increase in active data subscribers to 22.0 million. Digital revenue nearly doubled, growing by 98.0 per cent to GH¢642 million, while Mobile Money revenue rose by 24.4 per cent to GH¢5.4 billion. The company's data and digital segments have shown significant growth.
MTN Ghana's Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) expanded by 40.6 per cent to GH¢14.3 billion. The EBITDA margin expanded by 3.1 percentage points to 61.5 per cent. The resulting profit before tax stood at GH¢11.4 billion, representing a 47.0 per cent increase. The company's financial performance has been robust.
The company's tax expense for the period was GH¢3.6 billion, up from GH¢2.3 billion in the prior year. This increase reflects the higher taxable earnings. Despite the heavy tax burden and substantial capital expenditure of GH¢3.2 billion, the company's earnings per share increased by 42.9 per cent to GH¢0.586. The company's ability to manage its expenses has contributed to its growth.
MTN Ghana's CEO, Stephen Blewett, attributed the company's results to the resilience and diversification of its growth engines. He noted that the business made significant investments in network capacity, including the acquisition of 5G spectrum in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands for US$202 million. The company's investments in network capacity have supported its growth.
The company declared a third-quarter interim dividend of GH¢0.03 per share. MobileMoney Fintech LTD also declared a similar dividend to its shareholders. MTN Ghana's financial performance has been strong, and the company has made significant contributions to public finances. The company's growth is expected to continue.
Key points
- MTN Ghana paid GH¢9.0 billion in taxes to the state in the first nine months of 2026.
- The company's profit after tax increased by 43.0 per cent year-on-year to GH¢7.8 billion.
- Data revenue surged by 44.5 per cent to GH¢13.5 billion, driven by a 16.1 per cent increase in active data subscribers.
