Opportunities and challenges of 5G rollout in Ghana

The introduction of 5G technology represents a tremendous step forward in global communications, bringing about speed, latency, and connectivity gains that have never been seen before.

At its heart, 5G is superior to earlier generations of mobile technology, such as 3G and 4G, since it provides quicker data transfer rates, lower latency, and the capacity to connect a greater number of devices simultaneously. Although 4G has made it possible for mobile internet, streaming services, and e-commerce to become more widespread, 5G has the potential to go even further by providing a foundation for a new era of innovation in a variety of fields, including education, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.

Real-time communication, the Internet of Things (IoT), and enhanced automation will all be made possible by the distinctive characteristics of 5G and faster internet speeds. Real-time applications such as driverless vehicles, smart cities, and precision medicine are made possible by the reduced latency of 5G, which, under ideal circumstances, is less than one millisecond. This places 5G in a position to be a transformative force for customers.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Ghana has been progressing steadily towards digital transformation. 2G services, primarily focused on voice calls and text messaging, were introduced in the 1990s, marking the beginning of the country’s initial entry into mobile networks back in the 1990s. The emergence of third-generation (3G) technology in the early 2000s made it possible to access the internet from mobile devices, albeit at slower rates. The fourth generation of mobile technology, known as 4G, was essential in paving the way for the next generation of mobile technology, the 5G.

The advent of 4G cleared the path for expanded financial inclusion and technological innovation, made possible by the proliferation of platforms such as mobile money.

In Ghana’s journey towards digitalisation, significant milestones include the establishment of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), which is responsible for monitoring the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) policies, and the launch of initiatives such as the National Digital Property Addressing System, which demonstrates the government’s dedication to digitising the economy. At the moment, Ghana is getting ready to launch 5G, which means the country is on the verge of entering a new era of connection that promises even more important economic and social benefits.

5G is already altering businesses and economies worldwide with its impact. Countries with substantial networks already in place, such as the United States of America, China, and South Korea, are at the forefront of implementing fifth-generation wireless technology. Innovative manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare are all areas that are being driven by 5G in these countries.

As an illustration, China, South Africa, Korea use 5G enable enhanced telemedicine and robotic procedures.  Based on the experiences of these early adopters, it is clear that the primary objective of 5G is to enhance internet speeds while simultaneously constructing the infrastructure necessary for the next generation of digital services. Ghana’s challenge will be learning from these global pioneers while tackling local concerns such as infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and digital inclusion

There are a multitude of opportunities available to Ghana as it begins its road towards 5G. Increasing economic growth, expanding service delivery, and revolutionising sectors will all be significantly aided by implementing 5G. The facilitation of real-time data sharing and automation, as well as connectivity across various technologies, has the potential to revolutionise education, agriculture, and healthcare. Nevertheless, we must not ignore the difficulties that we face. For the rollout to be successful, it will be necessary to make substantial investments in infrastructure, establish a transparent regulatory framework, and devise measures to guarantee that underserved rural areas and communities are not left behind. Due to the increasing connectivity, there will be a need to address concerns regarding cybersecurity and privacy. This is because the increased connectivity may expose networks to new types of cyber threats. To summarise, introducing 5G in Ghana represents a significant opportunity.

What is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, designed to significantly improve wireless networks’ speed, latency, and capacity. It is built on a more complex and efficient infrastructure than its predecessors (3G and 4G), allowing for unprecedented advancements in mobile communication, real-time data transfer, and the interconnectivity of devices. The technical architecture of 5G includes key components such as millimetre waves, small cells, beamforming, and network slicing, all of which contribute to its transformative potential across various industries.

Millimeter Waves: One of the defining characteristics of 5G is the use of higher frequency bands, known as millimetre waves, which range between 24 GHz and 100 GHz. These high-frequency waves offer much larger bandwidths than the lower-frequency waves used by 4G, enabling significantly faster data transfer rates. However, millimetre waves have a shorter range and are more easily blocked by obstacles such as buildings and trees. Other innovations, such as small cells and beamforming, address this limitation.

Small Cells: To compensate for the short-range limitations of millimetre waves, 5G networks rely heavily on small cells, which are low-power base stations that cover small geographical areas. These small cells are densely deployed, especially in urban environments, to maintain seamless connectivity. By distributing these cells throughout cities and neighbourhoods, 5G can support high data speeds and low latency in areas that would otherwise experience coverage gaps due to millimetre wave limitations.

