According to her, a well-managed diversity in every sector brings about innovation, renewal, alternatives, and gives more opportunities than operating as a single entity.

[contextly_sidebar id=”CAieoEzt3oqE7GM2N1kkeYWbxS1qM0Oo”]Speaking at this year’s springboard show in Kumasi at the main auditorium of the Calvary Charismatic Center (CCC), she emphasized the need for business persons to be aware of diversity to enable them implement their strategies successfully.

Mrs. Asiedu Ofori also challenged businesses to continually renew their ideas to suit the emerging trends to be able to mitigate the gaps that are created in the sector they operate in.

She believes such measures will go a long way to help local businesses achieve their set targets and objectives.

“I believe that we should never stop learning because you continually have to renew yourself, look at what the emerging trends are, look at where you are, see what the gaps are and mitigate those gaps. So when you are operating in a certain function you need to look at yourself and see where you are going. Look at the vision and make sure that vision is accomplished”.

The Corporate Executive also tasked students not to be content with the old way things are done in the market space but try new techniques.

She said MTN-Ghana will continue to partner with agencies that focus on grooming the future leaders of the country.

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By: Hafiz Tijani/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Diversify to be competitive – MTN Executive to businesses appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The ambitious business strategy was revealed by MTN CEO Rob Shuter yesterday during the Deloitte Africa in 2018 Outlook conference in Woodmead.

The company is encouraged by the progress made by its Mobile Money offering in other geographies that it operates in. This is despite MTN Mobile Money failing to gain traction in the South African market, with the telco eventually killing it off in 2016 due to lack of commercial viability.

MTN Mobile Money allows anyone with a mobile phone to send and receive money quickly, safely, affordably and conveniently.

“The core digital service that we have decided to put our money on is Mobile Money,” said Shuter. “Mobile Money is really about leveraging the strength of the brand and leveraging the strength of the distribution because we have built a huge informal distribution network for prepaid airtime to bring customers into a transactional banking system.”

He pointed out that MTN has deployed Mobile Money across 14 markets and “if we look at our 30-day active users, which is the most important matric, we are growing by half a million customers a month. I think that’s pretty cool and today we are sitting at 21 million subscribers.

“We are a new age transactional banking provider and it’s a very big imperative for us, and the key thing we want to do is to scale it rapidly.”

According to Shuter, MTN wants to build Mobile Money into a 60 million customer business in the next three to four years.

“We will be the largest bank in Africa, leveraging scale, network, brand, infrastructure and distribution,” he noted.

More opportunities

Detailing the company’s other plans, Shuter said he is upbeat about the economies of Africa and the Middle East, where the telco has operations.

“We are very optimistic about what we see. For us, we see more opportunities than challenges. We see the need to focus on our core geographies and this is partially because this is where we see the growth. We see Asia-Pacific as the fastest growing economy but Middle East and Africa are also following suit.”

MTN looks at the market in terms of three core customer segments – consumer, enterprise and wholesale, Shuter pointed out.

“If we look at consumer, what’s quite inspiring for us, looking at our geographies, is we have a population of about 650 million people across the 22 markets we operate in. In the next three to four years, that 650 million people is going to grow to 700 million people. An increase of 50 million people is the same as adding another South Africa to the portfolio.

“So that gives us a lot of opportunity, actually still in the traditional voice business – SIM penetration, voice, handsets, SMS, etc.”

The three biggest markets for MTN are SA, Nigeria and Iran, Shuter said, adding the economic conditions are improving. “In Nigeria, oil prices are coming back and inflation is coming under control. South Africa is also witnessing winds of change politically, while Iran is a market that is opening up, particularly to Europe, despite the rhetoric that we hear from the US.”

He said the other aspect that defines the market is the low level of Internet and digital services.

“When you look at the adoption of mobile Internet, we are talking 20% to 30% of these markets. These are markets with born-digital youthful populations – these are people who were introduced to the Internet on a mobile device.”

He believes there is also potential for the adoption of digital services – Mobile Money, media, entertainment and social media.

“So there are a lot of positives in the consumer side of the business. If we are looking at the market size, we are looking at R500 billion to R600 billion in all the geographies that we operate in; that’s about two-thirds of the market. If you want to be successful for the long run in our industry, you have to be very well-positioned in the consumer market in terms of brand, products, network, technology, resources, etc.”

