Ghana’s 5G Vision: From 4,400 to 50 – A Drastic Rethink
Ghana’s ambitious journey towards a robust 5G network has hit a significant snag, drawing sharp criticism from policy experts. The government’s recent decision to drastically reduce the 5G site deployment target for Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) from an initial 4,400 to a mere 50 has sparked widespread concern regarding the nation’s digital infrastructure development. This sudden shift raises questions about the strategy and commitment behind Ghana’s telecommunications future.
Unpacking the Controversial 5G Rollout
The revision of targets for NGIC, the entity solely tasked with rolling out 5G in Ghana, has been met with strong disapproval, particularly from Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI-Africa. Simons labeled the sole responsibility granted to NGIC as “disingenuous,” highlighting that established mobile network operators like MTN had already laid plans to construct over 1,000 5G sites independently. The disparity between past promises and current realities is stark: despite a target of 350 sites by June 2025, Communications Minister Sam George recently revealed that NGIC had completed only 16 sites by the end of June. Simons expressed profound disappointment, citing the previous government’s pledge for NGIC to build 4,400 cell sites by 2028, with a forecast of at least 750 by the end of 2025 (later revised to 350 by June 2025). “Even though the previous government promised that NGIC would build 4400 cell sites by 2028 (forecast of at least 750 by end 2025; revised to a target of 350 by June 2025), we are now told that 16 have been built. 16! That’s not even what boggles the mind. The new ICT Minister has now revised the target to 50 5G sites by the end of 2025. 50,” Simons lamented, underscoring the scale of the scaled-back ambition.
This significant reduction in targets for a critical digital infrastructure project, moving from thousands to just dozens, casts a shadow over Ghana’s aspirations for advanced connectivity. Experts are urging for greater transparency and accountability in the execution of such vital national projects, emphasizing the potential long-term impact on Ghana’s digital transformation and its competitive standing in the African tech landscape.
Keywords
Related Keywords: Drastic value drop, Extreme price reduction, Unbelievable decrease, Shocking financial fall, Massive devaluation, Ridiculous value change, Unfair depreciation, Steep decline in value, Significant number drop, Absurd price difference
