Report by Nana POKU
The Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Hon Ursula Owusu Ekuful has announced that all is set to start processes to usher in the 5G Internet Broadband in Ghana soon, at least by the end of 2024.
She emphasized that the move would revolutionize the country’s digital landscape and bring high-speed mobile broadband services to Ghanaians.
The minister revealed that government has partnered with seven industry players to establish a shared infrastructure for 5G services with the aim of delivering affordable and high-speed mobile broadband services across Ghana.
The partners include Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.
Honourable Ekuful emphasized that the rollout of 5G services is critical to achieving the Digital Ghana vision, which aims to leverage technology to drive economic growth, improve healthcare, education, and digital payment transactions.
She added that the partnership will enhance the lives of Ghanaians by introducing digital services that will reduce the digital divide and promote financial inclusion.
The Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC), established by the partners, has been awarded a 5G license and is expected to launch 5G services across Ghana within the next six months. NGIC plans to expand its services to other parts of Africa, with Ghana being the first country to benefit from this partnership.
The rollout of 5G services is expected to bring numerous benefits to Ghanaians, including faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity. This will enable citizens to access digital services, including healthcare, education, and financial services, more efficiently and effectively.
Ghana joins a select group of African countries that have rolled out 5G services, including South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. The move is expected to position Ghana as a digital hub in West Africa and attract investment in the technology sector.
Addressing the media at her ‘Meet the Press’ episode yesterday, she said arrangements and discussions are on-going for the project to kickstart.
According to her this is going to be the17th in Africa in addition to other 16 countries that have hooked on to the facility. However, the one to be rolled out in Ghana would be different as a result of the shared band infrastructure that will make ours the first in Africa if completed.
Some companies in India, Europe have agreed to set up the facility without cost government. The full cost of the project is estimated at 200 million dollars and all the telecom companies are supposed to subscribe to it.
The Minister said unlike the 4 G that took off in 2015 but has only15% subscription, the 5G is going to involve all Mobile Network Operators so irrespective of your network you should be able to access it anywhere in the country.
The Minister indicated that this new technology will roll out training and job opportunities; employment opportunities and enhance business and social services.
She disagreed of any electronic hazards and challenges.
She therefore called the youth to ready themselves to take up the challenge and acquire knowledge in that field.
Companies like Nokia, Mahindra, and Co are coming to establish the project to work out with local telecom companies to ensure the easy use of Internet.
This will grow the 4 and 5G network to up to 80% by 2030 and make Ghana the internet hub in Africa where others will come and learn from us.
There is a local agent formed to facilitate and partner the foreign ones to undertake the project who have the requisite experience and expertise in such projects, she said.
