The Government has officially launched its high-speed 5G internet service, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s digital transformation journey.

The event, held in Accra on Friday, 1 November 2024, was themed ‘5G: Accelerating Ghana’s Digital Transformation.’

5G technology, the fifth generation of wireless technology, promises to deliver faster internet speeds, enhanced upload and download capacities, more reliable connections, and improved network capacity.

Unlike its predecessors, 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE, 5G offers a vastly upgraded experience for mobile users.

The government has awarded the 5G licence to Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), a new shared infrastructure company co-promoted by the government and seven partners, including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.

This shared infrastructure aims to provide affordable 5G mobile broadband services across the country.

In his keynote address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of digital technology, declaring: “Ghana is at a crucial point where digital technology is no longer optional but essential.”

He elaborated on the country’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to foster an inclusive digital ecosystem essential for job creation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

“5G technology will have a transformative impact on our national landscape. Its high speed, minimum latency, and enhanced capacity will drive our agenda forward, integrating artificial intelligence and data analytics into daily lives across Ghana from urban centres to remote villages,” the President stated.

Highlighting the far-reaching implications of 5G, President Akufo-Addo explained how the technology will revolutionise sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and security.

He envisioned a future where remote healthcare consultations and expanded access to educational content reach even the most isolated communities.

“5G will be a catalyst for industrial growth, empowering domestic businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are the backbone of our economy. With faster, more reliable internet, MSMEs can reach new markets, streamline logistics, and scale up their operations,” he indicated.

In manufacturing and agriculture, 5G will facilitate real-time data collection and machine-to-machine communication, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Innovations like precision farming, remote monitoring, and smart irrigation will bolster food security and promote sustainable practices in agriculture, vital to many Ghanaians' livelihoods.

President Akufo-Addo reiterated that industrialisation remains a top priority for his administration, stating that “with 5G-enabled automation, robotics, and augmented reality, Ghana’s industrial progress will accelerate, making the country an attractive hub for technological investment and excellence.”

He emphasised the potential of 5G to enhance public service delivery, saying: “With 5G, we can envisage seamless access to public services, real-time emergency responses, improved urban planning, and enhanced monitoring of public infrastructure. We aim to build a responsive government that evolves with the digital age.”

The President also highlighted ongoing efforts such as the digitised national ID system, e-governance initiatives, and mobile financial services, asserting that 5G will strengthen these programs, making public services quicker, more transparent, and more efficient.

Addressing security concerns, he affirmed: “5G’s advanced capabilities will help safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure, ensuring a secure and sustainable digital future.”

President Akufo-Addo also reiterated government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind.

“We’re partnering with the private sector to expand infrastructure in underserved areas, knowing that technology’s impact is only as significant as its accessibility. Our vision is a Ghana where every citizen, regardless of location, can harness the power of 5G, unlocking opportunities that were once unimaginable,” he added.