Ghana Information Technology 5G Deployment

Telecom operators in Ghana currently use 3G and 4G technology. The Government of Ghana has yet to approve a 5G license.

On August 25, 2023, the Government of Ghana announced that it plans to a build a shared 4G and 5G network with operators and private investors.  The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu-Ekuful explained that rather than auctioning the 5G spectrum, the Government would set up a neutral shared network to enable mobile services that are delivered through 4G and 5G spectrum.  

The Minister further clarified that a consortium of network operators and private investors will collaborate to offer nationwide 4G and 5G services and that the approach is in line with Ghana’s objective of expanding services to rural areas and advancing its digital transformation agenda. Owusu-Ekuful also disclosed that the government has granted approval for the introduction of two new subsea cables, aimed at enhancing accessible and affordable Internet connectivity.

Specific 5G Opportunities

Once the new system is approved and operational, the faster download speeds, low latency, enhanced bandwidth, and mobile connectivity across devices provided by 5G could enable internet of things and artificial intelligence solutions, for example.  It could create potential opportunities for U.S. companies with expertise in remote healthcare, precision agriculture, digitalized supply chain management and logistics, and advanced manufacturing solutions, among other use cases.  5G can also create opportunities for specialized software (including open-source), services, and cloud computing and new demand for semiconductors and mobile telecom chipsets among other goods. 

CS Ghana is following the development and execution of this policy to understand how it may impact telecom operators and equipment and service providers. For more information about 5G opportunities in Ghana, please contact Victoria Agbai at Commercial Service Ghana at email: Office.Accra@trade.gov and telephone: +233(0)30-274-1870.  See CS Ghana’s Country Commercial Guide and further market intelligence on Ghana’s telecommunications sector at www.trade.gov/ghana.