In a recent statement, Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, emphasized the government’s commitment to a coordinated rollout of fifth-generation (5G) mobile services, ensuring that no telecommunications operator gains an unfair advantage.
During the Mobile World Congress 2026 held in Barcelona, Mr. George outlined the government’s strategy, which is designed to facilitate a simultaneous launch of 5G services by all operators. This move aims to foster a level playing field within the telecommunications sector.
“I have clarified my policy direction to the regulator: no single network will have the sole privilege of rolling out 5G. All networks will initiate their 5G services on the same day,” Mr. George stated. He affirmed that the government intends to carry out a national launch that incorporates all operators.
The rollout strategy will be bolstered by an impending auction of 5G spectrum by the National Communications Authority (NCA). Licenses acquired by the telecom companies will include provisions mandating adherence to a national roaming framework. This framework requires that licensed operators grant access to other operators at cost price for a limited duration, preventing any unfair advantages in the market.
Mr. George noted, “If telecom company ‘A’ obtains the license while company ‘B’ does not, company ‘A’ will be obliged to allow company ‘B’ access to its 5G infrastructure at cost price until company ‘B’ can condition its network.”
His remarks come in response to claims made by Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC), stating they had received confirmation to commence commercial wholesale 4G and 5G operations. However, the minister deemed these assertions misleading, arguing that with only a limited number of sites deployed, NGIC’s operations cannot be classified as a nationwide rollout.
“In Greater Accra alone, we have over 1,600 cell sites. So, how can someone who claims to have rolled out 5G with only 43 sites be considered to have completed a rollout?” Mr. George questioned, further revealing that NGIC is currently in default of certain licensing obligations, including overdue payments to the regulator since September of last year.
The Minister highlighted that the NCA has formally informed NGIC about this breach and that discussions with industry players are ongoing to finalize the national roaming framework ahead of the spectrum auction.
Looking beyond the 5G plans, the government is also focused on regulatory reforms to stimulate investment and expand the telecommunications infrastructure. Mr. George noted that policies like technology neutrality and modifications to quality-of-service standards have encouraged major telecom operators to expedite network expansion.
Both MTN Ghana and Telecel Ghana have announced their intentions to deploy numerous new cell sites this year, aiming to enhance coverage and service quality nationwide. According to Mr. George, these developments are part of a broader government strategy to transition the regulator’s role from enforcing strict regulations to fostering innovation and growth within Ghana’s digital economy.
