Ghana has become one of the nations that has adopted 5G technology to enhance digital transformation and stimulate economic development.
The 5G infrastructure was established by Next-Gen InfraCo, a consortium of telecommunications service providers that has been granted exclusive rights for a decade to implement both 5G and 4G networks throughout the country, aiming to improve network coverage and reliability in Ghana.
The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, speaking at the launch in Accra on Friday said, “We are at a crossroads where digital technology is no longer an option, but an imperative. Our digital transformation agenda aimed at creating an inclusive digital ecosystem is critical for job creation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.”
He said the launch of the 5G launch positioned Ghana to embrace a future that was connected, agile, and responsive.
The 5G technology, he noted, would have a transformative impact on the country’s national landscape, adding that, “Its high speed, minimal latency, and enhanced capacity would drive our agenda forward.”
In the areas of health, education, agriculture, and security, the President stated that the 5G would enable innovations that enhance service accessibility and affordability.
“We can envisage healthcare consultations conducted remotely, real-time crop monitoring, and access to educational content in even the remotest regions,” he stressed.
President Nana Akufo-Addo further indicated that, “This is not a distant dream, but an imminent reality if we act with foresight and commitment. 5G will be a catalyst for industrial growth, empowering domestic businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, MSMEs, which are the backbone of our economy. With faster, more reliable internet, MSMEs can reach new markets, streamline logistics, and scale up their operations.”
The Managing Director of NextGen Infraco, Tenu Awoonor, said as the government aimed to transform the nation’s digital environment, NextGen Infraco would guarantee that the substantial investment in this global shift yields financial and economic benefits for the country.
“With the advent of 5G, we have the opportunity to foster a more inclusive society, ensuring that no individual in Ghana is overlooked. Whether you are a farmer in Tamale, a small business proprietor in Kumasi, or a student in Cape Coast, 5G will connect you to the global community and unlock new avenues for advancement,” he said.
“At NextGen Infraco, we take immense pride in contributing to this evolution. We are not merely observers; we are actively investing in Ghana’s future. We view 5G not just as a means of innovation, but as a driving force for growth, development, and the empowerment of every Ghanaian,” he added.
The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, underlined that the introduction of 5G had the potential to foster innovations across various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, banking, and more.
“Today, we commemorate not only a technological transformation but also a reflection of our resilience, innovation, and collective advancement as a nation.”
She highlighted the significant progress made in the telecommunications sector, noting the country’s evolution from 1G to the forefront of 5G technology,” she explained.
BY DAVID ADADEVOH
