Overview

MTN Ghana continues to advance its emissions reduction efforts through the targeted deployment of renewable energy and improvements in infrastructure efficiency. Under Project Zero, the business is transitioning high energy-consuming facilities to cleaner power sources while reducing operational energy use through modernised cooling systems and energy-efficient lighting upgrades.

The 2024 programme included interventions at three data/switch centres, the MTN House facility, and 39 BTS sites. Solar power systems were installed at sites in Accra, Kumasi and other locations, bringing the total installed capacity to 2.4 MW. As a result, 64% of switch/data centre energy and 54% of BTS site energy now come from green sources.

To further improve efficiency, MTN Ghana implemented its Cooling Unit Modernisation project, replacing 84 conventional cooling systems with variable-speed compressor units, significantly reducing power consumption at critical facilities.

Response

Ghana’s energy sector faces high electricity costs, rolling blackouts (“dumsor”) owing to grid instability and heavily relies on fossil fuels as an energy source. These conditions contribute to increased emissions and operational volatility for businesses with large-scale infrastructure needs.

To reduce exposure to these risks, MTN Ghana prioritised energy transformation through a combination of solar integration and infrastructure upgrades, applying the Reduce pillar of MTN Group’s Net Zero strategy. In 2024, the business achieved an 11% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions against a target of 12.5%. The actual emissions reduction achieved was 4 339tCO2e. 

Emissions reduction

15.6% decrease in emissions. In 2023 an emissions reduction of 2 136tCO2e was achieved and in 2024 an emissions reduction value of 3 325tCO2e was achieved. 

Cost savings

US$0.46 million in 2024 with a cumulative savings of US$0.80 million since 2022.

Enhanced business sustainability 

3.1MWh saved from grid power. 12% to 16% reduction in cooling power

consumption. 265 000 litres of diesel saved.

Outlook

MTN Ghana aims to further optimise energy efficiency and scale its green initiatives. By 2027, the full implementation of its solar energy and cooling system modernisation projects is expected to enhance operational resilience, reduce environmental impact and drive sustainable cost efficiencies across its network.