Ghana Ends NGIC’s Exclusive Wholesale 5G Licence to Boost Competition
The NCA explained that the exclusivity condition had originally formed part of the regulatory framework established to support the development of a national wholesale 5G network, giving NGIC the sole right to own and operate wholesale 5G infrastructure in Ghana.
Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has amended the wholesale 5G licence issued to Next Gen Infraco Limited (NGIC) , removing the provision that granted the company exclusive rights to operate the country’s wholesale 5G infrastructure.
In a press statement issued on July 15, the regulator said the decision was taken in the public interest following a review of developments in the telecommunications market. The amendment is intended to create a more competitive wholesale 5G market that promotes investment, innovation, network resilience, service quality and wider access to advanced communications services.
The NCA explained that the exclusivity condition had originally formed part of the regulatory framework established to support the development of a national wholesale 5G network, giving NGIC the sole right to own and operate wholesale 5G infrastructure in Ghana.
However, the Authority said market conditions have since evolved, prompting it to conclude that competition would better serve the country’s digital transformation objectives. The regulator added that its authority to amend the licence is derived from Article 6.1.2 of NGIC’s licence and Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which empowers it to amend licence conditions in the public interest.
The amendment followed a regulatory process that began on March 2, 2026, when the NCA issued a Notice of Proposed Amendment to NGIC. The company responded on March 18 by submitting a statement of objection under Section 14(4) of Act 775. The Authority met with NGIC on April 1 before giving the company a further opportunity to make oral representations before its Governing Board on May 28.
After considering both NGIC’s written and oral submissions, the NCA concluded that removing the exclusivity provision was in the public interest. The regulator emphasized that the amendment applies only to the exclusivity condition and does not affect the validity of the remainder of NGIC’s licence. The company retains all other rights and obligations under the licence, including its spectrum assignment.
The amendment took effect on July 15, 2026.
The NCA said it expects the move to foster greater competition in Ghana’s wholesale 5G market, encourage further investment and innovation, and support the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
