The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, has taken a giant step to launch the 5G Network.
The 5G Network, launched at the Palms Convention Centre at the La Palm Royal
Beach Hotel in Accra, has added Ghana to the ranks of countries who have
embraced the cutting edge of 5G Technology, geared towards revolutionising
Ghana's telecommunication sector.
At the launch of the highly anticipated 5G Network were the key stakeholders
and participants within the telecommunications landscape, healthcare, banking,
amongst other sectors.
The 5G offers unparalleled data speeds, up to 100 times faster than 4G, thereby
enabling seamless video streaming, online gaming, cloud computing, reduced
latency and ensuring real-time connectivity, ideal for applications requiring
instant responses, such as virtual reality and remote healthcare delivery, and
stress-free banking service delivery.
In his address, the Managing Director for the company fronting the 5G service,
NextGen Infraco, Tenu Awoonor, stated that it stands ready to assist the
country in leveraging 5G to drive critical sectors of the economy for long-term
benefit for each and every resident in Ghana.
He further pledged that while the government seeks to revolutionise the
country’s digital landscape, NextGen Infraco will ensure there is financial and
economic value for the country’s huge investment in this global transition.
Highlighting on the wide range of capture, Tenu Awoonor said, “With 5G we can
create a more inclusive society where no one in Ghana is left behind. Whether a
farmer in Tamale, a small business owner in Kumasi or a student in Cape Coast,
5G will connect you to the world and open doors to new opportunities.”
NextGen Infraco is a consortium formed between the government of Ghana and
seven other partners.
They are; Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra and two
telcos – AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana.
The Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, said,
“today, we celebrate not just a technological revolution, but a testament to
our resilience, innovation and collective progress as a nation.”
According to her, the telecommunications sector has achieved great strides as
the country has transitioned from 1G network to the cutting edge of 5G.
“And now, as we stand on the brick of an even more ground breaking advancement,
we embrace the fifth generation (5G) of communication networks. The potential
of 5G extends beyond mere implemental improvements. It is truly and evolutionary
leap forward that promises to redefine connectivity, productivity and overall
quality of life.”
She further noted that introduction of 5G into Ghana’s landscape, has the
potential to drive innovations in every sector including agriculture, health,
transportation, manufacturing, banking and beyond.
“The internet of things, Artificial intelligence and smart cities are no longer
futuristic concept but eminent realities really rarely to transform our ways of
living and working,” the communications minister added.
In an interview with the media, Madam Ursula Owusu-Ekuful reiterated the need
to hold service providers accountable if they refuse to rollout the 5G packages
to their customers, as the initial rollout starts from November 1, 2024.
The Network’s initial target is within major cities in Ghana, starting with
Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi while other major urban cities will experience
theirs by the end of 2024.
This timeline assures a methodical deployment that aligns with the
infrastructure readiness and quality assurance.
Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com