Interview with Ursula Owusu-Ekuful: “We want to achieve a 100 per cent Digital Ghana by 2030”

The Government of Ghana has partnered with Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia and Tech Mahindra, as well as mobile network operators (MNOs) such as AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, to set up a new shared infrastructure entity, the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC). This collaboration aims to deliver affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana. NGIC has been granted a 5G licence and is expected to launch 5G services across Ghana within the next six months, followed by expansion to other parts of Africa. In an interview with tele.net, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Republic of Ghana, talks about the African telecom market, the future growth drivers for the Ghanaian market and the key aspects of the new entity. Excerpts.…

How will NGIC impact Ghana’s economy and digital infrastructure?

The NGIC initiative is poised to be a transformative force for Ghana’s economy and digital landscape. By targeting comprehensive economic growth and enhanced quality of life for all Ghanaians, NGIC aims to attract significant investments across diverse sectors. Central to its mission is the facilitation of universal access to a wide array of e-services, effectively bridging the digital divide and making advanced digital services accessible to everyone, irrespective of their geographical location.

“NGIC will help roll out a mobile broadband and digitalisation road map to create a modern, intelligent and secure society.”

 A pivotal element of this initiative is the strategic partnership between the government and seven leading industry players to develop shared 5G infrastructure. This collaboration is critical for delivering affordable, high speed mobile broadband services nationwide. The introduction of 5G technology promises to not only enhance connectivity but also spur innovation and efficiency across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education and digital finance.

Drawing from past experiences, the government has crafted policies aimed at ensuring equitable access to digital services. These policies are designed to guarantee that all citizens, regardless of their service provider, have equal access to both public and private digital services. This is especially significant in a context where, despite the introduction of 4G services nine years ago, only 15 per cent of the population currently utilises 4G networks, with the majority still dependent on 3G technology.

The NGIC initiative seeks to dramatically increase 4G penetration, aiming to boost it from the current 15 per cent to an ambitious 80 per cent within the next three years. Meeting this target will establish a robust foundation for the widespread adoption of next-generation technologies, which is essential for Ghana to achieve its goal of universal broadband access and a fully digital economy by 2030.

Moreover, the roll-out of 5G services is a cornerstone of the broader Digital Ghana vision. This vision leverages advanced technology to drive economic growth and elevate the overall quality of life. By enhancing healthcare delivery, providing more resilient educational platforms, and facilitating seamless digital payment transactions, the 5G network will be instrumental in driving both social and economic advancements across the country.

NGIC is not merely about improving connectivity; it is about constructing a resilient, inclusive digital infrastructure that will underpin Ghana’s economic aspirations. This initiative aims to ensure that all Ghanaians can participate in and benefit from the digital economy. Furthermore, it is expected to position Ghana as a digital hub in West Africa, attracting significant investment in the technology sector and fostering a vibrant, innovation-driven economic environment.

What is the purpose of the new network-as-a-service (NaaS) entity being launched in Ghana? Who are the key stakeholders involved?

NGIC is a public-private partnership, with the Government of Ghana, Ascend Digital and K-Net as equity owners. It is the first neutral 5G shared infrastructure NaaS platform in Africa, which reduces the cost of 5G network development and service roll-out for all MNOs in the market. NGIC benefits from proven strengths of the industry, local players and strategic partners Radisys, Nokia and Tech Mahindra to scale up the network and deliver affordable mobile broadband services to all Ghanaians.

We want to achieve a 100 per cent Digital Ghana by 2030 and digitally connect all villages in Ghana over the next six years. NGIC will help roll out a mobile broadband and digitalisation road map to create a modern, intelligent and secure society, initially focusing on the agricultural, education, m-commerce and healthcare sectors, and achieve the country’s Digital Ghana vision. The focus will be on providing affordable mobile broadband services and devices to the people of Ghana.

NGIC will ensure that all MNOs are able to leverage artificial intelligence/machine learning, augmented reality/virtual reality, and internet of things-based Industry 4.0 solutions to accelerate 5G adoption and service roll-outs, and support digitisation of the Ghanaian economy.

What will be the future growth drivers for the Ghanaian telecom market?

The Ghanaian telecom market is poised for significant growth driven by several factors. With a youth population of approximately 33 million (average age 25), there are currently 39 million mobile subscribers, resulting in a 115 per cent mobile penetration rate. The average monthly mobile data usage, currently at 1.9 GB, is expected to increase to 20 GB by 2028. Smartphone adoption stands at 68 per cent. Of this, 16 per cent is on 4G networks, which is expected to reach 47 per cent by 2028. The introduction of shared 4G and 5G networks, supported by NGIC, will enhance rural coverage. The success of the Rural Telephony Project, with its 1,000 4G-ready towers, highlights the potential for 4G expansion. NGIC’s support will accelerate the expansion of 4G services, driving the shift from 3G and paving the way for 5G. This will result in increased data usage, higher smartphone penetration and improved network coverage, propelling the market’s growth.

What are the key lessons learnt and replicated from the Indian market?

NGIC’s NaaS model will leverage India’s successful model of affordable handsets, digital platforms, localised content and applications. NGIC intends to replicate India’s high speed mobile data model across Africa, starting with Ghana. Similar to India, the partnership aims to improve the lives of Ghanaians by introducing digital services in education, healthcare and digital payments via P2P (peer-to-peer), P2M (peer-to-merchant) and M2M (merchant-to-merchant) transactions to help reduce the digital divide and expand financial inclusion. Additionally, the multiplayer partnership will support NGIC in the deployment of network infrastructure and associated services as communication service providers are looking to address enterprise and consumer markets with enhanced digital services. To achieve this, Tech Mahindra will build a cloud native core network powered by leading original equipment manufacturer platforms.

How soon does Ghana plan to launch 5G services? What will be the future growth drivers? 

We are inspired by India’s digital infrastructure and low-cost mobile data usage and are keen to replicate it in Ghana. NGIC intends to launch its wholesale 4G/5G network as a service and make it available to all mobile network operators within the next six months. NGIC’s NaaS model aims to leverage India’s successful model of affordable handsets, digital platform, localised content and applications. NGIC will be the first 5G mobile broadband shared infrastructure entity to build an exclusive, national 4G/5G network and launch affordable 4G/5G-enabled fixed wireless access customer premises equipment and smartphones in Ghana.

“We are inspired by India’s digital infrastructure and low-cost mobile data usage and are keen to replicate it in Ghana.”