Enterprise push

Regarding the enterprise market, Shuter said it’s valued at R210 billion and growing 8% year-on-year.

“For sure, we have to be successful in the consumer segment because that’s the biggest segment but for an operator like us, a push in the enterprise sector can make a very big difference. It’s a large market with decent growth.

“In fact, of that R210 billion market, about 60% is just in pure connectivity and most of that is purely mobile. On top of that, there is rapid adoption of new technologies like unified communications, machine-to-machine, Internet of things and connected devices.”

Speaking about the R30 billion wholesale market, Shuter said MTN is looking to tap into services like roaming to boost its revenue.

“Wholesale is about telcos selling to telcos. So telcos and mobile operators across those geographies build networks in-country but they still need to connect to other networks and they need to find a way to get their traffic either up into the sky to satellites or to the edge of Africa and connect it to an undersea cable for international traffic. So we are also looking to take advantage of this.”

Credit: MTN Africa

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Officials have said they will weed out persons whose activities are inimical to the Mobile Money business.

Officials have also warned that agents who are caught in malpractices will be blacklisted and will lose their businesses.

These remarks were made at an event to reward over 100 mobile money agents from about 214 businesses for their continuous dedication and partnership with the service.

The special event, which was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi, was to show the company’s gratitude to the mobile agents who operate in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the  General Manager of Mobile Financial Services at MTN Ghana, Eli Hini said the telecom company will continue to advise and sensitize mobile money agents on the need to abide by the rules and regulations governing the financial transactions.

“The thing is, at the level we are, when you are caught in any malpractice, you lose your business. We blacklist you. And when we blacklist you, you are gone. You don’t have any opportunity to do the business again because there is a database that allows us to track everybody and monitor. So once we kick you out you can’t do it for any of the other [service] providers. So I think for me, it is important that we have agents who are dedicated to the job and these are the crop of people we have brought here. And if these are the good ones we have, then the opportunity there is for them to help us have a clean business.”

He said the company will continue to work with the agents to make the Mobile Money platform bigger and better.

The awardees took home certificates, plaques and items including television sets, generators, rechargeable fans, Huawei smartphones, motorbikes and MTN-branded souvenirs.

Some of the mobile agents expressed their delight with the awards programme by MTN and the prizes they were given.

The MTN Mobile Money platform currently boasts of over 6.2 million active “MoMo” users and 75,000 agents nationwide since it was launched about a decade ago in the country.

MTN-Ghana has pledged to remain poised to use innovative technology to make money transfer transactions much more simple and convenient for its existing and prospective subscribers.

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By: Hafiz Tijani/Citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post A/Region: MTN rewards dedicated Mobile Money agents appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The telecom company assumed the position after a vigorous exercise which ranked the various organizations that entered the competition based on some selected criteria.

In addition to being adjudged the second best company for this year, MTN also picked the best company in three special award categories.

These included; the best company in child issues, large taxpayer as well as largest company categories.

The award was presented at this year’s edition of the Ghana Club 100 organised by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The Acting Corporate Services Executive at MTN, Samuel Koranteng who spoke to Citi Business News on the impressions the honor leaves the company with said,

“This evening is recognition of the hard work the management and staff of MTN have put into the business, as well as the support of our customers who we provide relevant products and services to.”

For his part, the CEO of the GIPC, Mr. Yofi Grant stressed that the GC100 awards will strengthen competition in Ghana’s business sector and drive the provision of quality services and products to consumers.

This year’s edition of the Ghana Club 100 awards was on the theme, “Industrialization – A Tool for Job Creation and Accelerated Economic Development”.

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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana

The post MTN is 2nd best company in Ghana Club 100 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, the stealing of cars and motorbikes can be reduced drastically, if owners will commit resources to protect the assets.

Motorbikes are the most accessible means of transport in the Upper East Region, and the menace of motorcycle snatching in the region is rampant.

Speaking at the MTN editors forum for journalist in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, Mr. Koranteng said, the menace of motor snatching in the country can be addressed through MTN’s tracking device.

“We need to protect our vehicles and motorbikes with the tracking system or device, and that will ensure that, in the unlikely event that your motorbike is stolen, you will always be able to retrieve the motorbike wherever it would be in the world.”

