Ghana has taken a major leap forward in its digital transformation strategy with the commercial activation of its shared 5G network platform, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to expand high speed connectivity and bridge the digital divide. The initiative, implemented under the Next Gen Infrastructure Company NGIC, introduces Ghana’s first nation wide wholesale 4G and 5G infrastructure that will be accessible to all licensed telecommunications operators, setting the stage for a more competitive, inclusive and technologically advanced communications landscape.
The National Communications Authority NCA has officially granted regulatory clearance for NGIC to commence full commercial operations, an outcome of rigorous technical inspections and compliance checks conducted by the regulator. With this approval, Ghana’s shared 4G 5G backbone platform is now live in key urban centres including Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, with phased expansion planned to cover additional regions as the rollout progresses.
A new model for national connectivity
Ghana’s approach to 5G deployment departs from a traditional operator by operator rollout in favour of a neutral, wholesale first infrastructure model. Under this framework, NGIC builds, owns and operates the core and radio access network for both 4G and 5G, while licensed mobile network operators MNOs including incumbents such as Telecel Ghana, AT Ghana and MTN Ghana lease network capacity to deliver retail services to consumers and enterprises. This structure is designed to reduce duplication of costly infrastructure, lower barriers to entry for smaller operators, and facilitate faster national coverage than would be possible under fragmented deployment models.
The CEO of NGIC, Tenu Awoonor, described the activation as a historic transition from planning to execution, signifying that “Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution.” According to Awoonor, the shared backbone is now commercially active and positioned to scale rapidly, providing a robust foundation for both consumer focused services and enterprise digital transformation initiatives.
Chief Operating Officer Nenyi George Andah emphasised that the current phase will prioritise disciplined expansion, stressing that execution and scaling rather than just infrastructure deployment are now key to achieving national coverage objectives. He noted that separating wholesale infrastructure from retail delivery is strategic, enabling efficient capital deployment and enabling operators to focus on service quality and innovation.
Strategic technology partnerships and implementation
The deployment of Ghana’s shared 5G platform is supported by international technology partners, with Nokia playing a pivotal role in providing the network’s radio and core architecture. Officials from Nokia described the collaboration as a smart, prudent approach that harnesses neutral host infrastructure to bring high speed data to a broad base of operators and their customers. The platform’s advanced security and future ready design are expected to support a range of digital services beyond traditional mobile connectivity.
The shared network model also aligns with global best practices for cost effective deployment of next generation mobile broadband, enabling smaller operators and new entrants to compete without the heavy upfront capital expenditure typically associated with individual 5G rollouts. By lowering the cost of entry, Ghana’s 5G initiative creates opportunities for digital inclusion, service innovation, and economic growth across sectors such as health, education, fintech, and enterprise IoT applications.
National policy goals and 5G coverage Targets
The commercial activation of the platform comes as part of the Government of Ghana’s broader digital development agenda, which includes ambitious targets related to 5G population coverage. Authorities have set a national objective of achieving 70 percent 5G coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary in 2027, a timeline that has driven accelerated network deployment and policy reforms aimed at expanding access to high speed connectivity.
This rollout supports the country’s broader vision of digital transformation, which is designed to enhance economic competitiveness, foster innovation, and reduce the digital divide between urban and rural communities. Government officials have also indicated ongoing reforms in spectrum management, including plans to introduce competitive spectrum auctions alongside the neutral wholesale model, to further democratise the deployment and operation of 5G services across the nation.
Implications for consumers and businesses
With the shared 5G backbone now live in major cities, Ghanaians and businesses are poised to benefit from faster mobile data speeds, lower latency and expanded digital service capabilities. While retail 5G services are expected to roll out progressively as operators lease capacity from NGIC, early activation of the backbone signifies that the foundational infrastructure is in place for enhanced connectivity options.
Beyond consumer applications, the shared 5G platform opens opportunities for enterprise networking, smart city applications, industrial automation, telehealth, remote education and other digital innovations that rely on high speed, low latency networks. By providing a common infrastructure for all operators, Ghana’s model may also help stimulate competition in retail offerings, leading to more affordable plans and improved service diversity for end users.
Despite the milestone achievement, stakeholders acknowledge that substantial work remains to expand coverage beyond initial urban centres and to ensure that rural and underserved communities are included in the 5G rollout. Achieving the 70 percent coverage target by 2027 will require sustained investment, operational coordination and supportive policies that encourage both infrastructure growth and consumer uptake.