Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation Samuel Nartey George has stated that the much-touted 5G services launched by Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) during the Akufo-Addo administration were non-existent.
The MP for Ningo-Prampam recounted a high-profile event held on November 1, 2024, where the unveiling of what was claimed to be high-speed 5G internet services in major cities, including Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, took place.
The launch event, hosted at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, saw significant attendance, including the then Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
However, Mr George has taken a critical stance, labelling the launch as merely a “smokescreen”.
During the Government Accountability Series on August 1, 2025, Sam George firmly stated, “We have no 5G service in the country.”
He elaborated, recalling the launch event, “Let’s just say it was a smokescreen and voicemail. There was actually no fact. Even that day at the centre where they launched, there was no 5G network and there’s no 5G anywhere.”
The minister emphasised the absence of operational 5G networks in Ghana, asserting, “If there was 5G, I haven’t directed the NCA or NGIC to turn off any 5G site; we would have seen it.”
The minister clarified that while NGIC has received the necessary approvals to begin rolling out 5G services, there is a hold-up regarding an additional Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence that the company has requested.
He noted, “NGIC have received all the necessary approvals; in fact, last two weeks I gave the final connecting entity license approval for MNOs. They are asking for an additional licence for ISPs, which I have declined.”
He stated his rationale for denying the ISP license: “You have a license and have had it for almost three years. At the very least, I have given you the authority and regulatory approval to connect with MNOs. Focus on that and roll out with MNOs.”
In a clear message to NGIC, Mr Nartey warned that the government would consider revoking the exclusivity clause in NGIC’s contract if the company fails to meet critical deadlines for the rollout of 5G services.
He specified, “Failure by NGIC to roll out full commercial activity by the end of quarter four this year will lead to me terminating the terms of that contract, taking away the exclusivity clause and opening up for fresh negotiations.”
Currently, NGIC holds exclusive rights as Ghana’s shared neutral infrastructure provider for both 4G and 5G networks.
The pressure is now on the company to deliver on its promises, with the deadline for a full commercial rollout set for the end of 2025.
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