Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, has reaffirmed his commitment to holding the Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) accountable to its revised June 2025 deadline for rolling out 5G services.
The announcement comes amid ongoing regulatory delays and infrastructure challenges that threaten to derail the country’s ambitious digital transformation plans.
NGIC, granted an exclusive 10-year license in 2024 to build and operate Ghana’s universal 4G and 5G network, initially projected a May 2025 launch during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. However, the timeline was later adjusted to June, with the minister emphasizing this as non-negotiable. “They assured me of 350 cell sites by June, including 50 dedicated to 5G in Accra and Kumasi. I expect nothing less,” George stated during an interview on Channel1 TV’s The Point of View.
The company has already provisioned 16 cell sites and secured approvals from the National Communications Authority (NCA) for its core network and data centers. Yet critical regulatory obstacles remain unresolved, including spectrum interference disputes, approval of 1,000 test SIMs, and certification processes for internet service providers (ISPs). These delays, described as “interdependent” by industry insiders, could compromise NGIC’s ability to deliver a compliant, nationwide wholesale network.
George acknowledged the complexities but warned against indefinite delays. “Terminating contracts has financial repercussions, but if June passes without progress, all options are on the table including renegotiating license terms,” he said. The minister stressed that the NCA retains authority to amend licensing conditions if NGIC fails to meet obligations, noting, “They cannot hold Ghanaians to ransom forever.”
The minister also downplayed consumer demand for 5G, arguing its primary value lies in industrial applications such as telemedicine, mining automation, and port operations. “5G isn’t about faster movie downloads. It’s a tool for economic modernization,” he said, highlighting infrastructure gaps among telecom operators. For instance, AT Ghana’s outdated core network, capable only of 3G, underscores broader challenges. “Pushing 5G on unstable networks won’t benefit the public,” George added, suggesting interim solutions for providers like AT.
The rollout’s success hinges on resolving regulatory bottlenecks and aligning stakeholder priorities. While NGIC’s vision promises to democratize high-speed connectivity, skeptics question the feasibility of its targets given Ghana’s history of delayed tech projects. The government’s stance reflects a broader tension: balancing urgency for digital advancement with the pragmatic realities of infrastructure readiness.
As the June deadline looms, the focus shifts to whether Ghana can translate its regulatory framework and public-private partnerships into tangible progress. For a nation eager to position itself as a West African tech hub, the 5G rollout isn’t just about networks it’s a litmus test for executing complex, large-scale digital initiatives in an emerging economy. The coming weeks will reveal if ambition can outpace inertia, or if the promise of next-generation connectivity remains just beyond reach.
