Accra: The government has announced an ambitious target to achieve 70 percent nationwide 5G population coverage by March 2027. This initiative is part of a comprehensive digital strategy focusing on legal reforms, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, skills development, and spectrum management.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, revealed this target at a stakeholder workshop on spectrum management held in Accra. The workshop convened regulators, telecom operators, global industry bodies, and policymakers to discuss strategies for enhancing spectrum management and expediting Ghana's transition to next-generation digital technologies.
The initiative, branded as '70 per cent coverage for Ghana at 70,' is aligned with the country's 70th Independence Anniversary in 2027 and underscores the government's commitment to establishing Ghana as a leader in digital innovation across Africa. Mr. George emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, regulators, and industry players, including mobile network operators and infrastructure providers, to realize this goal.
While acknowledging the ambitious nature of the target, Mr. George expressed confidence in its attainability through coordinated action, increased investment, and efficient spectrum allocation. He also announced plans to implement strict rollout obligations tied to spectrum allocation, requiring operators to extend services to underserved communities as part of their licensing conditions.
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to address disparities in telecommunications service costs between urban and rural areas, noting that the pricing gap is a policy concern under review. He also stressed the importance of investments in resilient infrastructure, backup power systems, and network redundancy to ensure reliable 5G services.
Mr. George called on industry stakeholders to align with the government's vision by investing in network expansion, innovation, and consumer-focused services, emphasizing that connectivity should act as a catalyst for economic growth and digital inclusion.
Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Acting Director-General of the NCA, reiterated the significance of 5G service quality, stressing that deployment must focus on both coverage and high quality of service (QoS) to be deemed successful. He pointed out that increasing data demand and rising consumer expectations have stressed existing networks, creating challenges in some areas.
Rev. Fianko emphasized that sustaining a digital economy requires prioritizing quality of service and quality of experience, ensuring equitable access across urban and rural areas.