Accusations of opacity and bypassed procedures have marred Ghana’s plans to roll out a 5G network, orchestrated through an exclusive agreement with Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), backed by Indian mogul Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd.
The deal, slated to empower Ghana with advanced digital connectivity, has drawn fierce criticism from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC has raised concerns over the lack of a competitive bidding process, which they argue could cost Ghana dearly in potential revenues—estimated at between $400 million to $500 million.
NGIC, in collaboration with tech giants Nokia and Microsoft, secured a decade-long contract to oversee Ghana’s 5G infrastructure, bolstered by Ambani’s subsidiary, Radisys Corp.
While the government defends the agreement as a pivotal step towards affordable 5G services nationwide by late 2024, skepticism persists.
Critics, including the NDC, question the deal’s transparency and its true benefits for Ghana.
Political and public resistance looms large, casting a shadow over the future implementation of Ghana’s ambitious 5G ambitions.
