Position Statement on the Launch of 5G in Ghana and Digital Inclusion Advocacy
Peterking Quaye, Founder & Executive Director of West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet), applauds the Government of Ghana on its landmark achievement in launching 5G internet services through the NextGen Infraco Consortium (NGIC), a coalition of key partners including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra. As Ghana embarks on this journey to high-speed connectivity, it reinforces the country’s position as a leader in digital transformation within the West African region.
“This 5G rollout signifies more than just faster internet; it marks a commitment to advancing Ghana’s digital economy,” said Peterking Quaye. “However, while we celebrate this advancement, it is essential that we do not leave rural communities behind. True digital inclusion is not achieved until every Ghanaian, regardless of location, has access to the same opportunities the digital world offers.”
The phased deployment of 5G, which begins in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, promises transformative impacts in urban areas, catalyzing innovations in sectors like healthcare, education, and business. Yet, Quaye emphasizes that “to build a resilient digital future for all, we must bridge the urban-rural connectivity gap and ensure that rural populations have equal access to high-speed internet.”
Reflecting on the outcomes of past Digital Inclusion Roundtable events hosted by WAICTANet, Quaye highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving total inclusion across Ghana. “Our work has consistently shown that connecting rural areas is not just a technical issue but a socio-economic one,” he noted. “We need inclusive policies and dedicated resources to extend digital access beyond urban centers and empower rural communities to thrive in the digital age.”
Key Recommendations for Inclusive 5G Expansion in Ghana
- Dedicated Investment in Rural Infrastructure: While NGIC’s infrastructure-sharing model will lower barriers for telecom providers, a dedicated focus on rural areas is critical. “Allocating resources specifically for rural connectivity is essential for leveling the digital playing field in Ghana,” stated Quaye. This would enable people in remote regions to access the same benefits as those in cities.
- Affordable Access Initiatives: Quaye advocates for subsidized internet costs in rural areas, where economic constraints may hinder accessibility. “Affordable, high-speed internet in rural areas is fundamental for digital equity,” he said. Offering tailored data packages and subsidizing connectivity costs could facilitate broader access.
- Community-Based Digital Literacy Programs: Beyond infrastructure, digital literacy is a cornerstone of meaningful connectivity. Quaye suggests, “We must ensure that people in rural communities are equipped with the skills to harness the internet’s potential. Collaborative digital literacy initiatives can transform internet access into real economic and social benefits.”
- Inclusive Policy Design and Implementation: WAICTANet advocates for policies that address the specific needs of rural and underserved communities. According to Quaye, “Effective digital policies should incorporate voices from all parts of the country, ensuring inclusivity in the decision-making process.” By engaging local stakeholders, Ghana can build a digital ecosystem that reflects the aspirations of every Ghanaian.
As the country aims for nationwide 5G coverage by 2026, Quaye underscores that the path to digital inclusion requires intentionality and collaboration across sectors. “This is a pivotal moment in Ghana’s digital journey. This 5G rollout should be a springboard towards a fully connected Ghana, where no community is left behind. WAICTANet is committed to advocating to to make this vision a reality.”
In anticipation of the 2025 Digital Inclusion Roundtable, WAICTANet reaffirms its mission to foster dialogue, drive policy advocacy, and research whilst urging government and private sector mobilization of resources to ensure digital inclusion reaches every corner of Ghana. Through collaboration with government, private sector, and local organizations, WAICTANet aims to advocate for an ecosystem where digital opportunities are accessible for all.