Beamforming: Beamforming is a technique used in 5G to direct radio signals in a targeted manner instead of broadcasting in all directions as in previous generations. This improves the efficiency of signal transmission and reception, particularly in dense urban areas where signal interference is expected. By focusing signals directly toward the user, beamforming helps overcome challenges posed by obstacles and ensures a stronger, more reliable connection.

Network Slicing: Another critical feature of 5G is network slicing, which allows a single physical network to be divided into multiple virtual networks, each tailored to specific use cases or industries. For instance, a slice of the network can be dedicated to high-speed mobile broadband, while another can be reserved for low-latency applications such as autonomous vehicles. This flexibility ensures that each use case gets the resources it needs, optimising the performance of diverse services.

5G offers a quantum leap in capacity, latency, and speed above 3G and 4G. With 5G networks, you can download huge files or entire movies in seconds, whereas 4G networks can only offer rates of up to 100 Mbps. In addition, 5G has a latency of less than one millisecond as opposed to 4G’s 20–30 milliseconds. This extremely low latency is essential for real-time applications like virtual reality, driverless cars, and telemedicine, where even little delays could affect efficiency or safety.

Global Standards

In terms of global standards, the development and deployment of 5G are guided by international organisations such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which sets global standards for mobile networks. 3GPP has been instrumental in defining the technical specifications for 5G, ensuring that the technology is interoperable and consistent worldwide. Ghana needs to align its 5G rollout with these global standards to ensure compatibility with international systems and promote seamless data exchange across borders. By adhering to these standards, Ghana’s 5G network will be on par with those in more advanced countries, enabling it to attract global investments and participate in the digital economy on a larger scale.

Opportunities of 5G for Ghana

1. Economic Growth and Innovation

Growth Potential: The potential influence of 5G on Ghana’s economic development is significant. As nations around the globe adopt 5G technology, research forecasts that 5G will play a substantial role in enhancing global GDP. A 2019 study by IHS Markit indicates that the global economic output facilitated by 5G may reach $13.2 trillion by 2035, significantly benefiting the economies of individual countries. Utilising 5G technology, Ghana is poised for growth across various sectors, such as telecommunications, finance, manufacturing, and agriculture.

The immediate economic advantages will manifest through enhanced productivity and the generation of employment opportunities. The digital economy in Ghana, propelled by fintech and e-commerce, is poised for substantial growth. With the availability of faster internet speeds and more dependable connections, businesses experience enhanced productivity and the emergence of new opportunities for innovation. One can anticipate a comparable effect in Ghana, where innovative industries are poised to thrive, particularly within the technology-driven sectors of fintech and mobile services.

Furthermore, Ghana’s digital payments sector, which is already advanced, may experience improved functionality and broader accessibility through 5G, fostering financial inclusion and stimulating economic activity in rural regions.

5G’s Role in Industry Transformation: Beyond fintech, 5G can transform critical industries in Ghana, including agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. One of the most promising applications of 5G is predictive maintenance. In the manufacturing sector, for example, 5G-enabled sensors can monitor equipment in real time, allowing businesses to predict equipment failures before they happen. This results in fewer breakdowns, reducing downtime and operational costs.

In mining, which remains one of Ghana’s top economic contributors, 5G can enable the automation of machinery, real-time tracking of assets, and remote operations in dangerous environments. As a result, mining operations could become safer, more efficient, and more profitable.

Agriculture could see vast improvements with precision farming, which will be discussed in more detail later. The real-time data collection and analysis made possible by 5G could significantly optimise resource use, boost crop yields, and minimise waste, transforming how Ghanaian farmers manage their operations.

Startups and Entrepreneurship: Ghana’s growing startup ecosystem will benefit from 5G’s faster speeds and reduced latency, supporting the next wave of innovations in app development, fintech, and e-commerce. Accelerators like Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) and iSpace already serve as launchpads for startups in Ghana’s tech scene. With 5G, these startups will have access to infrastructure that supports cutting-edge applications like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR), which are data-intensive and require low latency.

Fintech solutions, a major source of innovation in Ghana, would also greatly benefit from 5G. Better financial services platforms, faster mobile money transfers, and improved digital banking experiences will all be made possible by the faster and more dependable network. 5G has the potential to significantly boost Ghana’s already vibrant fintech sector and establish the nation as a leader in financial innovation in Africa by delivering quicker transaction times and better user experiences.

