NCA moves to scrap NGIC’s 5G licence exclusivity in policy shift

Ghana’s 5G landscape could soon open up to full competition after the National Communications Authority (NCA) issued a Notice of Proposed Licence Amendment to Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC), seeking to remove the 5G exclusivity clause in the company’s licence.

In a press release dated March 4, 2026, the regulator said the action was being taken pursuant to Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). 

If confirmed, the amendment would end NGIC’s exclusive rights in the 5G space and potentially allow other operators to deploy the technology independently.

The NCA stated that the proposed amendment was in the public interest and aimed at “Promoting competition and innovation in the provision of 5G services; Enhancing consumer choice and service quality; Accelerating nationwide digital transformation; and Ensuring optimal and efficient use of spectrum as a national resource.”

Under the law, the amendment will take effect 90 days from the date of the notice unless, after considering representations from the licensee within the statutory notice period, the Authority determines otherwise.

The NCA stressed that the process followed due procedure and was consistent with its mandate to regulate communications services in the national interest.

The proposed change comes at a pivotal moment for NGIC, which in a recent statement said it had received clearance from the regulator to commence full commercial operations as Ghana’s wholesale 4G and 5G infrastructure provider. It said the approval followed technical inspections confirming compliance with its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence.

NGIC has so far deployed 49 operational 5G sites nationwide, with 43 located in Greater Accra and the remainder distributed across the Ashanti, Western, Northern, Bono and Central regions. The network is already live in selected parts of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale under what has been described as Ghana’s wholesale-first model, in which NGIC builds and operates the shared radio and core infrastructure while mobile network operators provide retail services.

The Chief Executive Officer of NGIC, Tenu Awoonor, described the company’s operational launch as a transition from vision to implementation. "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."

He added that achieving the government’s target of 70 per cent 5G population coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary would require discipline and coordination. "Achieving 70 percent coverage within the Ghana @ 70 timeframe demands coordination and long-term discipline. The shared architecture ensures investment is directed toward expanding reach rather than duplicating infrastructure."

The Chief Operating Officer, Nenyi George Andah, said the company’s focus had shifted firmly to expansion. "The backbone is active. The framework is clear. The responsibility now is execution—scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner." He defended the wholesale model, noting that "It enables faster national reach and more efficient capital deployment."

Technology partner Nokia also affirmed its role in the rollout. Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: "Nokia is proud to partner with NGIC in Ghana as a technology partner to introduce the country’s first neutral-host (shared) 4G/5G network. This wholesale network model, provided by NGIC, enables all mobile operators in Ghana with a smart and prudent approach to bring high-speed data to consumers, while bringing in new service models to the enterprise segment. With a future-ready architecture underpinned by advanced security, the new shared mobile broadband network will drive socio-economic growth and bridge the digital divide in the coming years in Ghana."

However, the regulatory notice also disclosed that NGIC is in default of a licence fee instalment payment under the agreed schedule forming part of its licence conditions. The NCA indicated that it was addressing the matter in accordance with the applicable statutory provisions.

The twin developments — a potential removal of 5G exclusivity and concerns over fee compliance — signal a critical juncture for Ghana’s evolving telecoms market. While NGIC’s wholesale model remains central to national broadband ambitions, the regulator’s proposed amendment suggests a recalibration designed to deepen competition and maximise the strategic use of spectrum as a national resource.