Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation Samuel Nartey George has announced that Ghana is targeting 70% 5G population density coverage by the country’s 70th Independence anniversary next year.
According to him, Cabinet has taken a bold decision to remove the current exclusivity mandate for the sole 5G licence holder and open up spectrum access through a competitive national bidding process to accelerate deployment.
Speaking at the National Communications Authority (NCA) at 30 anniversary launch ceremony on February 25, the Minister outlined government’s broader vision for connectivity and digital transformation.
“The frontera of connectivity is shifting. Advances in satellite broadband and non-terrestrial networks including the emergence of direct to device satellite services are changing how access is delivered.”
“In the near future, a mobile device in the most remote community may connect directly to satellite, eliminating geography as a barrier to participation in the digital economy.”
He said Ghana’s responsibility is to ensure that innovation drives development, inclusion and opportunity for citizens.
“We must build forward looking regulatory systems, invest in digital skills for our young people, protect citizens in the digital space and create an environment where innovation thrives.”
The Minister then disclosed the major policy shift approved by Cabinet to accelerate 5G deployment.
“In line with this vision, at its last meeting, the Cabinet of Ghana took a bold policy decision to democratize Ghana’s deployment of 5G technology.”
“The decision has been taken to remove the current exclusivity mandate for the sole license holder and offer spectrum to the market through a national competitive bidding process, enabling network led roll out of 5G technology. This decision does not cancel the wholesale model. It simply provides more options for our market players.”
“To this end, the regulator the NCA will be receiving clear directions in the next few days from the ministry to begin the process for a spectrum auction within the next few weeks.”
Sam George then stated government’s clear coverage target ahead of Ghana’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
“Let me be clear, our vision is to achieve 70% 5G population density coverage by the 70th independent celebration of our beloved nation next year.”
He stressed that the regulator has a limited timeframe to deliver on the ambition.
“The work is cut out for the regulator. You have barely a year to rollout 5G using both the wholesale model and network led operations and achieve 70% coverage in terms of population density, not geographical,”
The Minister however expressed confidence in the Authority’s ability to meet the goal.
“This will demand rapid deployment, infrastructural expansion and considerate capital injection into the sector. It is a steep aspiration, but I am more than confident in the resilience and the abilities of the fine men and women who run the NCA.”
Ghana’s 5G rollout has faced multiple delays in recent years due to infrastructure and regulatory hurdles, with the latest policy decision expected to fast-track nationwide expansion.
