In recent weeks, MTN Ghana has found itself at the center of a growing storm. What began as a technical hiccup has now sparked widespread frustration, with customers reporting sudden data losses and unexplained depletion of their internet bundles. The issue has raised serious questions about transparency, billing accuracy, and customer trust in Ghana’s largest telecom provider.
The backlash began on July 1, 2025, when MTN rolled out a new data offer promising 15% more data at no extra cost. But instead of celebration, many users were met with disappointment. A major system glitch disrupted data bundle purchases nationwide, leaving customers unable to access the promised bonus or even buy regular bundles. MTN acknowledged the issue and apologized, assuring users that technical teams were working to restore services.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the company disclosed that the glitch has temporarily disabled customers’ ability to purchase data bundles, including access to the newly launched bonus offer.
“Whilst implementing the data offer, which will provide 15% additional volume of data from today, 1st July, 2025, MTN experienced a major technical issue which has affected data bundle purchases, including the data volume offer,” the statement noted
But the problem didn’t end there.
Ghanaian comedian DKB took to social media with a viral video, accusing MTN of selling data bundles that vanish far too quickly. He claimed that a 214GB bundle lasted only 18 days, while a smaller 92GB bundle had previously lasted him two months. “MTN Ghana, what is the meaning of this?” he asked, tagging the company and demanding answers. His post struck a chord, with thousands of users echoing similar experiences.
As cited by NewsandVibes, DKB’s complaint has triggered a wave of public debate. Many customers say they’ve noticed faster data depletion despite using their devices the same way. Some suspect hidden charges or faulty tracking systems. Others believe the glitch may have affected how data is measured and credited.
MTN, for its part, has yet to offer a detailed explanation. While the company has apologized for the inconvenience, the lack of clarity has only fueled more speculation. The timing of the glitch, coinciding with a government directive to improve data value has made matters worse. Under the new policy, all major telecom operators were expected to boost data volumes without increasing prices. MTN, as the dominant player, was specifically instructed to restore its GH¢399 bundle to 214GB and apply the 15% bonus across all packages.
According to Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology & Innovations, the reforms were designed to give Ghanaians better value for money. He also directed the National Communications Authority to monitor implementation and conduct quarterly audits to ensure billing accuracy.
As MTN works to fix the glitch and regain customer trust, the incident has exposed deeper concerns about how telecom companies manage data and communicate with users. For now, many Ghanaians are watching closely, hoping for answers and fairer service.
The tech behind the glitch: A deeper look at MTN’s digital backbone
Beyond the billing concerns, MTN Ghana’s recent challenges have sparked broader conversations about the technology behind data management. As Ghana’s leading telecom provider, MTN relies on complex systems to track usage, allocate bundles, and deliver services in real time.
But when those systems fail, the consequences ripple across millions of users. According to Afrokonnect, MTN offers a wide range of data packages, including social media bundles, TurboNet plans, and non-expiry options. These bundles are powered by backend algorithms that monitor consumption and trigger alerts when thresholds are reached.
However, experts say that even minor bugs in these systems can lead to inaccurate billing or sudden data drops. MTN has also invested in digital infrastructure to support its growing user base. The company recently partnered with the Ghanaian government to launch a new center for artificial intelligence and software development.
According to MTN Group, this facility will train young Ghanaians in coding, cybersecurity, and data governance, skills that could help prevent future glitches and improve digital services across the country.
As Ghana moves toward a more connected future, the MTN incident serves as a reminder that technology must be both powerful and reliable. Customers expect not just speed, but accuracy. And when systems fail, transparency and accountability become just as important as innovation.
MTN may be the biggest name in Ghana’s telecom space, but this episode proves that size alone doesn’t guarantee loyalty. In the digital age, transparency and trust are everything.
