The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC), warning that the government will revoke the exclusivity clause in its contract if the company fails to meet its obligations for the rollout of 5G services.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Friday, August 1, the minister expressed concern over delays in the rollout of Ghana’s 5G network, cautioning that failure to launch full commercial operations by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 will trigger contractual consequences.
“I stated in my last briefing that failure by NGIC to roll out full commercial activity by the end of quarter four this year will lead to me terminating the terms of that contract, taking away the exclusivity clause, and opening up for fresh negotiations,” Mr. George stated.
NGIC currently holds exclusive rights as Ghana’s shared, neutral infrastructure provider for 4G and 5G networks. The exclusivity clause was granted as part of efforts to accelerate nationwide access to next-generation internet services, foster competition among service providers, and ensure infrastructure sharing.
According to the minister, NGIC has so far deployed only 16 5G-ready sites, and while it has received full approval from the National Communications Authority (NCA) for its core network infrastructure, much more needs to be done to meet contractual timelines.
The company is expected to activate 355 5G-ready cell sites by the end of 2025, with at least 50 of those expected to go live in Accra and Kumasi before the close of the year.
Mr. George’s remarks reflect growing pressure on NGIC to deliver on its commitments amid public demand for faster, more reliable internet services. The government has made digital transformation a cornerstone of its economic and innovation agenda, and delays in critical infrastructure like 5G risk slowing Ghana’s momentum.
“This is not just about meeting targets; it’s about transforming Ghana’s digital economy,” the minister emphasised.
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