The government has given the Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) a deadline until the fourth quarter of 2025 to roll out Ghana’s highly anticipated 5G network, warning that its operating license may be reviewed if this deadline is not met. This ultimatum comes after NGIC missed two previous deadlines—November 2024 and June 2025—despite being granted the mandate to provide nationwide high-speed 5G services under a shared infrastructure model.
At a news conference in Accra on Thursday, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, emphasised that no further extensions would be granted for this rollout. “Let me be clear: we have agreed with NGIC that there will be no further extensions to this rollout deadline.
If the company fails to meet the Q4 deadline, the ministry will immediately initiate a review and possible renegotiation of the license terms,” Mr. George stated. Despite the delays, the Minister acknowledged some progress made by NGIC, noting that the company has already deployed 16 5G-ready sites and has received full regulatory approval for its core network infrastructure from the National Communications Authority (NCA).
With the clock now ticking towards the final deadline, the government expects at least 50 operational 5G sites in Accra and Kumasi by the end of the fourth quarter. “We have set a final deadline of Q4 2025, where at least 50 live 5G sites are expected in Accra and Kumasi,” Mr George said. “These milestones reflect meaningful progress following earlier delays in 2024.”
The 5G rollout is a flagship component of Ghana’s digital infrastructure agenda. Described as the fifth generation of wireless technology, 5G offers significantly faster internet speeds, low latency, and improved capacity for simultaneous connections, promising to transform sectors ranging from education and healthcare to finance and entertainment.
Mr George highlighted that Ghana’s model for 5G deployment is distinct in its emphasis on shared infrastructure and inclusive access. “The national rollout model is a deliberate policy shift to reduce infrastructure duplication, lower data costs, and accelerate universal 5G access for all Ghanaians,” he explained. He also assured the public of the government’s commitment to working closely with NGIC to ensure that the rollout is carried out with transparency, efficiency, and a strong focus on customer value.
Source: GNA
