MTN Ghana, the leading telecommunications provider in Ghana is deeply concerned about allegations being made about its apparent unwillingness to issue a short code to the National Patriotic Party (NPP).

This is in reaction to a publication in the Wednesday September 28, 2011 edition of the New Statesman newspaper.

MTN reiterates its position that it is a commercial multinational organization that is politically neutral. We believe in and remain committed to working with all stakeholders in deepening Ghana’s enviable democracy.

We wish to clarify that MTN Ghana does not typically receive formal requests directly from political parties for the allocation of short codes. Our enquiries reveal that all engagements were done with a content provider, an independent contractor providing services to MTN, who was contracted by MTN in March 2011. Indeed during the 2008 elections MTN reserved and allocated short codes to requesting political parties for similar purposes, without discrimination and in line with our neutrality and adherence to due process.

MTN wishes to assure the leadership of the NPP, and indeed any other political party, that short codes are readily allocated once a formal request is made, and subject to availability of the short code. The 2012 short code is unfortunately unavailable as it has already been assigned for other purposes. There are however alternative short codes that could be considered once a formal request is made.

MTN continues to support journalistic integrity in Ghana and encourages the media to contact MTN to ascertain facts prior to making any publications. To this end, MTN remains amenable to engaging any journalist or any person seeking further clarification on this matter.

MTN wishes to assure all our esteemed Customers of our commitment to contributing our quota to the deepening of democracy, as we continue to focus on providing World Class Telecommunications services to Ghanaians.