Ghana announces 5G reform and lower internet prices
In Ghana, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George announced the abolition of the exclusivity model for wholesale 5G, increased operators’ investment in networks and lower costs for some digital services. This was stated in his speech during the government accountability series, published by MyJoyOnline.
Changes to 5G and tariffs
According to the minister, on July 15, 2026, the board of the National Communications Authority approved the abolition of the exclusivity regime for wholesale 5G. George said that this mechanism had limited competition in high-speed mobile internet. After the decision was adopted, the regulator began accepting applications for frequencies in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands.
The minister also reported that in 2025, MTN increased the data volume in its packages by 15%, while Telecel and AirtelTigo increased it by 10%. According to his data, MTN reduced the monthly price of unlimited fixed internet at a speed of 100 Mbps from 987 to 299 Ghanaian cedis and introduced packages with speeds of 300 and 500 Mbps. Telecel, George said, also revised its fixed internet prices.
Investment and network stability
MTN Ghana committed to invest more than $1.1 billion over three years, including about $380 million in 2026, the minister said. The funds are planned to be directed toward expanding coverage, building new cellular network sites and deploying 5G. According to him, the company is to build 800 such facilities, while 180 are already active and carrying traffic.
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George also cited data showing that Telecel Ghana increased capital investment by 60% in 2023–2026 compared with the previous four-year period. Smartphone penetration in the country, he said, reached 71.8% in June 2026.
At the same time, the minister acknowledged problems with connection stability caused by damage to fiber-optic lines, power grid outages and a growing number of subscribers. According to his data, 4,289 cases of fiber damage were recorded in the country in the first half of 2026, with 8,578 such cases forecast for the year overall.
Digital skills
Under the One Million Coders program, as of August 2, 2026, 141,954 accounts had been registered, 27,782 participants were studying, and 5,812 courses had been completed. The most popular field, according to the data cited by the minister, was cybersecurity, chosen by 8,570 learners.
