Government sets final deadline for NGIC 5G rollout in Ghana

The government has given Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) a final ultimatum to roll out Ghana’s much-anticipated 5G network by the fourth quarter of 2025 or risk having its operating licence reviewed.

The warning follows two previously missed deadlines, November 2024 and June 2025, by NGIC, which was awarded the mandate to deliver nationwide high-speed 5G services under a shared infrastructure model.

Addressing a news conference in Accra on Thursday, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, made it clear that there would be no further extensions to the agreed timeline.

“Let me declare, we have agreed with NGIC that there will be no further extensions to this rollout deadline. If the company fails to meet the Q4 deadline commitment, the ministry will immediately initiate a review and possible renegotiation of the licence term,” Mr George stated.

Despite the delays, the Minister acknowledged progress by the company, noting that NGIC had already deployed 16 5G-ready sites and secured full regulatory approval for its core network infrastructure from the National Communications Authority (NCA).

With the clock now ticking towards the final deadline, the government expects at least 50 operational 5G sites in Accra and Kumasi by the end of the fourth quarter.

“We have set a final deadline of Q4 2025, where at least 50 live 5G sites are expected in Accra and Kumasi,” Mr George said. “These milestones reflect meaningful progress following earlier delays in 2024.”

The 5G rollout is a flagship component of Ghana’s digital infrastructure agenda. Described as the fifth generation of wireless technology, 5G offers significantly faster internet speeds, low latency, and improved capacity for simultaneous connections, promising to transform sectors ranging from education and healthcare to finance and entertainment.

Mr George highlighted that Ghana’s model for 5G deployment is distinct in its emphasis on shared infrastructure and inclusive access.

“The national rollout model is a deliberate policy shift to reduce infrastructure duplication, lower data costs, and accelerate universal 5G access for all Ghanaians,” he explained.

He also assured the public of the government’s commitment to working closely with NGIC to ensure that the rollout is carried out with transparency, efficiency, and a strong focus on customer value.