The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has indicated that MTN Ghana is likely to secure a block of 5G spectrum, positioning the telecom giant as a key driver in Ghana’s ambitious nationwide rollout of next-generation connectivity.
Speaking at the launch of MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary, the minister revealed that the government has taken decisive policy steps to open up the 5G space, including the removal of previous exclusivity provisions that had limited participation.
Under the previous government, Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC) was granted a 10-year exclusive wholesaler license to rollout a shared 5G network. But in February this year, the National Communications Authority (NCA) gave the company notice that the license will be amended to remove the exclusivity rights.
In that notice to NGIC, the NCA noted that its action is in the public interest, with a number of objectives – to promote competition and innovation in the provision of 5G services; enhance consumer choice and service quality; accelerate nationwide digital transformation; and ensure optimal and efficient use of spectrum as a national resource.
The NCA’s notice to NGIC is driven by a government directive rooted in a vision to ensure 70% nationwide 5G coverage by next year, when Ghana turns seventy. The government also wants to ensure that the entire industry rolls out 5G together, to prevent the what happened with 4G rollout, when MTN went ahead of the pack and that led to the skewed market structure the country is faced with today.
Currently, NGIC has 43 5G sites ready, and both Telecel Ghana and AT Ghana have connecting entity licenses to work with NGIC. Telecel has connected and is already using the 4G network at NGIC and AT is in the process of doing same.
Sam George expressed confidence that MTN’s anticipated access to 5G spectrum would accelerate deployment, noting that the company’s scale, infrastructure, and investment capacity place it in a strong position to lead the rollout.
“Hopefully MTN will get a block when we do the auction,” he stated, adding that such an outcome would support the government’s aggressive target of achieving 70 per cent population coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.
The minister emphasised that the government’s decision to liberalise spectrum allocation is part of broader reforms aimed at fostering competition, innovation, and faster network expansion across the country.
He disclosed that under the current administration, MTN has already benefited from additional spectrum allocation and technology neutrality approvals, enabling the company to optimise its existing network and prepare for next-generation services.
According to him, Cabinet’s approval to remove 5G exclusivity was a deliberate move to ensure that all capable operators, including MTN, can participate in building Ghana’s digital future.
“We are committed to ensuring that MTN plays a critical role in the 5G landscape,” he said.
While acknowledging MTN’s contributions to Ghana’s telecommunications growth since its entry into the market in 1996, the minister stressed that market leadership comes with heightened responsibility.
He urged the company to match its technological expansion with improvements in service quality, affordability, and nationwide coverage, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
The next phase of MTN’s reported $1.1 billion investment programme, he noted, must translate into tangible benefits for consumers, including better data pricing, reduced network disruptions, and improved customer experience.
Beyond infrastructure, the minister highlighted that Ghana’s digital future will be shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, all of which depend on robust 5G deployment.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling regulatory environment while calling on telecom operators to invest not only in profitable markets but also in areas where connectivity is most needed.
The anniversary event, he said, was not only a celebration of MTN’s achievements but also a reminder of the critical role telecom operators must play in delivering inclusive digital transformation for all Ghanaians.
