Vodafone Ghana, following its acquisition last year by the Telecel Group led by French tycoon Hugues Mulliez, has fully rebranded and is now operating under the banner of Telecel Ghana.
Telecel Ghana has assumed control over a spectrum of services, encompassing fixed telephone lines, internet connectivity, voice and data services, as well as financial and business services, which were previously under the management of Vodafone.
This transition comes after Telecel Group’s acquisition of a 70% majority stake in Vodafone Ghana, signalling a pivotal moment in the telecommunications landscape of the West African country.
In February, the Africa Credit Opportunities Fund (ACOF) and Telecel Group announced they had joined forces to invest $20mn in Telecel Global Services to bolster the latter’s presence in West Africa, capitalising on opportunities for growth and development in the region.
During the official rebranding ceremony, Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, reiterated the company’s commitment to innovation and digital inclusivity on the freshly unveiled Telecel network.
Obo-Nai pledged an enhanced customer experience on the Telecel platform, highlighting improved service delivery and a strategic focus on mobile financial solutions.
As part of Telecel Ghana’s rebranding efforts, the Telecel Play app has been introduced, poised to deliver a suite of digital innovations and mobile financial services to customers.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s vice president Mahamudu Bawumia has called on telecommunication companies operating in the country to move beyond seeking to expand the physical infrastructure of their operations to investing in the human and other resources that are at the heart of their offerings to the Ghanaian and African market.
Speaking at the launch of operations for Telecel Ghana, he reminded telcos, fintechs and stakeholders in the technology ecosystem that one of the surest ways of ensuring lasting success is investing in the youth, who are the future of any endeavor.
“Let me challenge you to look beyond physical infrastructure. Your corporate social responsibility must include a deliberate investment and development of the digital capabilities and capacities of young Ghanaians across the country at all levels. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, remember that you also have a role in shaping the future of our nation,” he said.
Welcoming the Telecel Group to Ghana with a hearty “Akwaaba”, Dr Bawumia urged them to be worthy partners for national development.
“I applaud your commitment to corporate social responsibility through the Telecel Foundation and Africa Start-Up Initiative Programme (ASIP). Your initiatives to support education, healthcare, and support for start-ups reflect your dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond business success. This aligns perfectly with our government’s vision of building a more equitable and prosperous society for all Ghanaians.
“As key players in the telecommunications industry, I urge you to uphold the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and corporate governance in all your endeavours. I have no doubt that this brand will not only thrive but also contribute significantly to the advancement of our nation’s telecommunications sector.”
Telecel Group
The Telecel Group acquired Vodafone International’s 70% stake in Ghana Telecom in February 2023, with the Government of Ghana retaining its 30% stake. The two organisations have since been working to synergize their operations, with changes in leadership and operations. Patricia Obo-Nai, first Ghanaian CEO of Vodafone Ghana, has been tapped as the first CEO of Telecel Ghana.
Operating in over 27 countries, with over six million active subscribers, Telecel aims to digitally empower Africa through technology, connecting remote areas for inclusivity, and focusing on education as a catalyst for growth and accessibility, according to its Board.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairman and Co-founder of the Telecel Group, Mr. Nicolas Bourg, said the company intends to focus on “positive disruption and innovation in the Ghanaian telecoms market,” adding “we chose to invest in Ghana because of the manifest potential of the youth and people of Ghana.”
Source: Daily Mail GH