President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially launched the country’s 5G internet service on Friday, a major milestone in Ghana’s journey toward a digitally inclusive economy.
This new technology is expected to revolutionize multiple sectors, from healthcare and education to agriculture and manufacturing, while positioning Ghana as a regional leader in digital innovation.
In an address at the Accra International Conference Centre on the theme “5G: Accelerating Ghana’s Digital Transformation,” the President emphasized the importance of 5G not only for faster connectivity but also for reshaping Ghana’s economic and social landscape.
“Today marks a defining moment in our journey towards a digitally inclusive and transformed Ghana. We gather here to celebrate the launch of 5G technology—a leap forward in connectivity that strengthens our vision of Ghana as a digital economy hub,” he said.
5G technology, which promises speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, is anticipated to be a game-changer for Ghana’s economy.
The President underscored the impact 5G will have on local businesses, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of Ghana’s economy.
“With faster, more reliable internet, MSMEs can reach new markets, streamline logistics, and scale up their operations. Agriculture, which provides livelihoods for the majority of Ghanaians, stands to benefit immensely from innovations like precision farming, remote monitoring, and smart irrigation,” he said.
Beyond economic growth, 5G internet service will transform public services across the nation, bringing improvements in healthcare, education, and security. The technology’s low latency and high capacity will enable remote healthcare consultations, real-time crop monitoring, and access to educational resources even in remote regions.
The President envisioned healthcare consultations conducted remotely, real-time crop monitoring, and access to educational content in even the remotest regions and emphasized that these advancements are not a distant dream, but an imminent reality.
The President also touched on the potential of 5G to improve public safety and infrastructure. Enhanced connectivity will enable better urban planning, real-time emergency responses, and streamlined access to public services.
He assured the nation that the government is committed to ensuring that 5G technology reaches every Ghanaian, including those in underserved rural areas.
He detailed the government’s partnerships with the private sector to expand broadband infrastructure, underscoring a commitment to bridging the digital divide stating, “Technology is only as impactful as its accessibility. Our vision is a Ghana where every citizen, regardless of location, can harness the power of 5G,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo also addressed the importance of data privacy and cybersecurity as Ghana moves into this new era of connectivity.
He urged responsible use of the technology with the increased capacity of 5G stressing that Ghana’s digital infrastructure will be more resilient and secure.
According to him, the 5G internet service aunch aligns with the government’s vision of empowering young Ghanaians, who represent the majority of the population, to take the lead in digital innovation with Initiatives such as the Ghana Innovation Hub and coding programs aimed to equip youth with skills for the digital future.
He said, “By empowering the youth, we ensure a future where domestic talent drives our digital transformation,” and called on the next generation to seize this opportunity to shape Ghana’s future.
The President acknowledged the collaboration between the government, technology firms, telecommunications providers, and regulatory bodies that made the 5G launch possible. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with both local and international stakeholders to sustain Ghana’s digital journey.
“As we launch 5G in Ghana today, let us embrace our responsibility to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Ghana. 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 stated.