Next Gen Infraco gets green light to launch commercial 5G network in Ghana

Ghana’s digital transformation agenda has received a major boost with Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) announcing it has secured final clearance from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to launch its full commercial wholesale 4G and 5G services. The move officially activates a shared network infrastructure designed to accelerate the country’s national digital rollout.

The clearance confirms that NGIC has satisfied all technical and licensing conditions under its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence, empowering the operator to provide network services to mobile network operators on a shared basis.

The Next-Gen Infraco network is already live in parts of Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, with plans for a phased nationwide expansion. The commercial activation aligns with the government’s strategic objective to achieve 70% 5G population coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.

Tenu Awoonor, Chief Executive Officer of Next Gen Infraco, emphasized the significance of the milestone, stating that the focus is now on disciplined execution. “Achieving 70% coverage within the Ghana @70 timeframe demands coordination and long-term discipline,” Mr. Awoonor said.

“Today, Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale. This structure allows infrastructure investment to be coordinated nationally while preserving innovation and competition at the retail layer,” he added.

The wholesale model, which separates network infrastructure from retail service provision, is a cornerstone of the project. Nenyi George Andah, Chief Operating Officer of Next Gen Infraco, stressed that a responsible and sustainable rollout is now the primary focus.

“The backbone is active. The framework is clear. The responsibility now is execution — scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner,” Mr. Andah stated. “Separating wholesale infrastructure from retail service delivery is a strategic decision. It enables faster national reach and more efficient capital deployment.”

Technology partner Nokia highlighted the broader socio-economic potential of the new network. Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, noted that the model will benefit both consumers and enterprises. “This wholesale network model enables all mobile operators in Ghana to bring high-speed data to consumers while introducing new service models to the enterprise segment,” Mr. Salah said. “With a future-ready architecture underpinned by advanced security, the network will drive socio-economic growth and bridge the digital divide.”

Mr. Andah also took the opportunity to acknowledge the collaborative effort that made the launch possible, crediting the NCA, core network parent Nokia, anchor and connecting mobile network operators, as well as tower, fibre, and financing partners.

“This progress reflects collaboration with the National Communications Authority, our core network parent Nokia, our anchor and connecting mobile network operators, tower and fibre infrastructure partners, and financing institutions,” he said. “Delivering a shared national backbone requires coordinated effort across the value chain. Ghana’s 5G backbone is live. The priority now is to scale responsibly and deliver nationwide impact.”