Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC) Limited, Ghana’s designated wholesale 4G and 5G network operator, has officially commenced full commercial operations, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The rollout follows confirmation from the National Communications Authority (NCA) that NGIC has satisfied all obligations under its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence.
The regulator’s approval—granted after comprehensive inspections and technical assessments—authorises the company to activate and deliver commercial wholesale services nationwide.
NGIC’s shared 4G/5G platform is now live in selected zones within Accra, Kumasi and Tamale, with phased expansion progressing across the country.
Ghana’s wholesale‑first model places NGIC at the centre of national broadband development, tasked with building and operating shared radio and core infrastructure that licensed mobile network operators (MNOs) will use to provide retail services to consumers and enterprises.
Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tenu Awoonor, described the commercial activation as a defining moment for Ghana’s digital ecosystem.
“Today, Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale,” he said.
He emphasised that the wholesale framework enables coordinated national investment while preserving competition and innovation among retail operators.
Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Nenyi George Andah, noted that with activation complete, NGIC is now focused on systematic, nationwide expansion.
“The backbone is active. The framework is clear. The responsibility now is execution—scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner,” he said.
According to him, separating wholesale infrastructure from retail services enhances efficiency, broadens reach, and ensures optimal capital allocation across the sector.
Government has set an ambitious target to achieve 70% population‑density 5G coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary.
Mr. Awoonor said achieving this milestone will require “alignment and long‑term discipline” from all ecosystem players.
“The shared architecture ensures investment goes into expanding reach rather than duplicating infrastructure,” he added.
Mr. Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, commended NGIC’s progress and reaffirmed the company’s role as core technology partner.
“Nokia is proud to partner with NGIC to introduce Ghana’s first neutral-host 4G/5G network,” he said.
According to him, the model provides a prudent path for operators to deliver high‑speed broadband while unlocking new enterprise service opportunities. He added that the future‑ready architecture will support socio‑economic transformation and help bridge the digital divide.
Mr. Andah highlighted the collaborative effort behind the activation.
“This progress reflects collaboration with the NCA, our core network partner Nokia, our anchor and connecting mobile operators, tower and fibre partners, and financing institutions,” he said. “Delivering a shared national backbone requires coordinated effort across the value chain.”
He noted that with the backbone now active, NGIC’s priority is a responsible nationwide scale-up that delivers tangible impact across communities, businesses and public services.
NGIC is Ghana’s licensed Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure provider, mandated to design, deploy and operate the country’s shared 4G/5G network platform. The company is committed to accelerating digital connectivity and supporting national development targets leading up to Ghana @ 70.
