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Accra, November 5, 2024 – Ghana officially launched its 5G network at a ceremony held at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, with President Nana Akufo-Addo and Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, heralding the beginning of a new era in connectivity.
This landmark achievement positions Ghana as a regional leader in digital infrastructure, promising significant advancements in internet speed, reliability, and connectivity across various sectors.
In her remarks, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful emphasized Ghana’s digital evolution, celebrating the progress from early 1G networks in the 1990s to the transformative potential of 5G today.
“Today, we celebrate not just a technological evolution but a testament to our resilience, innovation, and collective progress as a nation,” she said.
5G technology, or the Fifth Generation of Wireless Technology, offers remarkable improvements over its predecessors, with download speeds up to ten times faster than 4G Plus. Operating on the same radio frequencies as previous technologies but with enhanced speed, latency, and capacity, 5G enables seamless data transfers, a vital step forward for sectors including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.
The initial phase of the rollout will target Ghana’s major urban centres, including Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, with a full nationwide rollout planned by 2026. The initiative is supported by Next Gen InfraCo NGIC, a shared infrastructure company co-promoted by the government and industry partners Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana. This consortium is expected to make high-speed internet more accessible and affordable, fostering increased digital adoption across the nation.
The Minister also addressed inclusivity and data security, stressing plans to extend 5G connectivity to rural areas through the Universal Service Fund, managed by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC). On cybersecurity, she assured that the new infrastructure aligns with international standards to safeguard users’ data.
The launch of 5G is anticipated to accelerate Ghana’s economic growth, drive innovation, and enhance quality of life, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s digitalisation journey. The Minister expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for his commitment to digital transformation, noting, “You have set us on a path toward building a future where technology and connectivity are pillars of national development.”
Source: Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation
