Gov’t signals MTN advantage ahead of Ghana’s 5G spectrum auction

The Government of Ghana has indicated a strong likelihood of MTN Ghana securing a spectrum block in the forthcoming 5G auction, as authorities expedite efforts to achieve nationwide next-generation connectivity ahead of the country’s 70th independence anniversary celebrations.

At the launch of MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring MTN plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s emerging 5G ecosystem.

The Cabinet, he noted, has approved the removal of restrictions previously preventing MTN from entering the 5G market and granted additional spectrum allocation and technology neutrality to the telecom giant. “We are committed to ensuring MTN plays a critical role in the 5G landscape. That’s why we went to Cabinet, and Cabinet unanimously approved the removal of exclusivity, which had previously barred MTN from entering the 5G space,” he stated.

The Minister further disclosed the government’s ambition for widespread 5G deployment by Ghana’s 70th anniversary, with an ambitious population coverage target under consideration. “I’m hoping that by Ghana at 70, we should be able to have rolled out 5G. Hopefully, MTN will get a block when we do the auction,” he added.