5G will redefine connectivity and quality of life in Ghana- Ursula Owusu-Ekuful

The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has highlighted the transformative potential of the fifth-generation communication network, stating it could reshape connectivity, productivity, and overall quality of life in Ghana.

"With its unparallel speed, low latency and enormous capacity, 5G has the potential to drive innovations in every sector; agriculture, health, transportation, manufacturing, banking and beyond", she stated.

She underscored that technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and smart cities were no longer futuristic concepts, but imminent realities set to transform how we live and work.

The Minister was speaking at the launch of Ghana’s Fifth Generation of Wireless Technology (5G) in Accra on Friday, November 1, 2024.

It was held on the theme, “5G: Accelerating Ghana’s Digital Transformation.”

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful stressed the essential role of educational institutions in preparing the next generation of tech-savvy Ghanaians.

She noted that initiatives to enhance digital literacy and skills development were underway to ensure the youth could harness the opportunities 5G would present.

"We are constructing a digital youth hub at the University of Ghana which should serve as a prime hub for the development of Ghana's specific 5G use cases in all the critical sectors of the economy", she added.

Despite the introduction of the 5G network, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful acknowledged challenges, including cybersecurity, data privacy, and equitable access, which she said the ministry was addressing proactively.

"Our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth has motivated us to build a robust framework that safeguards our digital future. Data privacy and security are critical components of our digital strategy".

The Minister explained that the government was implementing data protection protocols aligned with international standards to secure user information as 5G becomes more accessible.

This effort, she added, includes end-to-end encryption and advanced cybersecurity measures to guard against potential security breaches.