Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) has received formal clearance from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to commence full commercial wholesale 4G and 5G operations, marking a major step in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.

The approval confirms that NGIC has satisfied all technical and licensing requirements under its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence.

This enables the company to provide shared network services to mobile network operators across the country.

The network is already operational in parts of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, with nationwide expansion scheduled to roll out in phases.

Push toward 70% 5G coverage

The commercial activation comes as the government pursues an ambitious target of achieving 70% 5G population coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.

Chief Executive Officer of NGIC, Tenu Awoonor, described the milestone as a shift from planning to execution.

“Achieving 70% coverage within the Ghana @70 timeframe demands coordination and long-term discipline,” Mr. Awoonor said.

“Today, Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale,” he added.

According to him, the wholesale model allows infrastructure investment to be coordinated nationally while preserving innovation and competition at the retail level.

Focus on disciplined rollout

Chief Operating Officer of NGIC, Nenyi George Andah, emphasised that execution and disciplined expansion are now critical.

“The backbone is active. The framework is clear. The responsibility now is execution — scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner,” he stated.

Mr. Andah explained that separating wholesale infrastructure from retail service delivery is a strategic decision designed to accelerate nationwide reach and ensure more efficient deployment of capital.

Socio-economic impact

Technology partner Nokia highlighted the broader economic and social benefits of the rollout.

Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, said the wholesale network model will enable all mobile operators in Ghana to deliver high-speed data services to consumers while unlocking new opportunities in the enterprise market.

“With a future-ready architecture underpinned by advanced security, the network will drive socio-economic growth and bridge the digital divide,” he noted.

Collaborative effort

Mr. Andah credited the milestone to collaboration across the telecommunications ecosystem, including the National Communications Authority, Nokia as the core network partner, mobile network operators, tower and fibre infrastructure providers, and financing institutions.

“Delivering a shared national backbone requires coordinated effort across the value chain,” he said.

He concluded with a clear message: “Ghana’s 5G backbone is live. The priority now is to scale responsibly and deliver nationwide impact.”

The launch of NGIC’s wholesale 4G and 5G services is expected to accelerate digital inclusion, enhance connectivity for businesses and households, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a leader in digital infrastructure development in the region.