“The tracking device is hidden within a vehicle or a motorbike, and wouldn’t be affected by water or the weather, and it allows you to know where one’s motor is at any point in time from your mobile phone or tablet. So when you report your motor or vehicle stolen, the police can easily assist you to retrieve it particularly when you have the tracking device on it,” Mr. Koranteng stated.

He also hinted that, communities in the country without MTN network coverage will be connected soon.

Mr. Koranteng explained that, MTN Ghana is partnering with GIRFEC to use a frequency called the UMTS 900 through the use of solar technology, to extend network services to communities without MTN network.

He said MTN hopes to reach out to 300 communities by end of January 2018.

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By: Frederick Awuni/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Use our tracking device to retrieve stolen cars – MTN appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The company’s acting Corporate Executive, Samuel Koranteng, said MTN is re-strategizing to upgrade its fiber optic by means of boosting the speed of its internet connectivity.

He was addressing a group of journalists and bloggers in Tamale during the company’s annual Editors Forum.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to invest more of its profits into projects under its Social Corporate Responsibility.

Samuel Koranteng applauded the company’s numerous customers and urged them to renew their customer loyalty.

Other senior officers of MTN lamented the infiltration of mobile money transactions by scammers, and advised subscribers to keep their pin codes as a top secret.

They also described cable theft as a major obstruction to their services and called for the general public’s support.

They admonished MTN customers to take advantage of their tracking system to ensure maximum security at home and at the workplace.

Information Communication Technology Consultant, Maximus Ametor, in a presentation on the efficacy of social media, advised the participants to desist from churning out fake news on social media platforms.

“Avoid fake news on social media and go by the ethics of traditional media, and don’t be addicted to social media. As a media house or Journalist, your offline reputation or social standing is very important. Your reputation for credible news will earn you more audience.”

He stressed the importance of social media saying, “A lot of people now subscribe to social media because it is cost-effective.”

Maximus Ametor highly praised Citi FM for understanding and abiding by news production protocols.

According to him, Citi FM has a credible brand visibility and lauded the Citi TV channel on Facebook.

He advised the participants to be objective in their reportage, and abstain from being addicted to social media content.

“Don’t be addicted to social media and be objective. News timeliness is important, but content relevance is crucial.”

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post MTN promises improved services during Christmas and beyond appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A recent internal inquiry by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had revealed that in some of the cases, some employees of telecommunication companies, were found to be complicit in the act.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Yw2jUvx5YdDcJrzhVNMzt9aN8i4LtNaI”]Telco staff are reported to without authorization, access the database of mobile money merchants, and change the registration details of customers in order to withdraw money from their accounts.

Reports indicate that, the staff who are in agreement with criminals, sometimes reset the number with the money to a new owner in the database, which gives the new owner access to change the PIN and withdraw monies.

They then acquire new SIM cards and use the pins to withdraw monies from merchants.

The General Manager of Mobile Financial Services at MTN, Eli Hini, on Eyewitness News however insisted no employee of MTN had ever been implicated in these fraudulent activities.

“None of our staff has been arrested and let me put it on record that our staff are not involved in protecting these fraudsters and no one is working behind the scenes to assist these fraudsters.”

He also dismissed suggestions by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that his outfit and other telcos are failing to cooperate with the former’s attempt to address the challenge.

The Director in charge of Cyber Crime Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Superintendent, Dr. Herbert Gustav Yankson, had expressed worry that managers of some mobile telecom operators do not give the necessary information to the police concerning suspects in mobile money fraud who work in the telcos.

Mr. Hini however rubbished these suggestions, saying “The partnership between us and the Police is unquestionable. We took the first step to educate and build capacity for the Police Service so they will be able to understand the modus operandi of these fraudsters so that they can also support us in the fight against fraud,  so for them to say that we are not cooperating is not the right picture.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post MTN staff not involved in mobile money fraud – Manager appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to them, businesses must adapt to global technological development to improve service growth and customer satisfaction.

These remarks were made at the 7th edition of the MTN Internet Festival (IFEST) at the Kumasi City Mall (KCM) in the Ashanti Region.

Manager in charge of Channel and Data at the Northern Business District of MTN Ghana, Steven Asare entreated businesses to bridge the technological gap in the delivery of services to their clients.

