The National Communications Authority has removed the exclusive rights granted to Next Gen Infraco Limited to operate Ghana's wholesale 5G infrastructure, marking a significant shift in the country's telecommunications policy.
The decision, which takes effect from July 15, 2026, amends NGIC's Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence by deleting the clause that made the company the sole provider of wholesale 5G infrastructure in Ghana.
According to the Authority, the move was made in the public interest after a review of developments in the telecommunications sector.
Competition takes centre stage
The exclusivity arrangement was originally introduced to support the rollout of a national wholesale 5G network. However, the NCA now believes the industry has matured enough to benefit from a more competitive market.
"As the telecommunications market has evolved, the Authority has concluded that the public interest is better served by a competitive wholesale 5G market," the statement said.
The regulator expects the change to encourage fresh investment, stimulate innovation, improve network resilience and enhance access to advanced digital services across the country.
Due process followed
The NCA said the amendment was carried out under Article 6.1.2 of NGIC's licence and Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which allows licence conditions to be amended in the public interest.
The Authority notified NGIC of the proposed amendment on March 2, 2026, before meeting company officials later that month. NGIC subsequently submitted formal objections and later made oral representations before the NCA Governing Board.
After reviewing both the written and oral submissions, the Authority decided to proceed with the amendment.
The NCA clarified that only the exclusivity clause has been removed. NGIC retains all other rights and obligations under its existing licence, including its spectrum assignment.
The regulator said opening Ghana's wholesale 5G market to competition will support the country's broader digital transformation agenda while creating a stronger environment for investment and technological growth.
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