As Ghana leap frogs by joining a growing list of countries with fifth-generation mobile technology (or “5G”) access around the globe, a section of the Ghanaian populace are quite skeptical about this amazing feat the country has attained towards creating a digital economy hub. Ghana’s digital journey has seen several eras of mobile connectivity from first generation (1G) in the early 1990s to the present fourth generation (4G) which despite being an advanced technology has received mixed views from consumers.
With the launch of 5G in Accra on Friday, November 1, the possibilities are endless. For the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the launch marks a defining moment in the country’s journey towards digital inclusion and transformation. He noted that 5G technology promises up to 100 times the speed of 4G and with capabilities to reshape lived human experiences.
Speaking at the launch as the guest of honour, President Akufo-Addo recounted his early days in bringing Millicom, the owners of Mobitel, to Ghana. Mobitel was the first mobile network in the country that operated on GSM. Today, Millicom are the operators of the ‘AT’ network after undergoing several transitions.
“We gather here to celebrate the launch of 5G technology. A leap forward in connectivity that strengthens our vision of Ghana as a digital economy hub. Accelerating growth, enhancing services, and transforming lives across all sectors”, he said
According to him, the 5G launch in Ghana forms part of the government’s digital transformation agenda that is aimed at creating an inclusive digital ecosystem critical for job creation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness. The launch also positions the country to embrace a future that is connected, agile and responsive.
He continued, “5G technology will have a transformative impact on our national landscape. Its high speed, minimal latency, and enhanced capacity will drive our agenda forward embedding the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and data analytics into daily life across Ghana, from urban centers to remote villages. In health, education, agriculture, and security, 5G will enable innovations that enhance service accessibility and affordability. We can envisage healthcare consultations conducted remotely, real-time crop monitoring, and access to educational content in even the remotest regions. This is not a distant dream, but an imminent reality if we act with foresight and commitment.”
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, on her part reassured Ghanaians on what the government is doing to ensure that 5G becomes beneficial to all Ghanaians regardless of their location. According to her, government is working with its partners to leverage satellite and wireless solutions through its rural inclusion strategy to subsidise infrastructure costs in underserved areas.
“We are working with our partners to leverage satellite and wireless solutions, which are often more feasible for rural deployment. Our Universal Service Fund, managed by GIFEC, is now largely dedicated to rural connectivity projects, reinforcing our commitment to digital equity. This approach will deliver fast, reliable 4G and 5G services to communities that have traditionally faced connectivity challenges.” She said
She then urged residents living within a 5G catchment area to call out their network provider if they are unable to access 5G by December as the government has built a shared neutral wholesale network to deliver 5G because of “the negative fallout from previous spectrum auctions” in the country.