Ursula: 5G Service Will Redefine Internet Connectivity

Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has said, the Fifth Generation of Wireless Technology, also known as 5G technology will not just be an addition to the internet provision but rather an improvement that seeks to redefine connectivity for citizens, productivity, and overall quality of life to the individuals.

The Minister who has superintended over the country’s internet connectivity to the current success level said, the 5G service will be faster in internet delivery, enhanced upload and download capacities, more consistent connections, and improved network capacity.

“And now, as we stand on the brink of an even more groundbreaking advancement, we embrace the fifth generation (5G) of communications networks. The potential of 5G extends beyond mere incremental improvements; it is a revolutionary leap forward that promises to redefine connectivity, productivity, and overall quality of life. With its unparalleled speed, low latency, and enormous capacity, 5G has the potential to drive innovations in every sector—agriculture, health, transport, manufacturing, and beyond. The Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and smart cities are no longer futuristic concepts but imminent realities ready to transform our ways of living and working” she said during the launch which happened at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on Friday, November 1, 2024, under the theme “5G: Accelerating Ghana’s Digital Transformation”.

She continued, “5G has now arrived in Ghana, marking a significant step forward in our digital journey. The initial rollout focus is on major cities, starting today, where we anticipate residents in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi will begin experiencing the benefits almost immediately; once the network operators activate it. Our goal is to achieve coverage across additional urban areas by the end of 2024. For full nationwide coverage, including rural regions, we are looking at a multi-phase approach, aiming for comprehensive access by 2026. This timeline ensures a methodical deployment that aligns with infrastructure readiness and quality assurance.

She further highlighted the country’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to create an inclusive digital ecosystem critical for job creation, economic diversification, and global competitiveness.

“As we embark on this 5G journey, we must acknowledge the collaborative efforts that have brought us this far. The government, industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and, indeed, the people of Ghana have worked in unison to create a conducive environment for technological advancement. Policies have been instituted to foster investment, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that every Ghanaian is included in this digital revolution.

“Moreover, our educational institutions are pivotal in preparing the next generation of tech-savvy Ghanaians. Initiatives to enhance digital literacy and skills development are in full swing, ensuring that our youth can harness the opportunities that 5G will present. We are constructing a Digital Youth Hub at the university of Ghana which should serve as a prime hub for the development of Ghana specific 5G use cases in all the critical sectors of the economy. This high-speed shared network can only help accelerate that exciting development, and we hope to replicate this on other campuses.”

President Akufo-Addo in his speech emphasised that Ghana is at a crucial point where digital technology is no longer optional but essential.

“5G technology will have a transformative impact on our national landscape. Its high speed, minimum latency and enhanced capacity will drive our agenda forward, artificial intelligence and data analytics into daily lives across Ghana from urban centres to remote villages,” he stated.

President Akufo-Addo explained that 5G will drive innovations in health, education, agriculture, and security.

He envisioned a future where remote healthcare consultations, expanded access to educational content, and technological advancements reach even the remotest areas.

“5G will be a catalyst for industrial growth, empowering domestic businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy with faster, more reliable internet, MSMEs can reach new markets, streamline logistics and scale up their operations,” he added.

In manufacturing and agriculture, 5G will enable real-time data collection and machine-to-machine communication, enhancing productivity and sustainability. Innovations like precision farming, remote monitoring, and smart irrigation will boost food security and promote sustainable practices in agriculture, a sector vital to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians.

The President underscored that industrialisation remains a priority for his administration, and with 5G-enabled automation, robotics, and augmented reality, Ghana’s industrial progress will accelerate, making the country an attractive hub for technological investment and excellence.

“With 5G, we can envisage seamless access to public services, real-time, emergency responses, improved urban planning and enhanced monitoring of public infrastructure. We aim to build a responsive government that evolves with the digital age,” President Akufo-Addo said.