The government of Ghana launched its first high-speed 5G internet service in Accra, on November 1, 2024, a pivotal step towards boosting digital connectivity nationwide.
The service, led by NextGen Infraco, aims to transform essential sectors of the economy, positioning 5G as a foundation for long-term national growth and inclusivity.
At the official launch, NextGen Infraco’s Managing Director, Tenu Awoonor, highlighted the company’s commitment to generating significant financial and economic returns from Ghana’s investment in this digital leap.
“With 5G, we can create a more inclusive society where no one in Ghana is left behind. Whether a farmer in Tamale, a small business owner in Kumasi or a student in Cape Coast, 5G will connect you to the world and open doors to new opportunities.
“At NextGen Infraco, we are deeply proud to play our part in this transformation. We are not just watching; we are investing in the future of Ghana. We believe the 5G is not only a tool for innovation but a catalyst for growth, development and empowerment of every Ghanaian. As we stand here today on the bricks of this new digital front, I want to remind us all that this is just the beginning. Together, we will harness the power of 5G to build a stronger and more prosperous Ghana,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Government has urged mobile network subscribers in the initial roll-out cities – Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi to hold their network operators accountable if they do not receive 5G connectivity by end-of-year.
While the government is targeting 2026 for a complete nationwide adoption, it continues to justify the exclusive licence granted NextGen Infraco.
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu, noted that “We have deliberately chosen as a matter of policy to build a shared neutral wholesale network to deliver 5G because of the negative fallouts from previous spectrum auctions in Ghana. NGIC has been granted exclusivity for 10 years to enable them to invest in rolling out the 4G and 5G infrastructure nationwide in the shortest possible time for all network operators to deliver services to their subscribers even playing field and encourage them to compete fairly, not on network rollout but on content and their service offers.
“So, if you live in the initial 5G catchment areas and still cannot access 5G by December, kindly call out your network operator because they have to make it available to you,” she stared.
By launching 5G, Ghana will join a growing number of countries adopting high-speed internet, expected to greatly enhance mobile connectivity and broaden digital inclusion.
NextGen Infraco, a consortium comprising the Ghanaian government and seven partners—Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and telecom giants AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana—will drive this initiative forward.
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