Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, has firmly stated that the nation’s 5G rollout must happen by June 2025.
The launch, originally planned for December 2024, was later postponed to January 2025. Now, the minister insists that there can be no more delays — Ghana must officially enter the 5G era.
NGIC Holds Exclusive 5G Rights in Ghana Until 2034
The Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) holds the exclusive license to build and operate 4G and 5G infrastructure in Ghana for the next ten years.
Awarded in 2024, this license means that no other telecom operator can roll out a 5G network in Ghana without NGIC’s involvement until 2034.
June 2025 Is the Final Deadline
During an interview on Channel 1 TV’s “The Point of View”, Minister Sam George revealed that NGIC had initially promised a May 2025 launch at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
After multiple deadline changes, June 2025 has now been finalized as the firm deadline, and the government expects NGIC to honor this commitment.
Current Infrastructure Progress for 5G Rollout
According to recent updates, NGIC has installed over 16 5G-ready base stations. Its core networks, Network Operations Center (NOC), and data centers have been cleared by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
However, this is just the beginning of a larger infrastructure push.
The government expects at least 350 base stations to be active by June 2025 — 200 to 250 in Accra and 100 to 150 in Kumasi. Of these, a minimum of 50 must be fully functional 5G sites.
Government Warns of Contract Renegotiation
“I’m not in favor of terminating contracts due to the potential financial consequences for the state,” Minister George stated.
“But if June arrives and the 5G rollout is still delayed, we will have a different conversation — all options will be on the table, including renegotiating or restructuring the licensing terms.”
He emphasized that the National Communications Authority has the legal power to modify NGIC’s license if necessary.
“They cannot keep Ghanaians waiting indefinitely.”