Ghana has officially rolled out its first 5G network, a significant step aimed at substantially boosting network quality across the nation. This new shared 4G/5G service is now available in selected key locations including Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, with plans for broader coverage. The launch, which occurred on Tuesday, was spearheaded by Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a company specifically licensed by the Ghanaian government to construct and operate a wholesale 4G and 5G network infrastructure throughout the country.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) confirmed that NGIC's 4G/5G license was approved following rigorous preparation and adherence to all required processes, thereby clearing the path for the commencement of its operations. As part of this approval, NGIC is authorized to proceed with its network deployment in strict accordance with its Wholesale Electronic Infrastructure License. This innovative model allows other telecommunication companies (telcos) within Ghana to leverage NGIC's spectrum and established infrastructure to launch their own 5G network services, promoting a collaborative rather than competitive infrastructure build-out.

Reacting to this pivotal milestone, Tenu Awonoor, CEO of NGIC, highlighted the strategic importance of the 5G launch, noting that it facilitates coordinated infrastructure investment across Ghana, which in turn preserves innovation within the retail market. Awonoor proudly declared, “Ghana moved from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale,” underscoring the immediate operational readiness and future expansion potential of the network.

This development aligns with Ghana’s ambitious goal of achieving 70% 5G population coverage by 2027, the year the West African nation will mark its 70th anniversary. While acknowledging the demanding nature of this target given the recent launch, Awonoor emphasized that meeting such a goal necessitates strong alignment and coordination across all relevant ecosystems. He further explained that the shared infrastructure model ensures that investment is directed towards expanding reach efficiently, rather than duplicating expensive equipment. NGIC, which was launched in May 2024, holds a ten-year license to deploy and operate this shared 5G infrastructure. Although the commercial rollout was initially anticipated for June 2025, it faced several delays. Following these setbacks, the government set a firm deadline of late December 2025, cautioning that failure to meet this deadline could lead to a renegotiation of the agreement terms, potentially opening avenues for independent 5G ownership to other telcos.

The wholesale nature of NGIC’s 4G/5G infrastructure signifies an open door for various telcos in Ghana, including major players like MTN Ghana, Telecel, and AT Ghana, who are expected to access 5G services through this shared platform rather than pursuing independent deployments. While NGIC is responsible for building and operating the radio and core network infrastructure, other licensed mobile network operators are permitted to connect to this platform and deliver retail services directly to their subscribers and businesses. It is important to note that the launch of the network does not immediately grant Ghanaians access to 5G services; rather, availability will commence once telcos secure deals with NGIC and begin connecting to its commercial network services. The communications regulator had previously assured subscribers that 5G services would be accessible before the close of 2026.