Accra: Mr. Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, has revealed that Ghana is set to begin the deployment of 5G technology by the end of 2026. The National Communications Authority (NCA) is working to complete the spectrum assignment necessary for this rollout. The deployment aims to enhance data speeds, reduce latency, and increase device connectivity, thereby transforming consumer experiences and industrial operations.
According to Ghana News Agency, the announcement was made during the Government Accountability Series Press Conference at the Jubilee House in Accra, where Mr. George provided updates on key developments in Ghana's digital and communications sector. He highlighted plans for an online licensing and payment portal and emphasized the importance of network quality upgrades, describing them as mandatory.
Mr. George also discussed the need for a framework to provide customer remediation and sanctions, ensuring benefits for customers during service interruptions. He pointed out the ongoing reliance on outdated 2G and 3G technology in rural areas, which limits the ability to engage fully in digital economic activities such as mobile banking and telemedicine.
The Minister stressed the government's commitment to closing the digital access gap by modernizing technology and expanding network infrastructure. Collaborating with the NCA, Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), and mobile operators, efforts are underway to upgrade existing infrastructure to support 4G and 5G capabilities.
Mr. George also mentioned recent reforms in Ghana's 5G policy, aimed at enhancing competition in the mobile broadband sector. The NCA's request for applications for spectrum in various frequency bands is expected to attract new investments, with significant growth in voice over LT adoption already observed.
Lastly, he announced plans for the Ghana Domain Name Registry to finalize the GH replicated agreement and pre-accredit additional local registries, advancing the adoption of GH domain names.