Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, has issued a firm ultimatum to the Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC), warning that failure to deliver on its 5G rollout promise by the end of the year could lead to the loss of its exclusive infrastructure mandate.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series press briefing on Friday, the Minister announced that Next Gen is expected to activate a total of 350 5G-ready cell sites by the end of 2025, with at least 50 of those going live in Accra and Kumasi before the close of the year.
He confirmed that Next Gen has so far deployed 16 5G-ready sites and has received full regulatory clearance from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to proceed with commercial operations. However, he made it clear that progress has been slower than expected and stressed that government will not accept delays.
“The Next Generation Infrastructure Company, the exclusive shared neutral 4G and 5G infrastructure provider, must meet its obligation to deliver 5G services on time,” Sam George said.
“If NGIC fails to roll out full commercial activities by the end of the fourth quarter, I will terminate the terms of that contract, revoke the exclusivity clause, and open the process for new negotiations.”
The Minister noted that the government has taken a strategic approach to developing Ghana’s national 5G network through a neutral infrastructure provider model aimed at ensuring affordability, efficiency, and widespread access.
He reiterated that the success of the project is essential to Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and that all partners involved must meet their commitments to avoid setbacks to national connectivity goals.
Sam George reaffirmed the government’s determination to work with industry stakeholders to deliver high-speed, reliable, and inclusive digital connectivity across the country, saying the era of excuses and underperformance in critical national projects is over.
