Ghana takes a significant step in its digital transformation with the official launch of 5G on November 1, 2024. This long-awaited initiative aims to modernize infrastructure and optimize key sectors.
Strategic shift for Ghana’s digital economy
The rollout of 5G in Ghana marks a turning point for its economy, aligning the country with global connectivity standards. This advancement aims to foster inclusive growth and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technology, positioning Ghana as a model for other nations seeking rapid transformation. The goal is to ensure equitable access to digital services nationwide while promoting a competitive and transparent market.
This new infrastructure is also expected to reduce service costs for end-users. With speeds up to one hundred times faster than 4G, 5G technology promises significant advancements in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education. Expected impacts include:
- Remote medical consultations
- Precision agriculture
- Expanded access to quality education
The deployment is managed by Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), a telecommunications consortium formed through a partnership of local and international entities. This model is based on shared infrastructure, enabling telecom operators to use NGIC’s network for extended and optimized coverage. Leading tech companies are supporting the project, including:
- Nokia provides advanced solutions to strengthen NGIC’s 5G infrastructure
- Radisys, contributing open and interoperable RAN technologies for increased network flexibility
- Tech Mahindra brings expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and IoT to optimize network performance
Ghana’s 5G model stands out for its inclusive approach, focusing on applications in telemedicine, logistics, and education. This method allows ecosystem players to collaborate effectively while reducing deployment costs. High-speed connectivity is initially available in major cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Ghana aims to lay the groundwork for harmonious and inclusive digital development with plans for future expansion to more remote areas.
Ghana’s internet resilience : Current status and prospects
Ghana currently has 22.75 million mobile internet subscriptions but only 104,000 fixed data subscribers, according to recent data from the National Communications Authority (NCA). Among internet users, 9.25 million have access to 4G, representing one-third of the total population of 31.82 million. These numbers illustrate the dominance of mobile connections, reflecting both the rising importance of 4G and the limited adoption of fixed data services.
This trend highlights the challenge of developing digital infrastructure to meet the country’s growing connectivity needs. Communications and Digitalization Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful noted that despite eight years of investment in 4G, only 30 % of the population has broadband access. With 85 % of residents still unserved, achieving extensive coverage remains an ambitious goal.
Ghana’s internet shows moderate resilience, supported by developing infrastructure but facing challenges. The country benefits from an infrastructure connected by six undersea fiber optic cables, though progress is still needed, especially in data centers and Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) crucial for improving connectivity and reducing dependency on foreign infrastructure.
Impact of 5G on key economic sectors
Telemedicine : Improving access to quality healthcare
The enhanced 5G connection speeds pave the way for real-time teleconsultations, particularly valuable for rural areas far from medical centers. This technology improves patient care by facilitating remote monitoring and reducing diagnostic delays. In the long term, this advancement fosters better healthcare quality and decentralizes health services.
Agriculture : Optimizing production
In the agricultural sector, 5G enables the deployment of precision tools. For example, farmers can benefit from real-time analyses for optimal resource management. These innovations result in cost reduction, increased yields, and more efficient use of water and fertilizers. By integrating connected devices into farms, Ghana aims to modernize its agricultural sector to become a driver of economic growth.
Education and digital inclusion : Lever for development
Education is another pillar of this transformation. 5G provides access to digital educational resources, expanding learning opportunities for younger generations. Online educational platforms, interactive courses, and e-learning directly benefit from the capabilities offered by this new technology, supporting essential digital inclusion for human development.
