Minister Seeks Expert Input on 5G Rollout Strategy
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Sam Nartey George, has called on industry experts to provide critical technical guidance to shape Ghana’s 5G rollout, stressing that the government is deliberately opening up the policy process to ensure the country gets it right.
Addressing a high-level workshop on spectrum auction design and pricing strategy, the minister emphasised that Ghana’s ambitious 5G agenda must be informed by practical, data-driven insights from telecom operators, regulators and industry players to avoid past mistakes and maximise national benefit.
Speaking at the event, Mr George underscored that spectrum management decisions, including pricing, allocation and licensing, would determine whether Ghana fully harnesses the economic and social potential of 5G technology.
“We want honest technical advice on auction formats, reserve pricing, payment terms and rollout obligations,” he said, adding that such recommendations must be benchmarked against global best practices.
The minister revealed that Cabinet has already endorsed a shift towards a competitive national bidding process for spectrum allocation, while maintaining a wholesale framework to allow multiple pathways for operators to deploy next-generation services.
He outlined an ambitious national target of achieving 70 per cent 5G population coverage by Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary in March 2027, describing it as one of the fastest rollout timelines globally.
However, he cautioned that the speed of deployment must not compromise service quality or deepen the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
To guide discussions, Mr George posed four key questions to stakeholders, including how to price the spectrum without discouraging investment, how to structure frequency bands to prioritise real network rollout, and how to align coverage obligations with consumer expectations.
He also stressed the importance of integrating Ghana’s spectrum strategy into broader continental frameworks such as regional digital integration and harmonisation efforts.
The minister noted that poorly designed spectrum auctions could undermine investment, delay deployment and ultimately hurt consumers, warning against short-term revenue-driven approaches.
“This is not a forum for diplomatic silence. Government is listening and will act on what we hear,” he stated.
Mr George further highlighted ongoing reforms within the sector, including a comprehensive legal overhaul, the rollout of a national artificial intelligence strategy, and investments in digital infrastructure, skills development and inclusion.
He also pointed to the upcoming “Dig Once” policy, aimed at reducing the cost of fibre deployment by integrating fibre infrastructure into road construction projects, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the backbone of Ghana’s digital economy.
The workshop forms part of efforts by government and the National Communications Authority, alongside the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, to design a transparent and inclusive framework for 5G deployment.
As Ghana prepares for its next phase of digital transformation, the minister reiterated that collaboration between government, regulators and industry will be key to delivering a nationwide, equitable and investment-friendly 5G rollout.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
