Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey Georg has given a final ultimatum to Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) to roll out its 5G internet service by the fourth quarter of 2025 or risk losing its exclusive license to operate.
This warning follows multiple missed deadlines by NGIC, originally scheduled to launch the high-speed 5G network in November 2024 and later June 2025. The new deadline is now firmly set for Q4 2025, with the government vowing to take decisive action if the company fails once again.
At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, made it clear that there would be no further extensions.
“Let me declare that we have agreed with NGIC that there will be no further extensions to this rollout deadline,” Mr. George said.
“If the company fails to meet the Q4 2025 commitment, the Ministry will immediately initiate a review and possible renegotiation of the licence terms,” he added.
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The Minister noted that although NGIC has made measurable progress, deploying 16 5G-ready sites and securing full approval from the National Communications Authority (NCA) for its core network infrastructure, the government expects much more in the months ahead.
Specifically, Mr. George said NGIC must activate at least 50 live 5G sites in Accra and Kumasi before the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. These two cities are central to the government’s strategy of providing early access to high-speed mobile connectivity.
“These milestones reflect meaningful progress following earlier delays in 2024, but we cannot allow further setbacks. The future of Ghana’s digital economy depends on this infrastructure,” the Minister stressed.
The 5G rollout is help transform Ghana’s digital landscape by delivering faster upload and download speeds, more reliable internet connectivity, and enhanced capacity to support innovations such as Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, remote learning, and telemedicine.
Mr. George highlighted that the government’s national 5G rollout strategy is designed to avoid duplication of infrastructure, reduce data costs, and promote inclusive access for all Ghanaians.
“This model is a deliberate policy shift to reduce infrastructure duplication, lower the cost of data, and accelerate universal 5G access for all Ghanaians,” he said.
He assured that the Ministry is working closely with NGIC to ensure transparency, operational efficiency, and user value throughout the process.
As anticipation builds, the government’s firm stance signals its intent to hold partners accountable while pushing forward its digital transformation agenda.
