President Mahama recently met with Nigerian billionaire, Dr Adenuga

President John Dramani Mahama has rekindled ties with Nigerian billionaire and founder of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga, describing him as a “West African icon” in the telecommunications and oil and gas sectors.

The meeting, which took place over the weekend, marks a moment of reflection on the historical ties between Ghana and Glo, one of Africa’s pioneering indigenous telecom companies.

Glo Mobile Ghana, a subsidiary of Globacom Limited, entered the Ghanaian market in 2012 with high expectations, positioning itself as the sixth telecom operator in the country.

It became known for its aggressive pricing, "Glo with Pride" branding, and data-focused offerings that shook up the local telecom space.

Though Glo Ghana faced regulatory, competitive, and operational challenges, ultimately leading to its exit from the Ghanaian market, its brief stint was seen as a bold attempt to increase competition and drive down consumer costs in the telecom sector.

President Mahama, who was then Vice President and later President during Glo's active years in Ghana, has long championed greater regional business integration and private sector-led growth.

In a social media post on June 10, 2025, following the meeting, President Mahama praised Dr Adenuga's contributions to the economic and digital transformation of West Africa.

“It was great reconnecting this weekend with Mike Adenuga, a West African icon in telecommunications and oil and gas,” President Mahama wrote.

Also in attendance at the meeting was Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George.

Dr Mike Adenuga, one of Africa’s richest men, is widely respected for building a continental telecommunications empire with operations in Nigeria, Ghana (formerly), and Benin, as well as significant interests in the oil industry through his company Conoil.

SSD/MA

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