Ghana Communication Minister: Targets 70% 5G Coverage by 2027

• Ghana aims to achieve 70% 5G population coverage by March 2027.
• The digital gap between urban and rural communities is projected to close by the end of 2025.
• Minister Sam Nartey George announced plans to upgrade aging 2G and 3G rural infrastructure to 4G and 5G-capable networks.
• This initiative involves collaboration with the NCA, GIFEC, and mobile network operators.
• Fibre and microwave backhaul are being deployed to ensure real broadband speeds across the country.

Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has outlined an ambitious timeline for national digital transformation, projecting significant advancements in connectivity over the coming years.

Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has outlined an ambitious timeline for national digital transformation, projecting significant advancements in connectivity over the coming years. A primary objective is to achieve 70% 5G population coverage across the nation by March 2027, a target that underscores the government's commitment to modernizing its telecommunications landscape.

Beyond the rollout of next-generation mobile technology, the Minister also provided assurances regarding the persistent digital divide. Mr. George stated that the disparity in digital access between Ghana's urban and rural communities is expected to be fully closed by the end of 2025. This dual focus on advanced network deployment and equitable access highlights a comprehensive strategy to bolster the country's digital economy.

To realize these ambitious targets, a significant Ghana digital infrastructure upgrade is being prioritized. The strategy involves a concerted effort to transform existing, aging 2G and 3G mass infrastructure, particularly in rural districts, into modern 4G and 5G-capable networks. This foundational work is deemed crucial for delivering genuine high-speed internet access across the country.

Integral to this upgrade is the deployment of robust fibre and microwave backhaul systems. These essential components are designed to ensure that the upgraded infrastructure can support real broadband speeds, moving beyond mere nominal connectivity to provide a truly functional and high-performance digital experience for users nationwide. This comprehensive approach aims to lay the groundwork for a resilient and future-proof digital ecosystem.

The commitment by Sam Nartey George to close the digital gap in Ghana by the end of 2025 represents a critical step towards digital inclusion. This initiative directly addresses the disparities in access and quality of digital services that have historically separated urban and rural populations. By focusing on upgrading infrastructure in underserved areas, the government aims to ensure that all citizens can participate fully in the digital economy.

This drive for Ghana digital divide closure is not merely about providing internet access but about fostering economic growth and social development. Ensuring that rural communities have access to reliable, high-speed internet is expected to unlock new opportunities for education, healthcare, and commerce, thereby contributing to a more equitable and prosperous society.

The ambitious digital agenda is being pursued through a collaborative framework involving key stakeholders in Ghana's telecommunications sector. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations is working closely with the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), and various mobile network operators in Ghana. This multi-stakeholder approach is central to the successful implementation of the infrastructure upgrades and the expansion of 5G capabilities.

This partnership ensures that the technical expertise, regulatory oversight, and operational capabilities of all parties are leveraged effectively. The collective efforts of the NCA, GIFEC, and mobile operators are vital for the seamless transition from older network technologies to advanced 4G and 5G-capable systems, ultimately supporting the Ghana Communication Minister's vision for widespread connectivity and digital transformation.

This announcement signals Ghana's commitment to expanding its digital economy. Legal professionals should monitor upcoming legislative and regulatory frameworks that will govern the expanded 4G/5G infrastructure, data privacy, and digital services, advising clients on potential compliance obligations or new market opportunities in the telecommunications and tech sectors.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times