“Internet connectivity and data is critical to businesses. Because whatever you do, you need to use internet in one way or the other. This world we are now in a global village so anything that you do, you should leverage or use data or internet to ensure efficiency and productivity in service delivery. So we urge individuals, we urge corporate institutions, we SMEs to see what data or internet can do for them in their businesses.”

IFEST, an annual internet festival which is spearheaded by MTN-Ghana is basically to let people know and appreciate the importance of internet in their daily lives and businesses.

The festival since its inception in 2010 in the Greater Accra Region has increased the company’s data subscription from 2.3 to 11.5 million.

Mr Asare indicated that MTN-Ghana was also using the month-long festival to educate its subscribers on the advantages of using 4G services which is four to ten times faster than the 3G.

He urged subscribers to get 4G compatible smartphones and swap their Sim cards to enjoy faster and convenient internet and data services.

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By: Hafiz Tijani/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Use Internet to enhance productivity – MTN to businesses appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The GHc 560,000 e-library was initiated with IGF funding covering finishing and furnishing, servers and accessories, and e-journal subscription among others.

It is equipped with 90 ultra modern computers, and is expected to provide access to electronic sources of information including journals and electronic books from reputable database and publishers.

Speaking at a short handing over ceremony at the school, the senior manager, sustainability and social impact of the MTN Foundation, Mrs. Georgina Fiagbenu, assured the university of MTN’s continuous support to education in the country.

“We are always enthused to support education and other social activities in the country, and the completion of this electronic library is an example of our continuous support to helping improve education in this country. We are very sure the library will be put to good use to benefit those from far and near to also have access to it.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Smile Dzisi, who was delighted with the kind gesture from the MTN Foundation, said the Koforidua Technical University has now decided to focus on soft and employable skills in addition to innovation and entrepreneurial attitude as the trademark of its graduates.

“…this explains why we strive hard to upgrade our facilities such as workshops, laboratories and lecture halls to internationally acceptable standards. The importance of a library in the life of a university cannot be over emphasized, and for this electronic library we are very grateful to MTN because with this support MTN continues to demonstrate commitment to corporate social responsibility and making a positive sustainable impact on the communities in which they operate.”

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By: Neil Nii Amatey Kanarku/citifmonline.coom/Ghana

The post MTN commissions e-library at Koforidua Technical University appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Mrs. Cynthia Lumour, Corporate Executive of MTN issued this advice to users of the mobile money service.

[contextly_sidebar id=”a3lUZb94ZGNCn94erQ4gybfldF0HAPbx”]She said the hike in the number of mobile money fraud cases could be attributed to the inability of users to hide their pins from vendors and other subscribers.

She has thus warned against sharing pin with other people, adding that users change their pins whenever the need be.

“We advise customers never to share their pin with anybody. And so for example if you’re going to do a transaction, enter the pin yourself, don’t let anyone see it, even the vendor. And if you think someone has seen your pin, you should change it.”

Mrs. Lumour also advised that “if you get a message that says someone has sent you money, make sure you check your balance before you make any transaction.”

There has been an increase recently in the number of fraud cases on the mobile money platform. In 2016, 388 mobile money fraud cases were recorded across all mobile money operators in Ghana.

By May 2017, MTN had recorded about 48 cases of fraud.

The Corporate Executive of MTN assured users of the Telco’s commitment of ensuring that the trend is curtailed, however, she advised users to give extra attention to detail.

“All of the things we can do internally are definitely being done. We have very strict processes in place, nobody can access who doesn’t have a business accessing our networks and we do checks to make sure that there haven’t been unauthorized access”

“But while we are doing the technology related things that can assist with minimizing or eliminating the problem, what we as users can also do is to be aware that these fraudsters are out there. And pay attention when you’re doing your transactions, we tell you, once you put in the phone number you’re transacting to, the name comes up, so make sure that what you type is what you wanted to type in.”

She noted that most fraudsters play on the “sympathy” of most users, warning that, don’t take in such people.”

“We know of cases where somebody will say, ‘oh I was sending money to my sick mother and the last digit was just like yours, and so I sent it to you by accident’, you believe him and send it and realize no money has been sent to you. When anyone says they have sent you money on your phone, even if you believe it check your balance, make sure your balance is what it is, and if someone claims to have sent you money, the balance should reflect that.

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By: Lauretta Timah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Protect your Mobile Money pins – MTN urges subscribers appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.