Ghana has revoked the exclusive licence granted to Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) for its 5G network, opening the market to competition. MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana have confirmed their intent to bid for 5G licences in an auction expected to start within weeks. This decision marks a significant change in Ghana's strategy for rolling out its next-generation mobile network.
The previous model designated NGIC as the sole builder of a wholesale 5G network for all mobile operators. However, this approach resulted in a slow deployment, with only 49 5G sites operational by March 2026. This figure was far below the government's target of 1,200 sites by 2027. Officials now believe that allowing multiple operators to build and manage their own 5G networks will speed up deployment, improve service quality, and attract more investment.
Ghana has lagged behind other major African telecom markets in 5G rollout. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria have expanded their 5G networks significantly over the past few years. GSMA Intelligence data suggests Ghana could reach only about 7% population coverage by the end of 2026, even with immediate commercial deployment. This contrasts sharply with Nigeria's approximate 22%, Kenya's 38%, and South Africa's more than 60% 5G coverage. Faster 5G connectivity is crucial for unlocking new opportunities in sectors like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (fintech), manufacturing, and smart cities.
Communications Minister Sam George, after taking office in 2025, openly criticised the slow rollout under the previous model. The communications regulator signalled its intent to scrap NGIC's exclusive licence in 2026. This paved the way for the current decision to open the market to competitive bidding. The previous administration had supported NGIC's wholesale model, hoping to reduce infrastructure costs and prevent MTN, already Ghana's dominant operator, from expanding its market lead.
For consumers, this competitive shift could mean faster access to high-speed mobile internet services. It also promises better competition among telecom operators, potentially leading to improved service packages and pricing. For MTN and Telecel, the decision offers a direct opportunity to shape Ghana's 5G future without relying on a third-party network provider. This strategic pivot illustrates a broader trend among African governments to reconsider digital infrastructure strategies that fail to deliver. They are increasingly choosing competitive models over exclusivity to accelerate connectivity across the continent and drive digital transformation.