Next Gen Infraco gets NCA clearance to launch full commercial 5G network.
Next Gen Infraco gets NCA clearance to launch full commercial 5G network.
Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) has revealed that it has received formal clearance from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to launch full commercial wholesale 4G and 5G operations, a move that positions Ghana to accelerate its national digital infrastructure rollout.
The clearance confirms that NGIC has met all technical and licensing requirements under its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence, allowing the operator to provide shared network services to mobile operators.
The network is already live in parts of Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, with nationwide expansion planned in phases.
The commercial activation comes as the government targets 70% 5G population coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.
NGIC Chief Executive Officer Tenu Awoonor said, “achieving 70% coverage within the Ghana @70 timeframe demands coordination and long-term discipline.
“Today, Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale,” Mr. Awoonor added.
“This structure allows infrastructure investment to be coordinated nationally while preserving innovation and competition at the retail layer.”
Chief Operating Officer of Next Gen Infraco, Nenyi George Andah, stressed that disciplined rollout is the next priority.
“The backbone is active. The framework is clear. The responsibility now is execution — scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner,” he said. “Separating wholesale infrastructure from retail service delivery is a strategic decision. It enables faster national reach and more efficient capital deployment.”
Technology partner Nokia highlighted the socio-economic potential of the rollout. Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, said: “This wholesale network model enables all mobile operators in Ghana to bring high-speed data to consumers while introducing new service models to the enterprise segment. With a future-ready architecture underpinned by advanced security, the network will drive socio-economic growth and bridge the digital divide.”
Andah also credited the wider ecosystem for the milestone.
“This progress reflects collaboration with the National Communications Authority, our core network parent Nokia, our anchor and connecting mobile network operators, tower and fibre infrastructure partners, and financing institutions. Delivering a shared national backbone requires coordinated effort across the value chain,” he said.
He concluded: “Ghana’s 5G backbone is live. The priority now is to scale responsibly and deliver nationwide impact.”
