BTA2023 Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC) Limited has officially received regulatory clearance from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to commence full commercial operations as Ghana’s wholesale 4G and 5G infrastructure provider.
The approval follows comprehensive technical inspections and validations confirming that NGIC has met all requirements under its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure License, marking a pivotal step in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
5G Goes Live in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale
The network is now live in selected areas of Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, with a phased nationwide rollout underway.
This activation signals the operational launch of Ghana’s wholesale-first 5G model, where NGIC builds and operates the shared radio and core network, while licensed mobile network operators plug into the platform to deliver retail services to consumers and businesses.
“From Ambition to Execution” – NGIC CEO
Chief Executive Officer Tenu Awoonor described the milestone as a transition from planning to delivery.
“Today, Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale,” he said. “This structure allows infrastructure investment to be coordinated nationally while preserving innovation and competition at the retail layer.”
The commercial launch aligns with government’s ambition to achieve 70% 5G population coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, a target that demands accelerated deployment and ecosystem-wide coordination.
Execution Phase Begins
Chief Operating Officer Nenyi George Andah emphasized that the focus now shifts to disciplined expansion.
“The backbone is active. The framework is clear. The responsibility now is execution—scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner.”
According to Andah, separating wholesale infrastructure from retail service delivery is a deliberate policy decision aimed at:
- Preventing duplication of infrastructure
- Accelerating nationwide coverage
- Improving capital efficiency across the telecom sector
Nokia Powers the Infrastructure
Nokia is serving as NGIC’s core technology partner.
Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, confirmed the partnership:
“This wholesale network model enables all mobile operators in Ghana with a smart and prudent approach to deliver high-speed data, while introducing new enterprise service models. With a future-ready architecture and advanced security, the shared mobile broadband network will drive socio-economic growth and bridge the digital divide.”
What This Means for Ghana’s Telecom Industry
The wholesale neutral-host model represents a structural shift in Ghana’s telecom architecture. Instead of each operator building parallel 5G infrastructure, NGIC provides a shared backbone, allowing operators to focus on:
- Service innovation
- Customer acquisition
- Digital product development
- Enterprise solutions
This approach is expected to:
- Reduce capital expenditure pressure
- Speed up rural and underserved area connectivity
- Improve network quality and efficiency
The Bigger Picture
NGIC’s regulatory clearance comes at a time when Ghana is positioning itself as a regional digital hub. With services already live in major urban centers, the next phase will prioritize nationwide scaling in line with license obligations and national policy targets.
As Andah concluded:
“Ghana’s 5G backbone is live. The priority now is to scale responsibly and deliver nationwide impact.”
