Ghana has officially launched high-speed 5G internet service, starting with coverage in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. The government aims to expand connectivity across the nation.
At the launch event held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, along with the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, inaugurated the service, marking a milestone in the country’s digital advancement.
“This is truly a revolutionary leap forward that promises to redefine connectivity, productivity, and overall quality of life,” remarked Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. “Residents in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi will begin experiencing the benefits almost immediately, once the network operators activate it.”
The Minister emphasized that the initial rollout is the start of a phased plan to cover additional urban areas by the end of 2024 and eventually reach rural areas by 2026. Ghana’s 5G infrastructure is being developed through a consortium led by Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a shared infrastructure company promoted by the government in partnership with some private firms, including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.
Highlighting the importance of reliable service, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful urged citizens to hold their service providers accountable if 5G coverage is unavailable by December in areas that are part of the initial rollout. “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 urged.
As Ghana joins the ranks of countries offering 5G, the government has structured the rollout with a focus on digital inclusivity and affordability. The NGIC has been granted a 10-year exclusivity period to establish nationwide 5G infrastructure, which will be accessible to all telecom operators to ensure equitable service delivery.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful commended President Akufo-Addo for his dedication to Ghana’s digital economy, noting his instrumental role in fast-tracking the 5G launch. “Thank you, sir, for being a visionary… and believing in Ghanaian ingenuity, talent, and innovation. You have set us on the path to building a future where technology and connectivity are pillars of our nation’s development.”
The government also announced plans to provide affordable data packages and is collaborating with telecom providers to make high-speed internet accessible to businesses, students, and low-income households. With the launch of 5G, Ghana aims to drive growth across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education and foster smart cities and IoT advancements.