2. Improved Connectivity

Rural vs. Urban Connectivity: Closing the digital divide between urban and rural areas is one of the biggest potentials 5G brings to Ghana. Ghana currently has a varied internet penetration rate. Ghana’s internet penetration rate was almost 50%, with a notable difference between urban and rural areas, according to DataReportal’s 2021 study. Due to poor infrastructure, rural communities frequently have slower internet speeds, restricting access to digital services, educational prospects, and career opportunities.

Ghana’s rural areas could benefit greatly from 5G’s capacity to manage higher bandwidth and sustain steady speeds even in remote locations. 5G can improve coverage in previously hard-to-reach areas by permitting the use of millimetre waves and tiny cells. This can lessen the digital gap by promoting economic growth, bettering healthcare and educational opportunities.

Impact on Education and Remote Work: To provide online learning and remote work, reliable internet connectivity is essential, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 epidemic. When 5G is implemented nationwide, it will significantly improve students’ virtual learning opportunities by giving them dependable, fast internet. More interactive features like video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and access to extensive educational resources can be included in virtual classrooms with 5G.

Similarly, remote work will benefit from 5G’s low latency and faster speeds, especially for industries reliant on cloud-based applications and large data transfers. This boosts productivity and allows Ghanaian professionals to compete globally, particularly in the IT, finance, and marketing sectors.

IoT and Smart Homes: 5G will also enhance home connectivity, enabling the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Smart homes powered by 5G can become a reality in Ghana, with connected devices managing everything from energy consumption to security systems. IoT-enabled devices like smart thermostats, smart lights, and security cameras will benefit from the speed and bandwidth of 5G, leading to more efficient energy use and improved home security.

The ability to automate and monitor home systems remotely could become a significant draw for middle- and upper-income households in Ghana, providing a more connected and efficient lifestyle.

3. Healthcare Transformation

Telemedicine and Remote Care: One of the most transformative applications of 5G is in healthcare. Like many others in Africa, Ghana’s healthcare system struggles with access to quality medical care, especially in rural areas. 5G can potentially bridge this gap through telemedicine and remote care. With the ultra-low latency of 5G, real-time video consultations between doctors and patients in different locations have become more feasible, providing rural populations with access to specialists in urban centres.

Several nations, like South Korea and China, have already begun using 5G for telemedicine. 5G-enabled hospitals in China, for instance, employ fast connections to conduct remote consultations, diagnoses, and even surgery. Analogous developments have the potential to alleviate the strain on overburdened healthcare institutions in Ghana and enhance healthcare outcomes in rural areas with limited access to physicians.

Addressing Healthcare Infrastructure Challenges

Ghana’s healthcare system faces several challenges, including limited infrastructure and personnel shortages. 5G offers a solution by enabling the deployment of mobile healthcare units equipped with IoT devices for diagnostics and treatment. These units, supported by real-time data transmission, could provide essential healthcare services in underserved regions, helping to bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare.

4. Agricultural Revolution

Precision Agriculture: Agriculture is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributing around 20% to the country’s GDP. With 5G, farmers can adopt precision agriculture, a farming management concept based on observing, measuring, and responding to crop field variability. Through IoT sensors connected via 5G, farmers can gather real-time data on soil health, moisture levels, and crop conditions, allowing for more informed decision-making.

For instance, drones equipped with 5G technology can be used by farmers to optimise irrigation systems, precisely distribute fertilisers where needed, and keep an eye on crop health. This degree of accuracy can result in higher yields, less water waste, and lower input costs, all of which will improve the sustainability and profitability of farms in Ghana.

Drones and Automation: 5G can also facilitate the use of drones and automated farming equipment. Large-scale farms in Ghana can deploy drones to monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and map fields. This system can manage the country’s current illegal mining crisis. These drones, operating on 5G networks, can collect vast amounts of data in real-time, providing farmers with actionable insights to improve productivity and deploy the use of GPS mapping to help appropriate authorities to locate illegal mining sites.

5. Smart Cities Development

Public Services and 5G: Intelligent waste management systems powered by 5G can also improve urban living conditions. Sensors placed in trash bins can monitor fill levels and notify waste management authorities when they need to be emptied. This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently and keeps cities cleaner.

In addition, energy efficiency can be improved by using smart grids that manage electricity distribution in real-time, reducing energy waste and lowering costs for both consumers and the government.

