MTN Ghana has launched its 2026 SavannahFest, a regional festival combining football, music, health outreach and community activities in Tamale.

The festival will run from 18th September to 3rd October, 2026 at the Nobisco Football Park, with organisers saying the programme is intended to celebrate northern culture, reward customers and strengthen MTN’s relationships with communities, traditional authorities, businesses and young people.

Celebration beyond connectivity

Speaking at the launch on Wednesday September 16, 2026, Northern Region Area Sales Manager, Richard Asamane, said the festival comes at a significant moment for the company, which is observing its 30th anniversary under the theme, “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You.”

“SavannahFest is one of MTN Ghana’s key regional platforms for connecting with communities, celebrating local culture, rewarding customers and strengthening relationships with traditional leaders, businesses, youth and other stakeholders.”

MTN Ghana says its three decades in the country have been shaped by innovation, partnerships, resilience and customer loyalty.

The company officially began its anniversary celebrations in May, saying it would use the milestone to renew investment in infrastructure, digital platforms and community-focused initiatives.

Football, music and health

The festival will open with community gala matches, involving eight teams drawn from different communities. The teams have been balloted and placed into groups ahead of the tournament.

A series of public events is planned over the two-week programme:

• Community gala football matches at Nobisco Football Park from 18 September to 3 October
• An MTN musical concert on 19 September
• A clean-up exercise at Tamale central business district and Tamale Teaching Hospital on 25 September
• A health walk and free health screening at Tamale Jubilee Park on 26 September

Organisers say the mix of sports, entertainment and health activities is designed to bring together customers and residents while addressing practical community needs.

Community investment focus

MTN Ghana says SavannahFest reflects its broader commitment to brightening lives through community investments, particularly in education, healthcare and economic empowerment.

Mr Adamant indicated that MTN foundation has supported projects across the country, while its recent activities in the northern sector have included support for small and medium-sized enterprises, digital-skills training and a multipurpose digital resource centre at the University for Development Studies’ Dungu Campus in Tamale.

The festival also follows MTN’s announcement that it plans to build 80 network sites across Ghana’s five northern regions in 2026, including 38 sites in the Northern Region, as part of efforts to improve coverage and service quality.

A regional platform

For residents of Tamale and surrounding communities, SavannahFest is expected to offer more than a corporate anniversary event.

The football competition is set to create a local sporting spectacle, while the concert, clean-up and health activities will give residents opportunities to participate directly in the festival.

MTN Ghana says the central objective is to celebrate the people of the Northern Region, linking culture, community service and entertainment with the company’s wider promise of enabling progress.

By Blessed EDUAMOAH DADZIE