Despite launching 4G in 2014, approximately 85% of Ghana’s population still lacks access.
However, the government is taking significant steps to address this issue, with plans to launch 5G before the end of the year. The Ghanaian government aims to deploy 4,400 4G and 5G telecom sites over the next three years to enhance nationwide broadband coverage. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalization, announced this initiative during a press conference in Accra.
Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC) to Lead Deployment
Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), the new neutral shared infrastructure company for 4G and beyond, will build and deploy 3,200 4G sites and 1,200 5G sites.
Through this initiative, the government aims to reach 37 million end-users by 2028 and increase 4G penetration to at least 80%. “Despite launching 4G in Ghana nine years ago, the current 4G penetration rate is only 15%, with the majority of the population using 3G networks,” lamented Ms. Owusu-Ekuful. However, 5G is expected to launch before the end of the year.
Addressing the 4G Coverage Gap
The delay in expanding 4G coverage across Ghana prompted the government to opt for a neutral shared network for 5G, rather than holding auctions. This approach aims to ensure that telecom operators do not limit broadband access to major cities but extend it to rural areas, which they often neglect due to their perceived lower commercial potential.
Ghana’s Current Mobile Internet Landscape
As of the third quarter of 2023, Ghana had 22.29 million mobile internet subscribers, with a penetration rate of 69.1%, according to data from the National Communications Authority (NCA). Additionally, 113,640 people subscribe to fixed internet, and 1,420 people subscribe to wireless broadband.