Ghana Takes a Revolutionary Leap Forward with 5G Network Launch
In a momentous occasion at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Minister of Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu-Ekuful officially inaugurated Ghana’s highly anticipated 5G network. This milestone represents a significant step forward in the nation’s digital progress, promising to redefine connectivity, productivity, and overall quality of life for its citizens.
Minister Owusu-Ekuful expressed her excitement about the launch, stating, “This is truly a revolutionary leap forward that promises to redefine connectivity, productivity, and overall quality of life.” She further announced that residents in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi would begin experiencing the benefits of 5G almost immediately once the network operators activate the service.
The initial rollout of Ghana’s 5G infrastructure is part of a phased strategy aimed at expanding coverage to more urban areas by the end of 2024, with plans to extend services to rural regions by 2026. A consortium led by Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a shared infrastructure company established through a collaboration between the government and seven private firms, including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana, is spearheading the development of Ghana’s 5G network.
Emphasizing the importance of reliable service, Minister Owusu-Ekuful urged citizens to hold their service providers accountable if 5G is not accessible in designated areas by December. She stated, “If you reside in one of the initial 5G catchment zones and do not have access by then, please reach out to your network operator—they must ensure you can connect.”
Ghana’s government is committed to a rollout that prioritizes digital inclusivity and affordability. The Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC) has been granted a 10-year exclusivity agreement to build a nationwide 5G infrastructure, which will be open to all telecom operators to promote fair service delivery.
Furthermore, the government plans to offer affordable data packages and is collaborating with telecom providers to ensure high-speed internet reaches businesses, students, and low-income households. With the introduction of 5G, Ghana aims to stimulate growth across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education while fostering the development of smart cities and advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT).
Minister Owusu-Ekuful also commended President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support of Ghana’s digital economy, acknowledging his pivotal role in accelerating the 5G launch. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you, sir, for your visionary leadership and for having faith in Ghanaian creativity, talent, and innovation. You have paved the way for a future where technology and connectivity are central to our national development.”
Overall, Ghana’s foray into the world of 5G signifies a new era of digital advancement and innovation, promising to reshape the country’s technological landscape and drive progress across various sectors.
