Ghana gets first 5G network to bolster network quality

Ghana has rolled out its first 5G network aimed at boosting network quality. With this, shared 4G/5G is now available in selected locations in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and other key areas across the country.

The service was launched on Tuesday by Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a company licensed by the government to build and operate the wholesale of 4G and 5G networks in the country. 

According to a statement by the National Communications Authority (NCA), the NGIC 4G/5G licence was approved based on preparation and requirements processes, now paving the way for the commencement of operations under its license.

As part of the approval, NGIC is cleared to proceed with the deployment in accordance with its Wholesale Electronic Infrastructure License. This means that other telcos in the country can leverage its spectrum to establish their 5G network operation.

While reacting to the milestone, Tenu Awonoor, CEO of NGIC, noted that the 5G launch allows infrastructure investment to be coordinated across the country thus preserving innovation for the retail market. 

“Ghana moved from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale,” he added. 

The development comes amid Ghana’s ambition of achieving 70% 5G population coverage by 2027, the year the West African country clocks 70. While this looks tasking considering the timing of the first 5G launch, Awonoor stressed that meeting the target requires alignment and coordination across all ecosystems. 

He noted that the shared infrastructure ensures that it is directed at expanding reach rather than duplicating the equipment. 

Launched in May 2024, NGIC was granted a ten-year license to deploy and operate a shared 5G infrastructure. Although the commercial rollout was initially expected in June 2025, it encountered several delays. 

Following the setbacks, the government set a deadline of late December 2025. It also warned that the terms of the agreement could be renegotiated, paving ways for independent 5G ownership to other telcos, if NGIC failed to meet the deadline.

Also Read: MTN responds to Telecel and AT Ghana’s planned merger with fresh $1.1bn investment.

Ghana’s 5G network comes alive

While 5G services in Ghana are primarily offered through a wholesale, neutral network intended for multiple providers, NGIC’s 4G/5G infrastructure is an open door for several telcos in Ghana.

As the company builds and operates the radio and core network infrastructure, other licensed mobile network operators are allowed to connect to the platform and provide retail services directly to subscribers and businesses.

In light of this, MTN Ghana, Telecel and AT Ghana are expected to access 5G through this shared platform rather than independent deployment.

Meanwhile, the launch does not mean Ghanaians can now access 5G services. The network will be made available when telcos secure deals and start connecting to NGIC’s commercial network services.

The communications regulator had earlier assured subscribers that 5G services would be available before the end of 2026.

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