Ghana’s telecommunications regulator, the National Communications Authority (NCA), has initiated steps to amend the licence of Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC) in a move that could significantly reshape the country’s emerging 5G landscape. The regulator has proposed removing the exclusivity clause that currently grants NGIC sole rights to deploy and operate fifth generation mobile network infrastructure in Ghana.
The policy shift is part of a broader effort to create a more competitive telecommunications environment, improve service delivery, and accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Proposed amendment to NGIC’s licence
In a formal notice issued on March 4, 2026, the NCA announced that it had served NGIC with a Notice of Proposed Licence Amendment under Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). The amendment seeks to remove the clause that provides NGIC with exclusive rights to operate 5G network services in the country.
According to the regulator, the proposed change is being made in the public interest and is intended to ensure that Ghana’s telecommunications sector evolves in a way that promotes competition, innovation, and efficient use of national resources. The NCA believes that opening the 5G market will stimulate investment and technological advancement across the industry.
The Authority noted that the amendment will take effect 90 days from the date of the notice, unless changes are made after considering any submissions or objections from NGIC within the statutory consultation period.
Promoting competition and innovation
The regulator explained that removing the exclusivity clause would enable multiple operators to participate in the deployment of 5G services. This, it said, would promote innovation and improve the quality of services available to consumers.
The NCA outlined several key objectives behind the proposed amendment, including promoting competition and innovation in the provision of 5G services, improving consumer choice and service quality, accelerating Ghana’s nationwide digital transformation, and ensuring the efficient use of radio spectrum as a national resource.
By allowing other telecommunications operators to deploy 5G networks, the regulator hopes to encourage a more dynamic market environment that will ultimately benefit consumers and businesses.
Background to Ghana’s 5G strategy
NGIC was established as a wholesale infrastructure provider responsible for building and operating a shared national 4G and 5G network. The company is structured as a public private partnership involving the Ghanaian government, local telecom operators and international technology partners.
Under the initial arrangement, NGIC received a ten year exclusive licence to deploy and manage 5G infrastructure nationwide. The model was designed to reduce duplication of infrastructure while ensuring that telecom operators could access the network on a wholesale basis.
However, the rollout of Ghana’s 5G network has faced delays since the project was first announced. Although the infrastructure rollout has begun, the deployment of services remains limited, with early installations concentrated mainly in major cities such as Accra, Kumasi and Tamale.
As of early 2026, NGIC had installed 49 operational 5G sites across the country, with the majority located in the Greater Accra Region. Other installations have been deployed in the Ashanti, Western, Northern, Bono and Central regions.
Regulatory concerns and licence compliance
In addition to the proposed policy change, the NCA revealed that NGIC is currently in default of its licence fee instalment payments, which are part of the company’s licensing conditions. The regulator indicated that it is addressing the issue in accordance with the relevant licence terms and statutory provisions.
Despite the payment concerns, the regulator acknowledged the progress made by NGIC in building out the country’s 5G infrastructure.
The NCA emphasised that the proposed amendment follows due regulatory procedure and aligns with its mandate to regulate communications services in a manner that safeguards the national interest.
Toward a hybrid 5G deployment model
The potential removal of NGIC’s exclusivity clause signals a shift toward a hybrid model for 5G deployment in Ghana. Under this approach, the shared national infrastructure operated by NGIC would continue to exist, but other telecom operators would also be allowed to obtain spectrum and deploy their own 5G networks independently.
Authorities believe this model could accelerate the expansion of 5G coverage and help Ghana achieve ambitious connectivity targets. The government has set a goal of reaching 70 percent nationwide 5G coverage by 2027, a milestone that coincides with the country’s 70th independence anniversary.
Industry analysts say the policy shift could lead to increased investment in telecommunications infrastructure while fostering greater competition among service providers.
Implications for Ghana’s digital future
The move to liberalise the 5G market reflects the government’s broader strategy to position Ghana as a leading digital economy in West Africa. Faster mobile broadband is expected to support emerging sectors such as fintech, smart cities, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
If the amendment is finalized after the consultation period, the Ghanaian telecom sector could soon witness the entry of additional players into the 5G space, potentially transforming the country’s connectivity landscape and accelerating digital innovation across industries.
The NCA reiterated its commitment to transparent and predictable regulation, stressing that the proposed changes are intended to foster sustainable growth and strengthen Ghana’s communications ecosystem.