Vodafone Ghana To Fully Rebrand To “Telecel” By End of February 2024

About Telecel Group

Telecel Group is an Africa-focused Telecom company with a diverse approach in the telecom space driven by digitalization and innovation. It has successfully established itself as a key service provider for both mobile users and enterprises, focusing on selected areas of development to ensure significant future growth on the African continent. Telecel is also an anchor for supporting start-ups with its African Start-up Initiative Program, “ASIP”.

The Telecel Group, an Africa-focused telecommunication company is gearing up to fully rebrand Vodafone Ghana to “Telecel” by the end of February 2024.

The group acquired 70% majority shares in Vodafone Ghana (Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited – GTCL) in February 2023.

What They’re Saying

In a statement by the CEO of Telecel Group, Moh Damush stated “In February 2023, Telecel completed the acquisition of Vodafone Ghana, setting the stage for a massive rebranding campaign.

“This evolution represents more than just a name change; it signifies our commitment to advancing telecommunications in Ghana with a renewed focus on meeting the evolving needs of our customers.

“This rebranding represents a bold step forward into a future where innovation, quality and customer satisfaction remain at the core of who we are. Our goal is to provide Ghanaians with exceptional services, exceeding their expectations”.

Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Vodafone Ghana said, “I am truly excited about this transition. Our goal is to deliver a great network for our customers, enabling connectivity that promotes personal and business growth.

What Happens Next

The rebranding process will start in January and will be complete with a full brand reveal at the end of February 2024.

The rebranding will cover Vodafone Ghana and its three subsidiaries:

• National Communication Backbone Company Limited (Vodafone Wholesale)
• Vodafone Ghana Mobile Financial Services Limited (Vodafone Cash)
• 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.

The Top Employers Institute has once again recognised Vodafone Ghana as a Top Employer for both Ghana and Africa for 2024. This year marks the sixth consecutive win for the company in Ghana and the fifth across Africa, solidifying its position as a leader in corporate human resource practices.

Vodafone Ghana has consistently demonstrated excellence across various criteria set by the Top Employers Institute, including People Strategy, Leadership, Work Environment, Digital HR, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Rewards & Recognition, Employee Engagement, Well-being, and Diversity & Inclusion. These comprehensive criteria underscore the company’s commitment to fostering an environment that values and nurtures its workforce.

The significance of this recognition cannot be overstated, especially considering the dynamic and competitive business landscape of Ghana and Africa. It enhances Vodafone Ghana’s reputation, but also sets a benchmark for other companies in the region.

The accolade comes amid significant changes for the company as it rebrands into ‘Telecel Ghana’. Following the approval by the National Communication Authority (NCA), Telecel Group acquired a majority stake in Vodafone Ghana in February 2023. The impending rebrand to Telecel Ghana is expected to usher in a new era of innovation and growth, while retaining the core values and practices that have earned the company its esteemed status.

Ashiokai Akrong, Human Resources Director at Vodafone Ghana, commented on the achievement and the ongoing transition, stating: “This recognition from the Top Employers Institute is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our people and their development, even as we embrace the exciting journey of becoming Telecel Ghana. We are dedicated to continuing our legacy of excellence and innovation in the field of human resources”.

The impact of such a prestigious recognition, coupled with the significant corporate transition, speaks volumes about the company’s ability to maintain high standards of employee engagement and satisfaction, even during periods of substantial change.