Ghana Sets Q4 2025 Deadline for 5G Rollout or Licence Review

The government of Ghana has issued a final ultimatum to the Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) to roll out the country’s much-anticipated 5G network by the fourth quarter of 2025, or risk losing its operational licence.

This comes after NGIC missed two prior deadlines—November 2024 and June 2025—despite being awarded the exclusive mandate to deliver nationwide 5G services under a shared infrastructure model.

No More Extensions: Government Draws the Line

At a press briefing held in Accra on Thursday, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, made the government’s position unequivocally clear:

“Let me declare, we have agreed with NGIC that there will be no further extensions to this rollout deadline. If the company fails to meet the Q4 deadline commitment, the ministry will immediately initiate a review and possible renegotiation of the licence term,” said Mr George.

Progress Acknowledged, But Clock Is Ticking

Despite earlier setbacks, Mr George acknowledged NGIC’s progress, including:

• Deployment of 16 5G-ready sites

• Full regulatory approval from the National Communications Authority (NCA) for its core network infrastructure

The minister emphasized that by Q4 2025, the government expects at least 50 fully operational 5G sites in Accra and Kumasi, signaling the company’s readiness for full-scale deployment.

“These milestones reflect meaningful progress following earlier delays in 2024,” Mr George added.

5G Rollout Central to Ghana’s Digital Transformation

The 5G network rollout is a key pillar of Ghana’s digital infrastructure agenda, aimed at:

• Delivering ultra-fast internet speeds

• Supporting low-latency applications

• Enabling massive device connectivity for smart cities, digital education, remote healthcare, and financial inclusion

“The national rollout model is a deliberate policy shift to reduce infrastructure duplication, lower data costs, and accelerate universal 5G access for all Ghanaians,” Mr George explained.

Unique Model: Shared Infrastructure and Inclusive Access

Unlike traditional single-operator models, Ghana’s 5G strategy emphasizes shared infrastructure, ensuring:

• Cost efficiency

• Wider network coverage

• Faster deployment timelines

• Greater inclusion, especially in underserved areas

The minister reiterated the government’s support for NGIC, stating that the rollout must be guided by transparency, efficiency, and a strong focus on customer value and affordability.