NGIC Secures NCA Approval to Launch Nationwide 5G Services
By Maame Efua Kwaduah
Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) has officially secured authorisation from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to commence full-scale commercial wholesale 4G and 5G operations, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation drive.
The approval confirms that NGIC has satisfied all technical, regulatory and licensing conditions stipulated under its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence. This enables the company to deliver shared network infrastructure services to mobile network operators nationwide.
The company’s network is already operational in selected parts of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, with a phased nationwide expansion strategy underway. The rollout aligns with government ambitions to achieve 70 per cent 5G population coverage in time for Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary celebrations.
Chief Executive Officer of NGIC, Tenu Awoonor, described the development as a transition from aspiration to implementation. He emphasised that attaining the 70 per cent coverage target within the Ghana @70 timeline would require sustained coordination and disciplined execution. According to him, the shared national backbone is now commercially active and structured to scale efficiently.
Chief Operating Officer Nenyi George Andah underscored the importance of maintaining focus on effective implementation. He noted that the separation of wholesale infrastructure from retail service delivery is a deliberate strategy designed to accelerate national coverage while ensuring prudent capital utilisation and sustained competition at the service level.
Technology partner Nokia also highlighted the broader economic implications of the initiative. Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa for Mobile Networks at Nokia, stated that the wholesale framework would empower all mobile operators to expand high-speed connectivity to consumers while unlocking innovative enterprise solutions. He added that the network’s advanced security architecture positions it to support socio-economic development and help bridge the digital divide.
NGIC further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the NCA, mobile network operators, tower and fibre partners and financing institutions in delivering the shared national infrastructure backbone.
With the backbone now live, stakeholders say the focus shifts to responsible scaling and ensuring nationwide impact.
