Ghana has become one of the countries that have adopted 5G technology to enhance digital transformation and drive economic development.

The 5G infrastructure was created by Next-Gen InfraCo, a consortium of telecommunications service providers that has enjoyed exclusive rights for a decade to implement 5G and 4G networks across the country, with the aim of improving network coverage and reliability in Ghana.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, speaking at the launch on Friday in Accra, said: “We are at a crossroads where digital technology is no longer an option, but an imperative. Our digital transformation agenda to create an inclusive digital ecosystem is essential for job creation, economic diversification and global competitiveness.

He said the launch of the 5G network has enabled Ghana to embrace a connected, agile and responsive future.

5G technology, he stressed, would have a transformative impact on the country’s national landscape, adding that “its high speed, minimum latency and improved capacity would drive our agenda forward.”

In the areas of health, education, agriculture and security, the president said 5G would enable innovations that would improve the accessibility and affordability of services.

“We can consider remote medical consultations, real-time crop monitoring and access to educational content even in the most remote regions,” he stressed.

President Nana Akufo-Addo further noted: “This is not a distant dream, but an imminent reality if we act with foresight and commitment. 5G will be a catalyst for industrial growth, empowering domestic businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of our economy. With faster and more reliable internet, MSMEs can reach new markets, streamline their logistics and scale up their operations.

Managing Director of Next-Gen InfraCo, Tenu Awoonor, said as government aimed to transform the country’s digital environment, Next-Gen InfraCo would ensure that substantial investment in this global shift would yield financial and economic benefits for the country.

“With the advent of 5G, we have the opportunity to foster a more inclusive society, ensuring that no individual in Ghana is left behind. Whether you are a farmer in Tamale, a small business owner in Kumasi or a student in Cape Coast, 5G will connect you to the global community and open new avenues for advancement,” he said.

“At Next-Gen InfraCo, we are extremely proud to contribute to this evolution. We are not mere observers; we are actively investing in Ghana’s future. We see 5G not only as a means of innovation, but also as an engine of growth, development and empowerment of every Ghanaian,” he added.

The Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, highlighted that the introduction of 5G has the potential to drive innovation in various sectors, including agriculture, health, transport, industry manufacturing, banking, etc.

“Today we commemorate not only a technological transformation, but also a reflection of our resilience, innovation and collective progress as a nation.”

She highlighted the significant progress made in the telecommunications sector, noting the country’s evolution from 1G to the forefront of 5G technology.

Watch the latest edition of BizHeadlines below:

Click here to follow GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel