Anticipated 5G Network Release by Ghana's Minister of Communication Set for June
In a surprising turn of events, Ghana's Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) is yet to launch a live commercial 5G service, despite having received the necessary regulatory approvals. The company, which was granted an exclusive 10-year license in 2024 to build and operate a universal 4G/5G network across Ghana, was expected to activate 355 5G-ready sites by the end of 2025, including at least 50 sites in Accra and Kumasi.
The focus for the 50 5G-capable cell sites is on Accra (200-250 sites) and Kumasi (100-150 sites). However, as of June 2025 and continuing into August 2025, the network remains non-operational for public use.
The delays are attributed to licensing issues and regulatory bottlenecks. NGIC has requested an additional Internet Service Provider (ISP) license to complement its existing Mobile Network Operator-related licenses. This request has been rejected by the Communications Minister, Sam George, who insists NGIC should focus on rolling out 5G by connecting with existing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) without new licenses. The Minister warned that failure to meet rollout deadlines could lead to the termination of NGIC’s exclusivity contract.
Minister George has emphasised that Ghana cannot be "held to ransom" and the National Communications Authority (NCA) has the legal authority to amend NGIC's license if delays persist. He made these comments on The Point of View with Bernard Avle.
As of now, NGIC has 16 5G-ready cell sites, and its core network has been inspected by the NCA. Clarity for ISP connections is another issue slowing down NGIC's rollout. Regulatory bottlenecks are stalling NGIC's rollout, including spectrum interference issues. SIM and PLMN approvals for testing are also causing delays.
It's important to note that no new information was provided about the financial or technical challenges faced by NGIC in meeting the June 2025 deadline for the launch of 5G services in Ghana. Neither was there any new information about potential alternatives to NGIC for the rollout of 5G services in Ghana.
The final network certification by the NCA is yet to be achieved. Minister George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, had set a deadline of June 2025 for the launch of 5G services in Ghana by NGIC. Despite this, no new information was provided about the status of the 5G rollout by NGIC beyond June 2025.
In a statement, Sam George stated that he is not a fan of terminating contracts, but all options, including license renegotiation or restructuring, are on the table regarding NGIC. The Minister's comments underscore the urgency for NGIC to address the licensing and regulatory challenges and deliver on its promise of bringing 5G services to Ghana.
With the delays in the 5G rollout, Ghana remains in the 4G era, with the potential benefits of 5G—such as faster internet speeds, lower latency, and the ability to support a multitude of devices—still out of reach for many Ghanaians. The ongoing saga between NGIC and the regulators serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in rolling out new technology, particularly in a rapidly evolving field like telecommunications.
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The ongoing delays in the launch of NGIC's 5G services are preventing Ghana from entering the era of faster internet speeds, lower latency, and the ability to support a multitude of devices. The minister's comments emphasize the need for NGIC to address the licensing and regulatory challenges and deliver on its promise of bringing 5G technology to Ghana.
Despite having received the necessary regulatory approvals, technology advancements like 5G remain out of reach for many Ghanaians due to the delays in NGIC's rollout, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in introducing new technology in the telecommunications sector.
