Ghana moves closer to a fully connected future with the launch of high-speed 5G internet, initially covering Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
Today’s launch event at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel saw attendance from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who emphasized 5G’s transformative impact on Ghana’s economy, education, and connectivity.
President Akufo-Addo hailed the launch as a “defining moment in our journey toward a digitally inclusive and transformed Ghana.”
He emphasized that the new technology is “more than just faster internet” but represents “a leap forward in connectivity,” aligning with Ghana’s vision of becoming a digital economy hub.
5G technology will drive our agenda forward, embedding the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and data analytics into daily life across Ghana
He highlighted his vision for innovations that will impact sectors ranging from healthcare to agriculture.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, emphasized the immediate benefits for residents in the three cities.
She outlined the advantages, highlighting agriculture, where precision farming and smart irrigation could boost food security and sustainability, and healthcare, where remote consultations and real-time health monitoring may transform service accessibility for rural communities.
In her address, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful called on Ghanaians to hold telecom providers accountable if they fall short on delivering the promised 5G service in these initial areas.
If you live in the initial 5G catchment areas and still cannot access 5G by December, kindly call out your network operator, because they have to make it available to you
She asserted this, underscoring the government’s commitment to providing quality and accessible digital services.
Both President Akufo-Addo and Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the potential of 5G to empower Ghana’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), equipping them with tools to reach broader markets and scale up operations. President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that faster, more reliable internet would “empower domestic businesses” and broaden economic opportunities nationwide. He noted that “5G will be a catalyst for industrial growth,” enhancing productivity and connectivity in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
With a focus on security and inclusivity, President Akufo-Addo and Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful detailed steps to ensure all Ghanaians benefit from this technological advancement. The President assured that the rollout would be supported by strong cybersecurity and data privacy measures, creating a trusted digital environment. He also emphasized that rural connectivity remains a top priority, with plans to expand coverage to underserved areas by 2026.
To ensure affordability of 5G services, the government is collaborating with service providers to create cost-effective data plans.
We’re collaborating closely with telecom service providers to offer affordable data plans catering to various needs and budgets
said Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, noting that public-private partnerships are being explored to help lower consumer costs.
Both leaders celebrated the collaborative efforts behind the 5G rollout, recognizing the contributions of international technology firms and local telecom operators. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful commended President Akufo-Addo’s leadership in accelerating Ghana’s 5G rollout within just five months, highlighting that his “vision for digitalization” is establishing a solid foundation for the country’s digital economy.
