On November 1, 2024, Ghana entered the high-speed internet era with the launch of its first 5G network, signaling a transformative milestone for the country's digital landscape.
The initiative, launched in Accra, is spearheaded by NextGen Infraco, a consortium formed in partnership with the Ghanaian government and major tech companies including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra, alongside telecom operators AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
In his address, NextGen Infraco Managing Director Tenu Awoonor expressed the network’s potential to significantly impact Ghana's economy and social fabric. He noted that, beyond urban centers, the 5G rollout would reach underserved communities, creating pathways for farmers, small businesses, and students to benefit from global connectivity.
He stressed that 5G technology could reshape key sectors such as agriculture, finance, education, and healthcare, with potential applications ranging from real-time monitoring of crops and improved healthcare access to remote learning.
Awoonor also emphasized the importance of this leap in technological infrastructure in bridging digital divides across the nation. “With 5G, we can create a more inclusive society where no one in Ghana is left behind,” he stated, underscoring NextGen’s commitment to not only provide high-speed connectivity but also deliver economic value and innovation throughout the country.
The high-speed 5G network will enable Ghanaians to harness the benefits of faster download speeds, low-latency communication, and enhanced connectivity. This positions Ghana among a growing list of nations embracing advanced digital infrastructure as a means to promote economic growth and improve quality of life.
Empowering Sectors for a Connected Future
The launch of 5G technology is expected to boost productivity across sectors such as agriculture, where innovations in IoT can facilitate precision farming, and in healthcare, where telemedicine will become more accessible and reliable for remote communities. In education, 5G will open doors for online learning by providing stable connections even in rural areas, helping students access resources and global learning platforms.
The Ghanaian government’s partnership with key global tech players under the NextGen Infraco banner reflects a strategic approach to building digital infrastructure. By adopting this model, Ghana aims to build a resilient digital economy, creating job opportunities and fostering an ecosystem for tech startups to thrive. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader agenda for digital transformation, aiming to position Ghana as a leader in technology-driven economic growth within the African region.
As Ghana steps onto the 5G stage, this move signals a commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive and economically vibrant future. Through this partnership, Ghana is set to become a hub for digital innovation, bringing transformative changes to the daily lives of its people and creating new opportunities across the country.
Read full article
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation