Doris Dokua Sasu
Research Expert Ghana and Nigeria
Internet usage in Ghana - statistics and facts
Ghana is experiencing a digital revolution that is reshaping its technological landscape and connecting millions of people in unprecedented ways. At the heart of this transformation is the rapid growth of mobile data usage. This digital boom has not only propelled telecom giants to new heights but has also paved the way for social media platforms to become integral to daily life in the country.
Overall, while internet penetration continues to climb, Ghana's digital future looks brighter than ever, promising economic growth and enhanced connectivity for its citizens.
Ghana's digital revolution: internet users soar
Internet usage is rapidly expanding across Ghana. As of January 2024, the nation boasted over 24 million internet users, marking an increase from the 23 million reported in the previous year. The digital landscape is further enhanced by the prevalence of mobile connections, mostly pre-paid. Mobile internet usage is particularly significant. The country's digital revolution is not only changing how Ghanaians connect but also driving economic growth, with internet access revenues projected to exceed two billion U.S. dollars.Mobile data dominates: MTN leads market
Mobile data usage in Ghana is experiencing significant growth, with smartphone adoption and mobile internet revenue on the rise. Mobile internet income was expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of around 37 percent between 2014 and 2023. The surge in internet adoption is reflected in the country's mobile data traffic, which has experienced a steady growth since the fourth quarter of 2022. In this rapidly expanding market, MTN Ghana has emerged as the dominant player, boasting the highest number of mobile data subscribers among network operators in the country. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, MTN Ghana had nearly 19 million mobile data subscriptions, far outpacing its closest competitor, Vodafone Ghana . This significant lead in mobile data subscriptions underscores MTN's strong position in Ghana's telecommunications market, aligning with the overall trend of increasing smartphone usage and mobile internet spending in the country.Social media trends: WhatsApp reigns supreme
WhatsApp has emerged as the dominant social media platform in Ghana, with an impressive nearly 92 percent of internet users utilizing the app as of the third quarter of 2023. This trend reflects a broader increase in social media usage across the country, with the number of users growing between 2017 and 2024. While WhatsApp leads the pack, other platforms like Facebook and TikTok also enjoy significant popularity. The rise of social media in Ghana is closely tied to the expansion of internet access. As social media continues to evolve in Ghana, it's clear that WhatsApp has established itself as the go-to platform for digital communication, reflecting broader trends in internet usage and mobile connectivity across the nation.Overall, while internet penetration continues to climb, Ghana's digital future looks brighter than ever, promising economic growth and enhanced connectivity for its citizens.
