Ghana to launch 5G network in six months time

Ghanaians can look forward to faster and more affordable mobile data as the government plans to roll out the 5G network within the next six months.

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, announced this at a press conference on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

Owusu-Ekuful disclosed that Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), the company awarded the 5G license, is expected to launch the service across Ghana within the specified period, with plans for expansion to other parts of Africa. NGIC is a consortium formed between the government of Ghana and seven partners: Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and two telecom operators—AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana.

The minister also mentioned that global tech giant Microsoft has expressed interest in the project, and discussions will commence soon. NGIC aims to be the first 5G Mobile Broadband Shared Infrastructure Entity to build a nationwide 4G/5G network.

"The introduction of 5G services aims to advance Ghana’s digital agenda in education, healthcare, and digital payment transactions, thus reducing the digital divide and promoting financial inclusion. NGIC’s equity will be held by the public of Ghana, Ascend Digital, K-NET, all mobile operators in Ghana, and other private investors, including technology providers who may wish to join the consortium,” Owusu-Ekuful stated.

The multi-partner collaboration will support NGIC in deploying the network infrastructure and associated services. This effort will enable communications service providers to offer enhanced digital services to both enterprise and consumer markets.