The Government of Ghana has officially launched its high-speed 5G internet service.

The event, held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Friday, November 1, 2024, was themed “5G: Accelerating Ghana’s Digital Transformation.”

5G technology, often called the Fifth Generation of Wireless Technology, promises faster internet speeds, enhanced upload and download capacities, more consistent connections, and improved network capacity.

Like its predecessors—3G, 4G, and 4G LTE—5G operates on similar radio frequencies, but it significantly upgrades the internet experience for mobile users.

The government awarded the 5G license to Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), a new shared infrastructure company co-promoted by the government and seven other partners.

This shared infrastructure aims to provide affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana. Key partners include Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.

In his keynote address, President Akufo-Addo emphasised that Ghana is at a crucial point where digital technology is no longer optional but essential.

He highlighted the country’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to create an inclusive digital ecosystem critical for job creation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

"5G technology will have a transformative impact on our national landscape. Its high speed, minimum latency and enhanced capacity will drive our agenda forward, artificial intelligence and data analytics into daily lives across Ghana from urban centres to remote villages," he stated.

President Akufo-Addo explained that 5G will drive innovations in health, education, agriculture, and security.

He envisioned a future where remote healthcare consultations, expanded access to educational content, and technological advancements reach even the remotest areas.

“5G will be a catalyst for industrial growth, empowering domestic businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy with faster, more reliable internet, MSMEs can reach new markets, streamline logistics and scale up their operations,” he added.

In manufacturing and agriculture, 5G will enable real-time data collection and machine-to-machine communication, enhancing productivity and sustainability. Innovations like precision farming, remote monitoring, and smart irrigation will boost food security and promote sustainable practices in agriculture, a sector vital to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.

The President underscored that industrialisation remains a priority for his administration, and with 5G-enabled automation, robotics, and augmented reality, Ghana’s industrial progress will accelerate, making the country an attractive hub for technological investment and excellence.

“With 5G, we can envisage seamless access to public services, real-time, emergency responses, improved urban planning and enhanced monitoring of public infrastructure. We aim to build a responsive government that evolves with the digital age," President Akufo-Addo said.

Highlighting existing efforts like the digitised national ID system, E-governance initiatives, and mobile financial services, the President added that 5G will strengthen these programs, making public services quicker, more transparent, and more efficient.

He also said that security is paramount, and 5G’s advanced capabilities will help safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure, ensuring a secure and sustainable digital future.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide so that no Ghanaian is left behind.

“We’re partnering with the private sector to expand infrastructure in underserved areas, knowing that technology’s impact is only as significant as its accessibility. Our vision is a Ghana where every citizen, regardless of location, can harness the power of 5G, unlocking opportunities that were once unimaginable.”