Ghana to Launch 5G Services on November 1 – Ursula Owusu-Ekuful
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, has revealed that Ghana will roll out 5G services on November 1, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey.
She shared this information during an interview with Kwame Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s Kokorokoo on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
This will revolutionize Ghana’s telecommunications landscape by offering faster internet speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity. The initiative is expected to drive the country towards a fully digitized Ghana by 2030.
On May 30, 2024, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation held a press conference to discuss the government’s plans to improve the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
During the conference, she announced that Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a consortium of the Ghanaian government and seven partners – namely Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana – has been granted the 5G license to deliver affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana
The Minister announced that discussions are underway with Microsoft and other technology providers to support the project. Emphasis was also made on the fact that Microsoft and Tech Mahindra will play a crucial role in IT architecture and integration for the project.
This move is part of Ghana’s vision to become a digital hub in Africa, and the country plans to expand its services beyond its borders into other parts of the continent. The introduction of 5G will transform the way businesses and individuals access and utilize digital services, and it will have a positive impact on the economy and society as a whole. With the deployment of 5G, Ghana is poised to become a leader in digital transformation in Africa, and the government’s proactive approach and robust regulatory framework will ensure that the benefits of 5G are equitably accessible to all Ghanaians.
Many Ghanaians remain skeptical about the benefits of the new 5G technology, citing concerns about poor internet connectivity and high data prices. Although faster speeds and enhanced connectivity are promised, a significant portion of the population believes the focus should be on improving current internet services, which have been hindered by unreliable networks and limited access to essential online resources.
