NCA Clears MTN, Telecel, and Goal for Next Stage of 5G Spectrum Licensing

The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana has officially advanced three telecommunications companies to the next phase of the 5G spectrum licensing process. In a press release dated September 9, 2026, the regulator announced that Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana), Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel Ghana), and Goal Telecommunications Ltd successfully navigated the initial qualification stage. This milestone marks a critical step in the government's efforts to introduce high-speed 5G technology to the country, aiming to significantly enhance mobile broadband capabilities and support the nation’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.

The NCA revealed that it received a total of four applications by the submission deadline on August 27, 2026. Following a rigorous evaluation of these submissions, the authority determined that three of the four candidates met the necessary criteria to move forward. While MTN, Telecel, and Goal Telecommunications secured their spots in the subsequent rounds, the application from Infrava Ltd was not qualified during the initial assessment. The selection of these major players underscores the competitive nature of the licensing process as the country seeks established partners to deploy next-generation network infrastructure.

Moving forward, the qualified applicants will proceed to Stage 3 of the licensing procedure. This phase involves the opening and ranking of the "Best Price Offers" submitted by the companies, a process that will determine the final allocation of the 5G spectrum. The NCA noted that the specific dates for these rankings would be communicated to the participants separately. As Ghana looks toward a more connected future, the successful rollout of 5G is expected to catalyze economic growth, improve digital public services, and provide the high-speed connectivity required for emerging technologies.