In a move toward a connected future, Ghana officially launched its 5G network, with an initial rollout covering Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
The high-profile event at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel saw President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, underscore the network's transformative potential for business, education, and national development.
President Akufo-Addo hailed the launch as a "defining moment" in Ghana’s digital agenda, positioning 5G as a catalyst for economic advancement.
"This is more than just faster internet," he remarked, emphasizing that 5G technology would enable applications in the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, setting Ghana on course to become a digital hub.
The President highlighted sectors poised to benefit, from healthcare and agriculture to manufacturing and logistics, creating avenues for innovation and efficiency.
Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the immediate impact on the initial three cities, where residents are expected to experience high-speed connections as soon as operators activate the service.
She pointed out that sectors like agriculture will see “precision farming and smart irrigation” solutions, bolstering food security.
The health sector, too, stands to gain from advancements like remote consultations and real-time monitoring, making services accessible in underserved areas.
Madam Owusu-Ekuful stressed the government’s commitment to quality digital services, urging Ghanaians to hold telecom providers accountable if they fail to deliver promised 5G connectivity.
“If you live in the 5G coverage areas and cannot access 5G by December, reach out to your provider,” she urged, signaling the government’s focus on transparency and reliability in the digital sector.
Both President Akufo-Addo and Minister Owusu-Ekuful spoke to the opportunities 5G brings to Ghana’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), expanding their market reach and enabling digital tools that enhance efficiency.
President Akufo-Addo remarked, “This faster, more reliable internet will empower our local businesses, helping them grow and compete on an international scale.”
In terms of infrastructure, the government is working alongside telecom operators to make 5G services affordable and accessible.
Madam Owusu-Ekuful stated, “We’re committed to working with providers to create cost-effective data plans that meet the needs of various users.”
She highlighted ongoing public-private partnerships aimed at minimizing consumer costs and ensuring broad adoption across socioeconomic levels.
Security and inclusivity are central to the rollout, with both President Akufo-Addo and Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful outlining robust cybersecurity measures to secure the new digital environment.
Rural connectivity remains a top priority, with plans to extend 5G coverage to underserved regions by 2026, creating equal opportunities for all citizens.
The 5G launch is the result of a collaborative effort, with local telecom operators working closely with international technology partners.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful credited President Akufo-Addo’s vision in expediting the 5G rollout, describing his focus on digitalization as crucial in building a resilient and inclusive digital economy.
“Today marks the beginning of a new digital era in Ghana,” President Akufo-Addo concluded, “one that paves the way for economic resilience, inclusive growth, and a competitive edge in the global digital marketplace.”
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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