MTN Ghana and Telecel are preparing to compete for 5G licences as government moves to liberalise Ghana’s next-generation mobile network market following the revocation of Next Gen Infraco’s (NGIC) exclusive wholesale rights.
The two telecom operators are expected to participate in a 5G licence auction scheduled to begin within weeks, according to MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer Stephen Blewett and Telecel Group Chief Executive Officer Moh Damush.
The planned auction follows government’s decision to terminate NGIC’s exclusive concession, which was originally expected to run until 2034.
NGIC was established as the country’s sole wholesale provider of 5G infrastructure but has struggled to meet rollout targets. By March 2026, the company had deployed only 49 operational sites, significantly below the government’s target of 1,200 sites by 2027.
The move marks a significant shift in Ghana’s telecommunications policy, opening the market to direct competition among mobile network operators in a bid to accelerate nationwide 5G deployment.
Government is targeting 70 percent population coverage by March 2027 through a combination of wholesale infrastructure and operator-led network investments.
The country’s mobile data market remains heavily concentrated, with MTN Ghana accounting for about 80 percent of data subscribers, while Telecel, which acquired Vodafone Ghana’s operations, remains the second major operator.
Telecel Group Chief Executive Officer Moh Damush called for an auction framework that promotes competition rather than favouring the highest bidder.
“It is critical for the government to ensure that the auction is not conducted on the basis of the highest bidder. That will exacerbate the advantages of significant market power and will not foster a proper competitive environment,” he said.
Both MTN Ghana and Telecel have indicated they are ready to participate once the auction process officially begins.
The planned auction is expected to unlock fresh investment in digital infrastructure, strengthen competition in Ghana’s telecom sector and accelerate the rollout of advanced digital services for businesses and consumers.
