Next Gen Infraco Limited (NGIC) was granted a Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence by the National Communications Authority (NCA), but the condition granting the business exclusive rights to operate as Ghana’s only wholesale 5G infrastructure provider has been removed.
The NCA stated in a statement on July 15, 2026, that NGIC has the only right to own and run wholesale 5G infrastructure in Ghana due to the exclusivity condition, which was a component of the initial regulatory framework created to promote the construction of a national wholesale 5G network.
But according to the Authority, the public interest is now better served by a competitive wholesale 5G market that encourages investment, innovation, network resilience, service quality, and broader access to cutting-edge communications services.
The announcement stated, “The Authority has concluded that the public interest is better served by a competitive wholesale 5G market.”
Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and Article 6.1.2 of NGIC’s licensing provide the Authority the authority to modify licensing conditions in the public interest.
On March 2, 2026, the NCA sent NGIC a Notice of Proposed Amendment. On March 18, 2026, the NCA met with NGIC. On April 1, 2026, NGIC filed a Statement of Objections, and on May 28, 2026, it was given another chance to address the Governing Board orally.
The Authority determined that it was in the public interest to remove the exclusivity provision from the Licence after carefully reviewing NGIC’s written and oral arguments.
The remainder of the licence remains valid despite the change, which only refers to that particular condition. As a result, NGIC maintains all additional rights and responsibilities under the licence, including the transfer of its spectrum.
On July 15, 2026, the amendment will go into force.
The Authority anticipates that the modification will further advance Ghana’s digital transformation goal in the public interest, stimulate investment and innovation, and foster competition in the wholesale 5G market.
The action comes after the government promised to “democratise access to 5G” and reach 70% population coverage by the 2027 70th anniversary of independence.
Source: newsthemegh.com