Multinational Telecommunication Companies and the International Relations of Ghana

Abstract

International business has become possible because of globalisation which is the greater interdependence and interconnectedness that exist among countries and their citizens. Multinational Companies have been observed as one of the platforms to foster international relations between their countries of origin and the host country. This current study investigates the extent to which the activities of MTN and Vodafone which originate from South Africa and the United Kingdom respectively help to foster international relations between Ghana-South Africa and Ghana-United Kingdom. The study was situated within Realism theoretical framework specifically Neoclassical strand of Realism by Waltz, 1979. Using the mixed method research design for data collection and analysis, thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study observes that the activities of MTN and Vodafone enhance Ghana-South Africa and Ghana-United Kingdom relations respectively. The study also observes that, MTN and Vodafone have contributed to the human resource development of the Ghanaian staff. The study recommends that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration could consider partnering with the National Communication Authority for the benefit of synergy, and come up with policies that will enhance the international collaborations between Ghana and the countries of origin of the mobile telecommunication network companies. Also, Ghana telecommunication regulations and foreign policy could be prepared with inputs from the telecommunication companies concerned.