Anticipated Launch of 5G by Ghana's Minister of Communication in June
Ghana's 5G Launch Delayed Amid Licensing Issues and Government Pressure
As of June 2025, Ghana does not yet have a live public 5G network, despite the ceremonial launch of the Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) in November 2024. The initial deadlines for 5G rollout for public use—set for December 2024, then extended to January and May 2025—have all passed without a live commercial launch.
The NGIC, Ghana’s exclusive 10-year license holder for building and operating a universal 4G/5G network across the country, is facing significant roadblocks that are delaying the rollout. One of the major issues is the company's requests for additional licensing beyond its existing ones.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Sam George, has confirmed that while NGIC has all necessary regulatory approvals to start the 5G rollout, the company is seeking an Internet Service Provider (ISP) license, which the minister has declined to grant. Instead, he urges NGIC to proceed with its current permissions and collaborate with mobile network operators (MNOs).
In response to the delays, Sam George has issued a public ultimatum to NGIC. If the company fails to commercially launch full 5G services by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, contract termination and revocation of NGIC’s exclusive rights could be on the table, opening the door to fresh negotiations and restructuring of the rollout framework.
The government’s current rollout expectations require NGIC to activate 355 5G-ready sites nationwide by the end of 2025, including at least 50 sites in Accra and Kumasi. The focus for the 5G-capable cell sites is on Accra (200-250 sites) and Kumasi (100-150 sites). As of now, the NGIC has 16 5G-ready cell sites and 50 5G-capable sites.
Regulatory bottlenecks, such as spectrum interference issues, are also stalling the rollout. The minister has set a deadline of June 2025 for the launch of 5G services in Ghana by the NGIC, with explicit warnings that no further delays will be tolerated.
| Aspect | Status as of June 2025 | |------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Public live 5G network | Not yet launched | | Initial rollout deadline | Missed (December 2024 extended to May 2025) | | NGIC exclusivity | Maintained but under threat due to delays | | Licensing issues | NGIC seeking additional ISP license; declined by minister | | Government ultimatum | Must rollout by Q4 2025 or face contract termination | | Rollout target | 355 sites nationwide by end 2025 (50+ in Accra/Kumasi) |
This situation indicates ongoing challenges in licensing and operational readiness, with Ghana’s 5G service launch still pending amid government pressure and possible contractual restructuring if NGIC fails to meet the firm deadlines.
[1] Myjoyonline.com. (2025, May 31). NGIC's 5G launch in Ghana delayed again. Retrieved from https://www.myjoyonline.com/news/2025/may-31st/ngics-5g-launch-in-ghana-delayed-again.html
[2] Ghanaweb.com. (2025, May 31). Sam George issues ultimatum to NGIC over 5G launch. Retrieved from https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Sam-George-issues-ultimatum-to-NGIC-over-5G-launch-1052363
[3] Citi FM Online. (2025, April 1). 350 5G-ready sites to be ready by June 2025. Retrieved from https://citinewsroom.com/2025/04/01/350-5g-ready-sites-to-be-ready-by-june-2025/
[4] Modernghana.com. (2025, May 31). NGIC's 5G launch in Ghana delayed again. Retrieved from https://www.modernghana.com/news/1162288/ngics-5g-launch-in-ghana-delayed-again.html
[5] Graphic Online. (2025, May 31). NGIC's 5G launch in Ghana delayed again. Retrieved from https://graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ngics-5g-launch-in-ghana-delayed-again.html
Despite the initial deadlines for 5G rollout passing without a live commercial launch, technology continues to be a crucial part of the discussions as the NGIC seeks an Internet Service Provider (ISP) license. In response to the delays, the government has issued an ultimatum to the NGIC, highlighting the importance of technology as a driver for economic growth and development, and emphasizing the need for timely implementation to fulfill its potential.
