The government has set a deadline for nationwide fifth-generation mobile connectivity, directing the National Communications Authority (NCA) to ensure 70 per cent population coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence Day in 2027.

The target was announced by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, at the launch of the 30th anniversary of the Communications Authority of Ghana in Accra on Wednesday, February 25.

Framing the move as a strategic policy shift, the Minister said Cabinet had taken what he described as a bold decision to democratise the rollout of 5G technology across the country, signalling a departure from cautious, phased deployment towards a faster and more competitive model.

“Our vision is to achieve 70% of 5G population density coverage by the 70th independence celebration of our nation, next year. So, the work is cut out for the regulator. You have barely a year to roll out 5G using both the wholesale model and the network-led operations and achieve 70% population density coverage,” he said.

The directive places significant pressure on the NCA, which will be required to coordinate spectrum allocation, licensing and operational frameworks within a compressed timeline. 

According to Mr George, the Ministry will issue formal instructions to the regulator within days to begin preparations for a spectrum auction, expected to take place in the coming weeks.

The auction will pave the way for expanded participation in the 5G space, with the NCA mandated to supervise both the wholesale model and newly introduced network-led operations. The dual-track approach is intended to widen access while accelerating infrastructure deployment.

Mr George acknowledged the scale of the task but expressed confidence in the regulator’s capacity to deliver within the one-year window.

“It is a steep aspiration, but I am more than confident in the resilience and abilities of the people who run the NCA,” he said.