MTN and Telecel Set for High-Stakes Battle as Ghana Opens 5G Market After Ending Exclusive Ambani-Backed Deal
Ghana is on the verge of a major transformation in its telecommunications industry as the government prepares to auction new 5G licences, paving the way for fierce competition between MTN Group and Telecel Group. The move follows the decision to terminate the exclusive 5G rights previously granted to state-backed Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), signalling a new era of competition, investment and accelerated digital infrastructure development.
The auction, expected to commence within the coming weeks, marks a significant policy shift aimed at fast-tracking nationwide 5G deployment after concerns mounted over the slow rollout under the existing monopoly arrangement. Industry observers believe the licensing process could reshape Ghana’s telecom landscape, encourage greater private-sector investment and strengthen the country’s digital economy.
Government Ends Exclusive 5G Arrangement
The previous administration had granted NGIC exclusive rights to deploy wholesale 5G infrastructure across Ghana until 2034. The company partnered with Radisys Corporation, a subsidiary of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, with ambitions of replicating the success of India’s Jio Platforms, which revolutionised mobile internet through affordable high-speed connectivity and rapid nationwide expansion.
However, the ambitious project has fallen considerably behind schedule.
By March 2026, NGIC had deployed only 49 operational 5G sites, far below the government’s target of 1,200 sites by 2027. The slow pace raised concerns about Ghana’s ability to remain competitive in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
In response, the government has decided to liberalise the market by allowing established telecom operators to compete directly for 5G spectrum licences, a move expected to significantly accelerate network deployment and improve service quality across the country.
Ghana Targets Faster Nationwide 5G Expansion
Communications Minister Sam George has maintained that increased competition is the most effective way to expand high-speed internet access and bridge Ghana’s digital divide.
Under the revised strategy, Ghana aims to extend 5G coverage to approximately 70% of its population by March 2027 through a combination of wholesale infrastructure and operator-owned networks.
The expansion is expected to unlock new opportunities across multiple sectors, including fintech, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, smart manufacturing, digital healthcare, education technology, e-commerce and enterprise connectivity. Businesses and consumers alike stand to benefit from significantly faster internet speeds, lower latency and greater network reliability.
Ghana Seeks to Catch Up with Africa’s Digital Leaders
While Ghana has made significant progress in expanding mobile connectivity over the past decade, it remains behind several regional competitors in commercial 5G deployment.
According to GSMA Intelligence, Ghana could achieve approximately 7% population coverage by the end of the year if commercial services launch as planned. This remains well below Nigeria’s estimated 22% coverage, Kenya’s 38%, and South Africa’s more than 60%, underscoring the urgency of accelerating deployment if Ghana hopes to compete with Africa’s leading digital economies.
Industry analysts believe that widespread 5G adoption will play a critical role in attracting technology investment, supporting innovation and strengthening Ghana’s position as one of West Africa’s emerging digital hubs.
MTN and Telecel Prepare for Competitive Showdown
The upcoming spectrum auction is expected to trigger one of the most closely watched battles in Ghana’s telecommunications history.
MTN Ghana currently dominates the country’s mobile data market, serving roughly 80% of subscribers and maintaining a strong nationwide network. Securing additional 5G spectrum would further strengthen its leadership in the rapidly expanding digital services market.
Telecel Ghana, which acquired Vodafone Ghana, is also preparing to compete aggressively for the licences as it seeks to expand its market share and challenge MTN’s dominance.
Telecel Group Chief Executive Officer Moh Damush has urged the government to ensure the auction promotes healthy competition rather than simply rewarding the highest financial bidder.
He argued that allocating licences solely based on the largest bid could entrench existing market dominance instead of creating a more balanced and competitive telecommunications sector capable of delivering better services, innovation and affordable pricing for consumers.
A Defining Moment for Ghana’s Digital Future
The government’s decision to open Ghana’s 5G market represents a landmark moment in the country’s digital transformation journey. By replacing an exclusive licensing model with a competitive framework, policymakers hope to accelerate infrastructure investment, improve internet accessibility and stimulate innovation across the economy.
As MTN and Telecel prepare for the upcoming auction, the outcome will not only determine the next phase of Ghana’s telecommunications industry but also influence the country’s broader ambitions of becoming a leading digital economy in Africa. With faster connectivity expected to drive economic growth, technological innovation and improved public services, the race for Ghana’s 5G future has officially begun.
