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Ghana’s Wholesale 5G Era Goes Live
Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC) Limited has officially commenced full commercial operations of Ghana’s shared 4G and 5G infrastructure. This launch marks a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. NGIC’s rollout signals the transition from policy ambition to real-world execution of Ghana’s next-generation connectivity framework.
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Commercial launch follows formal clearance from the National Communications Authority (NCA). The regulator confirmed that NGIC has met all regulatory, technical, and operational requirements under its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence. With regulatory approval secured, the national 4G/5G backbone is now live and scaling across the country.
Shared National Infrastructure Now Operational
The NGIC platform is already active in selected locations across Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and other strategic urban centres, with phased nationwide expansion underway.
Under Ghana’s wholesale-first model, NGIC builds and operates the shared radio and core network infrastructure, while licensed mobile network operators connect to the platform to deliver retail services directly to consumers and enterprises. This structure is designed to eliminate infrastructure duplication, accelerate coverage, and preserve competition at the service level.
From 5G Ambition to 5G Execution
Commenting on the development, NGIC Chief Executive Officer, Tenu Awoonor, described the launch as a defining moment for the country’s digital future.
“Today, Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale nationwide,” he said, noting that the model allows for coordinated national investment while sustaining retail innovation and competition.
Chief Operating Officer, Nenyi George Andah, added that the focus has now shifted squarely to disciplined expansion. “The backbone is active, the framework is clear, and the responsibility now is execution — scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner,” he stated.
Targeting 70% 5G Coverage by Ghana @70
The commercial activation aligns with government objectives to achieve 70 per cent 5G population coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary. According to NGIC, the shared infrastructure model is critical to meeting this ambitious timeline by directing capital expenditure toward expanding reach rather than duplicating networks.
The NCA’s confirmation underscores regulatory alignment and operational readiness, clearing the path for NGIC to meet its licence obligations while supporting national digital policy goals.
Technology Partnership and Ecosystem Collaboration
NGIC’s rollout is supported by Nokia as core network technology partner. Nokia described the project as Ghana’s first neutral-host shared 4G/5G network, noting that the architecture is future-ready, secure, and capable of supporting new consumer and enterprise service models.
According to NGIC, the milestone reflects close collaboration across the ecosystem, including regulators, mobile network operators, tower and fibre infrastructure partners, and financing institutions.
“Delivering a shared national backbone requires coordinated effort across the entire value chain,” Andah said, adding that the priority now is responsible scaling with nationwide impact.
Powering Ghana’s Digital Future
As Ghana’s licensed wholesale electronic communications infrastructure provider, NGIC is positioned at the centre of the country’s 4G and 5G strategy. By enabling mobile operators to deliver services over a common backbone, the company aims to accelerate broadband access, bridge the digital divide, and support socio-economic growth as Ghana advances toward its Ghana @70 digital development goals.
