National Communications Authority Ends NGIC’s 5G Monopoly
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has stripped Next Gen Infraco Limited (NGIC) of its exclusive rights to operate Ghana’s wholesale 5G infrastructure, opening the market to competition for the first time.
The exclusivity clause, originally designed to support the rollout of a national wholesale 5G network, had granted NGIC sole ownership and operation rights. But after reviewing the evolving telecommunications landscape, the NCA concluded that the public interest would be better served by a competitive market that promotes investment, innovation, resilience, and wider access to advanced communications services.
The Authority’s decision is grounded in Article 6.1.2 of NGIC’s Licence and Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which empower it to amend licence conditions in the public interest.
In line with the law, the NCA issued a Notice of Proposed Amendment to NGIC on 2 March 2026, held consultations on 18 March 2026, and received a Statement of Objections from the company on 1 April 2026. NGIC was also allowed to make oral representations before the Governing Board on 28 May 2026.
After considering NGIC’s submissions, the Authority ruled that removing the exclusivity condition was necessary. The amendment, which takes effect on 15 July 2026, applies only to that clause. NGIC retains all other rights and obligations under its licence, including its spectrum assignment.
The Authority expects the amendment to promote competition in the wholesale 5G market, encourage investment and innovation, and further advance Ghana’s digital transformation agenda in the public interest.
Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD
