The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced that Ghana is ready to roll out its highly anticipated 5G service starting November 1, 2024. The Minister made this announcement during an interview on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. She emphasized that all necessary structures have been put in place to ensure a smooth rollout of the service.
This announcement follows an earlier government pledge to introduce 5G services by the end of the year, marking a significant step in Ghana’s digital transformation.
What is 5G Service?
5G, or the Fifth Generation of Wireless Technology, is set to revolutionize internet access by offering significantly faster internet speeds, both in terms of upload and download capabilities. It also promises more reliable and consistent connections, improved capacity, and reduced latency.
While 5G operates on the same radio frequencies as its predecessors—3G, 4G, and 4G LTE—its technological advancements allow for quicker download and upload times, stronger connectivity, and enhanced bandwidth, making it a natural successor to 4G. In fact, it is said to be 10 times faster than the current 4G Plus service available in the country.
Government’s Vision for 5G Rollout
In previous statements, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful revealed that the government has partnered with seven industry players to create a shared infrastructure to deliver affordable, high-speed mobile broadband services throughout Ghana.
During a Meet-the-Press engagement earlier this year, the Minister outlined the numerous benefits 5G will bring to the Ghanaian population. These include faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity, which will enhance access to essential digital services such as healthcare, education, and financial services. This aligns with the government’s broader goal of accelerating digital inclusion and improving service delivery across the nation.
5G Service Provision and Consortium of Companies
The 5G license has been awarded to Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a shared infrastructure company co-promoted by the government and seven other firms. This infrastructure aims to deliver affordable 5G services across Ghana.
The partners involved in this initiative include Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana. Together, these firms will help build and manage the infrastructure necessary to bring the benefits of 5G to all Ghanaians, further solidifying the country’s place as a leader in technological innovation in Africa.
With the official launch on November 1, 2024, Ghana is poised to take a major leap forward in its digital journey.
