By Samuel Boadi
IN 2008, when Government decided to sell the then Ghana Telecommunications (GT) Company Limited to Vodafone UK, many stakeholders in the industry were those who agitated against the move. This led to a misunderstanding between the majority and minority in Parliament to the extent that the latter called for the discontinuation of the deal.
But critics of the deal can now bear testimony to the fact that it was not for nothing that in October 2008, the company made an announcement on the appointment of David Venn as its new chief executive officer. He took over from Dickson Oduro-Nyaning who had worked with the company for 35 years.
Citing reasons why it wanted to sell GT, Government said there was the need to inject private sector capital into the company, preserve it and ensure that it grew to restore its leadership role on the market. Also, it said the competitive market forces at play then in the country, as well as the negative balance sheet status of GT, made it unlikely for it to remain competitive over any appreciable length of time, hence the decision. “It will also allow the company to upgrade its technologies to compete in the rapidly changing telecom sector. It could also not prepare itself for listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) in 2010 to enable Ghanaians to participate in the ownership of the company,” the then Minister of Communications explained.
However, the acquisition of 70 percent shares in Ghana Telecommunications Company (GT) for $900 million dollars by Vodafone International Plc on July 23, 2008 eventually got sealed.
Today, one cannot deny the fact that Vodafone Ghana is exhibiting an impressive and sterling performance. Such achievements can only be attributed to the exceptional leadership skills of David Venn, the company’s chief executive officer.
On his appointment, Mr Venn was mentioned to have spent 25 years in the telecommunications industry and also worked in a number of telecommunications enterprises in the USA and the UK as well as held managerial positions in Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia and other parts of Europe. This probably could be the secret for his appointment to the high position of Managing Director.
“He has also spent the last five years in Zambia, gaining good knowledge and special insights into the African telecommunications market,” the company said of him.
Indeed, describing him “as an innovative and respected business leader with proven experience in driving growth and implementing business strategy,” has amply been demonstrated to the admiration of all.
Vodafone Ghana thus has justified its addition by the Vodafone Group Plc., the world’s leading mobile telecommunications company to its fold.
The Vodafone Group has more than 315 million customers, excluding paging customers, calculated on a proportionate basis in accordance with its percentage interest in numerous ventures. It is operational in 31 countries and has a unique portfolio of products and services including providing customers with high speed access to the internet, mobile services and fixed lines.
In Ghana, it is the market leader in providing broadband services.
“The company applies the latest industry technology and is keen on building the most versatile network. We go the extra mile to ensure that services on your mobile handset enable you to go out and conduct your business or have fun in the most enjoyable and relaxing manner,” Mr Venn has stated.
On social responsibility, Vodafone Ghana has contributed close to GH¢30,000 to a number of educational funds of traditional councils across Ghana within a short time. These include Asogli State, Ga Traditional Council, Essikado Traditional Council, New Juaben Traditional Area, Otumfuo Educational Fund, Dakpema Educational Fund and Bolga Traditional Council among others.
Again under Mr Venn, four public universities have received multi-purpose industrial printers, each valued at GH¢300,000 to enable them better resource reprographic centres.
Soon, the company intends to launch a foundation - Vodafone Foundation. This will enable it develop programmes of social impact mitigation, utilizing mobile communications technology.
It also aims at networking with relevant NGOs and support activities that are aimed at protecting the natural environment; developing and implementing social investment plans including creating opportunities for employment and training, business development partnership for community development.
In October last year, Vodafone gave out a full- furnished apartment at Trasacco and a 4x4 vehicle plus thousands of other exciting prizes while it flew 20 of its customers to Angola to watch the AFCON finals in January this year.
Next month, Vodafone, together with Laureus, could be flying loyal customers to Abu Dhabi, to attend the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.
Laureus and Vodafone are long term partners and celebrate sport at the elite level through the Laureus Sports Awards particularly at the grassroots level through the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which supports over 70 projects worldwide.
Vodafone became a Laureus partner in 2008 and is proud to be associated with the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.
The company additionally awarded GH¢5,000 to the winner of its Predict & Win Promotion held alongside the African Cup of Nations recently.
Its massive investment in the Nkuntunse Earth Station is just the tip of the iceberg. The company is really going all lengths to invest hugely in its equipment and Mr Venn has asked Ghanaians to patronise Vodafone’s products and unrivalled services particularly its low call rates and continuing promotions.
“We have more surprises for our customers and we pledge to satisfy them to the full this year and beyond,” Mr Venn has assured.
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