On November 1, 2024, Ghana marked a historic milestone in its digital journey with the official launch of 5G technology, led by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. This event signals a transformative step forward, enhancing not only digital connectivity but also the country’s economic and technological capabilities.
Ghana's journey through various generations of mobile technology—from basic voice calls on 1G networks to the rich data-driven experiences of 5G—has been a testament to resilience and innovation. Each technological leap has enabled the country to redefine its connectivity landscape, with 5G promising to deliver ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and the ability to support millions of connected devices.
1. Economic and Social Development
With 5G, Ghana is set to unlock immense potential across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and transport. The technology's high speeds and low latency allow for real-time interactions, creating an environment ripe for innovations like smart cities, telemedicine, and automated farming solutions.
2. Educational and Skills Development Initiatives
To prepare for this advanced technological era, Ghana is focusing on digital literacy and skill development. Initiatives like the Digital Youth Hub at the University of Ghana aim to nurture the next generation of tech-savvy professionals, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in a 5G-enabled economy.
3. Commitment to Inclusivity
Ghana’s government has prioritized making 5G accessible to all citizens. The rollout will begin in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, with full nationwide coverage expected by 2026. The Universal Service Fund, managed by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), is dedicated to expanding digital access in underserved and rural areas. Satellite and wireless solutions are being implemented to extend the benefits of high-speed connectivity to every corner of the nation.
Affordability is a core element of Ghana’s 5G strategy. To make 5G accessible, the government is working with telecom providers to offer affordable data plans. Additionally, public-private partnerships are being explored to further reduce costs, making high-speed internet more attainable for students, businesses, and households with varying incomes.
Learning from previous spectrum auctions, Ghana has chosen to implement a shared neutral wholesale network for 5G. The National Ghana Infrastructure Company (NGIC) has been granted exclusivity for 10 years to invest in and manage this infrastructure, providing fair access to all network operators. This model is intended to foster competition based on service offerings rather than network availability, ultimately benefiting consumers with improved options and service quality.
The government is committed to safeguarding data privacy and enhancing cybersecurity as 5G becomes widely available. Stringent data protection protocols aligned with international standards are being implemented to ensure secure digital experiences for users. Advanced cybersecurity measures will help protect user information and create a trusted digital environment in Ghana.
Minister Owusu-Ekuful extended her gratitude to all those who have contributed to this historic achievement, especially President Nana Akufo-Addo, for his visionary leadership. She emphasized that the launch of 5G is more than just a technological advancement—it is a foundation for Ghana’s future growth. By fostering a culture of digital literacy and inclusivity, Ghana is paving the way for a brighter, more connected future where technology plays a central role in driving development.
As 5G rolls out across Ghana, it promises to bring transformative benefits, empower communities, and foster innovation, setting the stage for the country to become a leader in digital connectivity in Africa.
Leave a comment