KEY POINTS
- 5G rollout delays spark contract deadline warning.
- Sam George says 5G launch was a smokescreen.
- NGIC risks losing 5G rights if it fails to deliver.
Ghana’s highly publicized 5G network launch under the Akufo-Addo administration has come under fresh fire, with Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, calling the initiative a “smokescreen.”
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on August 1, the Ningo-Prampram MP dismissed the fanfare that accompanied the November 2024 event by Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) as a show without substance, revealing there is still no active 5G service in the country nearly a year later.
5G rollout delays spark fresh criticism
Sam George recalled the high-profile 5G unveiling at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, which drew dignitaries including then-Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. But he said the fanfare masked a technical void. “Even on the launch day, there was no 5G signal at the venue or anywhere else,” he said.
According to George, while NGIC has received regulatory clearance to proceed, a requested ISP license was denied. He emphasized that the company should focus on its existing authorizations and begin rolling out services with mobile network operators (MNOs) instead of stalling for additional privileges.
5G rollout delays risk contract termination
According to MyJoyOnline, George made it clear that the government would not tolerate further delays. He issued a firm warning: If NGIC fails to launch full commercial operations by the end of Q4 2025, its contract’s exclusivity clause could be revoked.
NGIC still holds the exclusive license to operate as Ghana’s shared neutral infrastructure provider for both 4G and 5G networks. But the clock is ticking. With a full commercial rollout deadline looming at the end of 2025, pressure is mounting on the company to finally deliver on a promise that, so far, has been all signal and no service.
