Ghana’s communications regulator has begun the process of scrapping the exclusive 5G licence held by Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC), in a move aimed at opening up the market to greater competition and accelerating digital growth.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) said on Wednesday it had issued a formal Notice of Proposed Licence Amendment to Next-Gen Infraco under Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
If finalised, the amendment would remove the clause granting NGIC exclusive rights to operate fifth-generation (5G) network services in Ghana.
The regulator said the move was being taken in the public interest to foster a more dynamic and competitive telecommunications market. By liberalising access to 5G spectrum, the NCA aims to spur innovation, improve service quality and broaden consumer choice while ensuring the optimal use of spectrum as a national resource.
Ninety-day notice period
Under Section 14 of Act 775, the proposed amendment is scheduled to take effect 90 days from the date of notice. However, the timeline could change depending on representations made by NGIC during the statutory consultation period.
The NCA stressed that the action follows due process and is consistent with its mandate to regulate communications services in a manner that safeguards the national interest. It reiterated its commitment to “transparent, fair, and predictable regulation” to promote sustainable investment and competition in Ghana’s communications sector.
The decision marks a potential shift in Ghana’s 5G strategy, which initially relied on a shared infrastructure model under NGIC. Authorities had argued that a single wholesale network would reduce duplication of infrastructure and speed up deployment.
However, critics have said exclusivity could dampen competition and slow innovation if other operators are unable to directly access spectrum for their own 5G rollouts.
More Read
Licence fee default
In a related disclosure, the NCA said NGIC is currently in default of its licence fee instalment payments, as stipulated under its licence conditions. The regulator confirmed it is addressing the breach in line with applicable licence conditions and statutory provisions.
The announcement adds financial pressure to the infrastructure provider at a time when Ghana is seeking to expand next-generation connectivity nationwide.
Despite the regulatory developments, the NCA acknowledged that NGIC has made progress in deploying 5G infrastructure. The company has installed 49 operational 5G sites across the country, with 43 located in the Greater Accra Region.
Other regions with active sites include Ashanti (two), and one each in Western, Northern, Bono and Central regions.
Digital transformation drive
Ghana has identified digital transformation as a central pillar of economic modernisation, seeking to expand broadband penetration, attract technology investment and improve public service delivery through connectivity.
Opening the 5G market to multiple players could intensify competition among mobile network operators and potentially accelerate nationwide rollout beyond major urban centres.
More Read
Analysts say that greater competition could drive down wholesale and retail data costs over time, although it may also require careful spectrum management to avoid inefficiencies.
The NCA’s move signals a recalibration of regulatory strategy as Ghana balances infrastructure development, investor confidence and consumer interests in its rapidly evolving telecoms landscape.
If implemented, the amendment would mark a decisive step toward a more liberalised 5G environment, reshaping the structure of Ghana’s high-speed mobile broadband market.
