Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George Sets 2026 Deadline for Nationwide 5G Deployment

Ghana is set to usher in a new era of high-speed connectivity with the official deployment of 5G technology slated for the end of 2026. Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George revealed this development during a press briefing at Jubilee House, marking a significant milestone in the country's digital transformation agenda under President John Mahama’s administration. The initiative aims to provide Ghanaians with significantly enhanced data speeds, lower latency, and more robust network reliability to support a modern digital economy.

Central to this rollout is the National Communications Authority (NCA), which is currently tasked with completing the 5G spectrum assignment process within the next two years. The Minister emphasized that this transition is not merely about speed but is a strategic effort to modernize Ghana’s telecommunications infrastructure. Particular attention is being paid to rural areas, where many communities still rely on outdated 2G and 3G technologies. The government intends to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that network quality upgrades are inclusive and reach beyond urban centers.

Beyond commercial benefits, the Minister highlighted that the new 5G policy framework includes critical reforms designed to foster healthy competition in mobile broadband services. Furthermore, the deployment will integrate advanced emergency telecommunications frameworks, improving the state's capacity to respond to crises through better-connected infrastructure. As the NCA moves toward finalizing spectrum assignments, the government expects these reforms to lower barriers for service providers and improve the overall quality of service for the Ghanaian consumer.