President Akufo-Addo (M) with partners and industry players at the launch
President Nana Akufo-Addo has launched the 5G technology to help improve internet services across the country.
He said the 5G internet service will strengthen the country’s vision to become a digital economic hub to accelerate economic growth and transform lives across all sectors.
Speaking at the official launch of the 5G technology in Accra, President Akufo-Addo stated that digital technology is no longer an option but an important tool for the country’s digital transformative agenda which is critical for job creation, economic diversification and global competitiveness.
He said the 5G technology will also enhance internet services particularly artificial intelligence, data analytics to transform health, education, agriculture as well as the security of the country.
The President also explained that the 5G technology will serve as a catalyst for industrial growth, empower domestic businesses especially Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises (MSMEs), to reach new markets and scale up their operations.
Government recently awarded the 5G license to Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), and seven other partners to use a shared infrastructure to provide affordable 5G mobile broadband services across the country.
According to the government, the 5G technology rolled out on Friday, November 1, will cover five regions for the first phase while the next phase will also cover other major cities across the country by December, 2024.
Five regions that are beneficiaries of the first phase once the telecommunication operators activate the 5G broadband services include Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Central and Volta regions.
Key partners to support the government to deploy the 5G service include Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana.
According to the President, his government is committed to investing in rural broadband and mobile infrastructure hence partnering with the private sector to expand infrastructure to underserved areas to make the 5G accessible to every Ghanaian.
“Our vision is a country where every citizen regardless of location can harness the power of 5G to unlock opportunities that were once unimaginable,” he said.
Touching on its benefits to the Public sector, President Akufo-Addo said 5G technology would also enable quicker, more transparent and efficient public services given the progress made so far with the digitised national IT system, e-governance initiatives and mobile financial services.
He further mentioned that the government with the support of the private sector would ensure the youth are equipped with digital skills to drive the future of innovation using 5G to transform not only the lives of people but unearth domestic talent as well.
While calling on all partners to address concerns around data privacy, cyber security and responsible use of the technology to ensure that 5G foster progress, he also affirmed its commitment to build a responsive government that evolves with the digital age.
“Our success will not only be measured by internet speeds but by tangible improvements in the lives of our people, the growth of our industries and our unity in fostering innovation across all regions,” he said.
“Let this day mark the beginning of a new era in our digital journey, one that leads Ghana to economic resilience, social inclusivity and global competitiveness,” he added.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah