Ghana has taken a step towards a fully connected future with the launch of high-speed 5G internet, covering Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi in its initial rollout.
The event, held today at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, was attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, both of whom highlighted the transformative potential of 5G for Ghana’s economy, education, and overall connectivity.
President Akufo-Addo celebrated the launch as a “defining moment in our journey towards a digitally inclusive and transformed Ghana.”
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He stressed that the new technology is “more than just faster internet” but rather “a leap forward in connectivity” that aligns with Ghana’s vision to become 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 noted, envisioning innovations that will impact sectors from healthcare to agriculture.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, highlighted the immediate impact for residents of the three cities, who “will begin experiencing the benefits almost immediately, once the network operators activate it.”
She elaborated on the benefits, citing sectors such as agriculture, where precision farming and smart irrigation will enhance food security and sustainability, and healthcare, where remote consultations and real-time health monitoring could revolutionize service accessibility for rural communities.
In her address, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful urged Ghanaians to hold telecom providers accountable if they do not deliver on promised 5G service within 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, underlining the government’s commitment to quality and accessible digital services.
Powering economic growth and innovation
Both the President and Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful underscored 5G’s potential to boost Ghana’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing them with tools to reach new markets and scale operations. President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence that faster, more reliable internet will “empower domestic businesses” and expand economic opportunities across the country. “5G will be a catalyst for industrial growth,” he said, adding that its capabilities will improve productivity and connectivity in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.
Ensuring security, inclusivity, and affordability
With security and inclusivity top of mind, President Akufo-Addo and Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful outlined measures to ensure all Ghanaians benefit from this technological leap. The President affirmed that robust cybersecurity and data privacy protocols would accompany the rollout, building a trusted digital environment. He also emphasised that rural connectivity remains a priority, with plans to extend coverage to underserved areas by 2026.
To make 5G services affordable, the government is working closely with service providers to develop 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, adding that public-private partnerships are being explored to help reduce consumer costs.
Shared vision for Ghana’s digital future
Both leaders celebrated the collaborative efforts behind the 5G rollout, acknowledging the contributions of international technology firms and local telecom operators. Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful praised President Akufo-Addo’s leadership in fast-tracking Ghana’s 5G rollout within just five months, noting that his “vision for digitalization” is building a strong foundation for Ghana’s digital economy.
“Let this day mark the beginning of a new era in our digital journey,” President Akufo-Addo concluded, “one that leads Ghana to economic resilience, social inclusivity, and global competitiveness.”
