Ghana has rolled out its first 5G network, marking a major step toward improving connectivity and network performance across the country. Initial coverage is now available in selected areas of Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and other major cities through shared 4G and 5G infrastructure.
The network was launched by Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a government-licensed operator tasked with building and managing wholesale 4G and 5G infrastructure in Ghana. The National Communications Authority (NCA) confirmed that NGIC’s 4G/5G license approval has enabled the start of commercial operations.
Under the country’s Wholesale Electronic Infrastructure framework, NGIC will operate as a neutral infrastructure provider, allowing telecom operators to use its spectrum and network assets to deliver retail 5G services. The shared infrastructure model is intended to reduce duplication of investments while expanding nationwide connectivity.
NGIC Chief Executive Officer Tenu Awonoor said the launch marks Ghana’s transition “from 5G ambition to 5G execution,” highlighting that the shared backbone is now commercially active and ready to scale as operators connect to the platform.
Ghana aims to reach 70 percent 5G population coverage by 2027, coinciding with the country’s 70th anniversary. Although the commercial rollout occurred later than initially planned, NGIC met government timelines to activate the shared network infrastructure.
Licensed telecom operators including MTN Ghana, Telecel and AT Ghana will be able to connect to NGIC’s platform to offer retail 5G services without deploying separate networks. The regulator expects wider consumer access once operators finalize commercial agreements and integrate their services with the shared infrastructure.
The establishment of a neutral wholesale 5G network is expected to strengthen Ghana’s digital ecosystem by enabling faster connectivity, wider coverage and stronger competition among mobile service providers.
