This approval allows NGIC to build and operate shared 4G/5G radio and core network infrastructure, enabling licensed mobile network operators to deliver retail services to consumers and businesses over a neutral-host platform.
March 3, 2026. Next Gen InfraCo (NGIC) Limited, Ghana’s wholesale 4G and 5G operator, has commenced full commercial operations of the country’s shared 5G backbone, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s digital development agenda. The platform is now live in selected locations including Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, with phased nationwide expansion planned.
NGIC received formal confirmation from the National Communications Authority (NCA) that it has satisfied all regulatory and technical requirements under its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure License. This approval allows NGIC to build and operate shared 4G/5G radio and core network infrastructure, enabling licensed mobile network operators to deliver retail services to consumers and businesses over a neutral-host platform.
“Today, Ghana moves from 5G ambition to 5G execution. The shared backbone is commercially active and positioned to scale. This structure allows infrastructure investment to be coordinated nationally while preserving innovation and competition at the retail layer.”
– Tenu Awoonor, Chief Executive Officer, NGIC
Neyi George Andah, Chief Operating Officer of NGIC, highlighted the strategic importance of separating wholesale infrastructure from retail services:
“Separating wholesale infrastructure from retail service delivery is a strategic decision. It enables faster national reach and more efficient capital deployment.”
– Neyi George Andah, Chief Operating Officer, NGIC
The commercial activation comes as the Government aims to achieve 70% 5G population density coverage by Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary. Awoonor emphasized:
“Achieving 70% coverage within the Ghana @70 timeframe demands coordination and long-term discipline. The shared architecture ensures investment is directed toward expanding reach rather than duplicating infrastructure.”
– Tenu Awoonor, Chief Executive Officer, NGIC
“Nokia is proud to partner with NGIC in Ghana as a technology partner to introduce the country’s first neutral-host (shared) 4G / 5G network. This wholesale network model, provided by NGIC enables all mobile operators in Ghana with a smart and prudent approach to bring high-speed data to consumers, while bringing in new service models to the enterprise segment. With a future-ready architecture underpinned by advanced security, the new shared mobile broadband network will drive socio-economic growth and bridge the digital divide in the coming years in Ghana.”
– Mustapha Salah, Head, Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks, Nokia
“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. Ghana’s 5G backbone is live. The priority now is to scale responsibly and deliver nationwide impact.”
– Neyi George Andah, Chief Operating Officer, NGIC
NGIC is Ghana’s licensed Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure provider. Its wholesale-first model allows licensed mobile operators to deliver competitive retail services over a common national backbone. The company is focused on accelerating nationwide coverage and supporting Ghana’s digital development objectives toward Ghana @70.
