Ghana: Deployment of 5G to Begin Before the End of 2026

Ghana plans to start deploying 5G before the end of 2026, once the National Communications Authority (NCA) completes the allocation of new frequencies. The timeline was presented on Monday, 7 September in Accra by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technologies and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George.

The regulator has launched allocation procedures in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz bands. This step follows the reform approved on 15 July 2026 by the NCA board, which ended the wholesale exclusivity framework previously associated with 5G to further open the market to competition and investment.

The project is not to be limited to major cities. The government also aims to upgrade the old 2G and 3G infrastructures in rural areas to equipment compatible with 4G and 5G, including the necessary fiber and microwave links to support higher data speeds.

The technological transition is already supported by an increase in voice usage over LTE. Its share of traffic has risen from about 7% to 22.43%, covering more than 8.4 million subscribers, according to data presented by the ministry.

A 5G Market Now More Open

The reform mainly changes the mode of spectrum access. Instead of a wholesale exclusivity scheme, operators will be able to participate under the new procedures launched by the regulator. The government hopes this will accelerate coverage, improve network quality, and attract new investments in digital infrastructure.

This phase comes as operators are increasing their capacities. MTN Ghana has notably launched a network expansion program including new mobile sites, while authorities are also seeking to reduce the impact of fiber outages on service quality.

The NCA must also launch an online licensing and payment portal before the end of the year, finalize a framework for coordinating roadworks affecting networks, and prepare a system for repair or sanctions when operators fail to meet service standards. However, the actual start of 5G will depend on the completion of spectrum allocation and each operator’s technical schedule.