Gov’t sets 2027 deadline for 70% 5G coverage,puts NCA on the spot

The government has issued a firm directive to the National Communications Authority (NCA) to accelerate the rollout of fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology, targeting 70% population coverage by the time Ghana celebrates its 70th Independence Day in 2027.

The ambitious deadline was announced by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, during the launch of the NCA’s 30th-anniversary celebrations in Accra on Wednesday.

Framing the initiative as a major strategic shift, the Minister revealed that Cabinet has taken what he described as a “bold decision” to democratize the deployment of 5G infrastructure across the country. This marks a move away from a cautious, phased approach to a more rapid and competitive model aimed at expanding access.

“Our vision is to achieve 70% of 5G population density coverage by the 70th Independence celebration of our nation, next year,” Mr. George stated. “So, the work is cut out for the regulator. You have barely a year to roll out 5G using both the wholesale model and the network-led operations and achieve 70% population density coverage.”

The directive places significant pressure on the NCA, tasking it with coordinating spectrum allocation, licensing, and establishing operational frameworks within a compressed timeline.

To facilitate this, the Minister announced that his ministry will issue formal instructions to the regulator within days to begin preparations for a spectrum auction, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks. The NCA will be responsible for overseeing both the existing wholesale model and the newly introduced network-led operations—a dual-track approach designed to widen participation and accelerate the deployment of infrastructure.

Acknowledging the magnitude of the task, Mr. George expressed confidence in the regulator’s ability to deliver.

“It is a steep aspiration, but I am more than confident in the resilience and abilities of the people who run the NCA,” he said.