Key Points
- Ghana rolls out 5G in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
- 5G to support agriculture, healthcare, and business sectors.
- Government promises affordable, inclusive digital access.
Ghana has officially launched its 5G service, bringing high-speed internet to Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. The rollout event, hosted at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, included remarks from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. The leaders emphasized 5G’s potential to reshape Ghana’s digital landscape, supporting the country’s economy, education, and connectivity goals.
Describing the rollout as a “defining moment,” President Akufo-Addo celebrated Ghana’s progress toward becoming a digitally inclusive nation. “5G technology will move our digital economy forward, embedding advanced tech like IoT, AI, and data analytics into everyday life,” he stated, highlighting benefits that will reach sectors as diverse as healthcare and agriculture.
Immediate benefits for citizens and businesses
Graphic online reported that, Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful addressed the immediate advantages for residents in the initial rollout cities, noting that they will “experience the benefits almost immediately, once network providers activate it.” She discussed the impact on various sectors, such as agriculture, where smart farming practices will improve food security and efficiency. In healthcare, 5G will enable remote consultations and real-time health monitoring, expanding access for rural populations.
To ensure high-quality service, Owusu-Ekuful encouraged Ghanaians in 5G areas to hold telecom providers accountable. “If you’re in the 5G zones and cannot access it by December, contact your provider. They are responsible for delivering this service,” she said, reinforcing the government’s dedication to accessible, reliable digital services.
Economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity
The rollout is expected to transform Ghana’s business landscape, providing tools for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to reach broader markets and streamline operations. President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that enhanced internet speeds will “empower local businesses” and create new economic opportunities. “5G will drive industrial growth, boosting productivity in agriculture and manufacturing,” he noted.
President Akufo-Addo and Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful also outlined strategies to ensure all Ghanaians benefit from 5G. Emphasizing cybersecurity and data privacy, they affirmed that protections would be in place alongside the new technology. Rural connectivity remains a priority, with plans to extend coverage to underserved areas by 2026, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.
To make 5G accessible, the government is working with telecom providers on affordable data plans. “We’re collaborating with telecom companies to offer data plans that fit diverse budgets,” Owusu-Ekuful explained, adding that public-private partnerships are in progress to reduce consumer costs.
Shared vision for Ghana’s digital transformation
President Akufo-Addo praised the collaborative efforts of international tech firms and local telecom operators in achieving this rapid 5G rollout. Minister Owusu-Ekuful acknowledged the President’s commitment to fast-tracking digitalization within just five months, noting his “vision for a resilient digital economy” that sets a strong foundation for the nation.
“Today marks a new era in our digital journey,” President Akufo-Addo concluded, envisioning a future where Ghana leads in economic resilience, social inclusivity, and global competitiveness.
