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Ghana’s telecommunications regulator, the National Communications Authority, has initiated steps to remove the 5G exclusivity clause granted to Next-Gen Infraco (NGIC), a move aimed at strengthening competition in the country’s emerging 5G market.
In a public notice issued on March 4, 2026, the Authority disclosed that it had proposed an amendment to NGIC’s licence under the provisions of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008. If approved, the amendment would revoke NGIC’s exclusive rights to deploy 5G infrastructure, opening the market for other telecommunications operators to independently roll out 5G services.
The regulator stated that the proposed change is intended to promote competition and innovation within the sector, while improving service quality and expanding consumer choice. It also aims to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation agenda and ensure the efficient utilisation of radio spectrum as a national resource.
Under the regulatory process, the proposed amendment will take effect 90 days from the date of the notice unless the Authority decides otherwise after considering any formal response from NGIC.
The development comes shortly after NGIC announced it had received regulatory clearance from the NCA to begin full commercial operations as Ghana’s wholesale 4G and 5G infrastructure provider. According to the company, the approval followed technical inspections confirming that its network infrastructure met the conditions outlined in its licence.
NGIC has so far deployed 49 operational 5G sites nationwide, with the majority located in the Greater Accra region. The company has already launched services in parts of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale using a wholesale infrastructure model, where NGIC develops and manages shared network infrastructure while mobile network operators provide retail services to end users.
Chief Executive Officer of NGIC, Tenu Awoonor, recently stated that the company has transitioned “from 5G ambition to 5G execution,” noting that the shared infrastructure backbone is now commercially operational and positioned for nationwide expansion.
However, the regulator also disclosed that NGIC is currently in default on a scheduled licence fee instalment payment. The Authority indicated that the matter is being addressed in accordance with applicable regulatory procedures.
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