President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially launched Ghana’s 5G mobile broadband services on November 1, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s digital journey.
The new 5G network promises faster internet speeds, more reliable connections, and improved capacity for users across the country.
Known as the Fifth Generation of Wireless Technology, 5G operates on the same radio frequencies as earlier technologies like 3G and 4G but brings higher upload and download speeds and supports more consistent connections.
At the launch event, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the transformative potential of 5G for Ghana.
He described the initiative as the dawn of a new era for the country’s digital infrastructure. “As we launch 5G in Ghana today, let us embrace our responsibility to build a stronger and more inclusive Ghana,” he stated.
“Our success will not only be measured by internet speed but by the tangible improvement in the lives of people, industries, and fostering innovation across all regions.”
He expressed hope that 5G would help propel Ghana toward economic resilience, social inclusivity, and global competitiveness.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, provided details about the initial rollout, which will begin in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
“5G has now arrived in Ghana, marking a significant step forward in our digital journey,” Owusu-Ekuful said.
“We anticipate residents in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi will begin experiencing the benefits immediately once network operators activate it.”
She added that the government aims to expand coverage to additional urban areas by the end of 2024, with plans for full nationwide coverage, including rural areas, by 2026.
The 5G rollout is being facilitated through a partnership between the Ghanaian government and seven industry players, including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and two local telecom providers, AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
This collaboration is designed to create a shared infrastructure for affordable 5G access across the country.
The network will also support the launch of affordable 4G/5G-enabled smartphones and FWA CPEs (Fixed Wireless Access Customer Premise Equipment) in Ghana, ensuring accessibility for a broader population within the coming year.
