Ghana’s ambitious nationwide 5G rollout took a major step forward today, with Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful confirming that telecom leader MTN Ghana is expected to join the newly launched shared 5G network.
At the official unveiling of the network, Owusu-Ekuful assured that MTN, along with other telecom operators, is keen on participating in the 5G upgrade, ensuring their customers don’t miss out on the faster speeds and enhanced connectivity that 5G offers.
Currently, AT Ghana has signed onto the NextGen Infraco network, with Telecel Ghana set to follow next week.
MTN Ghana’s presence at the launch, represented by its CEO Stephen Blewett and other senior executives, signals a strong interest in joining this unified 5G initiative.
The government’s strategy, however, is a departure from the traditional approach, opting instead for a shared model that allows multiple telcos to access the same 5G infrastructure without needing individual spectrum licenses.
The NextGen Infraco consortium—comprised of Ghana-based Ascend Digital and K-NET, along with international partners Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and Radisys—was specifically chosen to manage and operate the nationwide 5G infrastructure.
This shared model aims to make 5G access affordable and accessible across Ghana, levelling the playing field for smaller operators and reducing the financial burden of individual network build-outs. The government itself is a minority stakeholder in this venture, enabling NextGen Infraco to operate with greater flexibility.
Minister Owusu-Ekuful highlighted that Ghana’s approach was designed to break the dominance of any single market player while fostering competition and innovation. “With a shared network, every player, big or small, has the chance to provide high-quality services, which will ultimately benefit the consumers,” she explained.
She noted that if any telecom provider fails to offer 5G to their customers by December, subscribers should hold them accountable.
The network launch also coincides with a digital technology hub nearing completion at the University of Ghana, dedicated to creating Ghana-specific 5G solutions. Once operational, it will allow young developers to create new applications and services tailored to Ghana’s unique needs, from health and education to agriculture and trade. International partners Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and Radisys have also committed to establishing innovation centres in Accra, further boosting opportunities for tech development.
With Ghana poised to expand digital connectivity nationwide, the shared 5G network promises to deliver unprecedented speeds, open new business opportunities, and spur innovation, setting the stage for a tech-driven future.