Regarding its direct participation in the Next Gen Infraco (NGIC) consortium, which is expected to spearhead Ghana’s 5G rollout countrywide, MTN Ghana has remained silent.
CEO Stephen Blewett of MTN Ghana would not confirm if MTN Ghana would join the NGIC-led platform during the company’s recent Q3 earnings call on November 1. The platform was formally launched on the same day (November 1) with support from the government and a number of important technological partners.

The new state-backed infrastructure consortium, NGIC, has a 10-year exclusive license to construct and manage Ghana’s open-access 5G network. By centralizing expensive infrastructure, this model enables mobile network providers, such as MTN Ghana, to utilize the 5G infrastructure without having to make a direct investment. This strategy aims to expedite Ghana’s digital transition.

Mr. Blewett emphasized MTN’s alignment with Ghana’s digital objectives while outlining the company’s stance on 5G in Ghana. However, he refrained from providing specifics regarding MTN’s relationship status with NGIC. “From MTN’s point of view, we support the national agenda for 5G,” he said, emphasizing that MTN is still involved in continuing conversations about access to the 5G infrastructure.

Although Mr. Blewett did not explicitly confirm MTN Ghana’s participation as a platform partner, his comments suggested a potential partnership.

“Look, the problem is that, as I mentioned before, we’re bound by the NDA, so I can’t really reveal much. However, I believe that we are addressing all of these conversations with a constructive and businesslike perspective, and we will keep doing so,” he stated.

“As was indicated today, the infrastructure rollout will go. We will continue to discuss it as it is implemented, and we are quite clear about what is required of us. Since I’m under an NDA, I really can’t say anything more than that.

The 5G deployment by NGIC has already started in major cities including Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, with plans to spread throughout the country in the next two years. Telecel Ghana is apparently finalizing arrangements, while AT Ghana has already signed up for NGIC’s open-access platform. As a result, industry conjecture surrounds MTN’s possible involvement in the consortium.

With the help of big tech companies like Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and K-NET, the consortium has positioned itself to revolutionize Ghana’s telecom market by utilizing 5G technology to deliver quicker connectivity and shorter download times.