Public Safety and Security: 5G can potentially improve public safety through the real-time monitoring of security cameras and the automation of emergency response systems. Law enforcement agencies can leverage 5G technology to enhance communication speed and effectiveness, enabling quicker emergency response. Drones and robots with 5G technology can be used for surveillance, offering real-time video feeds and enhancing situational awareness during large-scale events or emergencies.

Challenges Facing 5G rollout in Ghana

1. Infrastructure Costs

Detailed Cost Breakdown: It will take a substantial financial outlay to upgrade Ghana’s infrastructure and construct new components tailored to 5G technology to roll out a 5G network. Incorporating cutting-edge technology like beamforming and network slicing, expanding the density of cell towers, installing small cells, and improving the fibre-optic network are all components that contribute to the overall cost.

The backbone of 5G is the fibre-optic network, which carries large volumes of data at high speeds. In Ghana, significant upgrades will be needed to increase the coverage of fibre-optic cables, especially in rural areas. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates that deploying fibre-optic cables can cost around $27,000 to $60,000 per kilometre. Considering Ghana’s current fibre-optic infrastructure is concentrated in urban areas, the cost of expanding this network to more remote regions could be substantial.

Additionally, small cells low-power base stations that improve network capacity and coverage are critical for 5G’s success. Unlike 4G, which relies on fewer but more powerful cell towers, 5G requires many more small cells due to the shorter range of millimetre waves. Deploying these small cells will require substantial investment, with estimates suggesting a cost of $10,000 to $20,000 per small cell. Thousands of small cells must be installed to provide adequate coverage in urban areas, dramatically increasing overall costs.

The capital expenditure for a nationwide 5G rollout, including infrastructure and equipment, could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. A study by Deloitte estimated that a comprehensive 5G network deployment in a country with demographics and geography similar to Ghana’s could cost around $3.5 to $4 billion.

Public-Private Partnerships

The deployment of 5G infrastructure will require public-private partnerships (PPPs) to be financed due to its high cost. Ghana can learn from other nations’ PPP models that have been effective. For instance, India’s government and telecom operators are working together to develop 5G infrastructure under the Digital India program, where the government provides legislative backing and private enterprises finance most of the deployment.

A model like this might be applied in Ghana. The government might encourage private sector participation by providing tax exemptions, subsidies, or low-interest loans to telecom operators who are ready to engage in 5G infrastructure. The implementation of 5G in rural areas, where private enterprises may see a poorer return on investment, could be supported by public subsidies.

 

Funding Opportunities

There are several potential funding sources for Ghana’s 5G rollout. International development funds such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and International Finance Corporation (IFC) have historically supported infrastructure projects in developing countries. They could be tapped to support 5G deployment.

Additionally, local and international private investors may be interested in funding 5G projects due to the technology’s potential to drive long-term economic growth. Ghana’s government has also launched several digital strategy initiatives, such as the Digital Transformation Centre, which aims to attract investment in ICT infrastructure. These initiatives could be leveraged to secure funding for 5G infrastructure.

2. Access and the Digital Divide

Existing Digital Divide: Ghana’s internet penetration, while growing, still faces a significant digital divide, particularly between urban and rural areas. According to the National Communications Authority (NCA), urban centres like Accra and Kumasi enjoy higher internet speeds and coverage, while rural areas often lag far behind due to inadequate infrastructure. DataReportal’s 2021 statistics show that about 50% of Ghanaians have access to the Internet, with rural regions experiencing lower penetration rates. The digital divide is evident in the stark contrast between urban and rural households with internet access, with urban penetration at around 70%, compared to 30-40% in rural areas.

5G could help bridge this divide, but without careful planning, it may also exacerbate it. The cost of deploying 5G in remote areas, where population density is lower, may not be immediately profitable for telecom operators, leading to a concentration of 5G services in affluent urban areas.

Affordability of 5G Devices: Another major challenge is the affordability of 5G-enabled devices. Currently, 5G smartphones and other connected devices remain expensive, with most models priced significantly higher than their 4G counterparts. For example, the average cost of a 5G-enabled smartphone globally is around $600-700, compared to $200-300 for 4G smartphones. In Ghana, where the average monthly income is around $100-400, these devices are prohibitively expensive for a significant portion of the population.

For the widespread adoption of 5G, the prices of 5G devices will need to decrease, or government interventions will be required to make these devices more accessible. Without addressing the cost barrier, 5G may remain a luxury for wealthier citizens in urban areas, leaving lower-income and rural populations behind.

 

3. Regulatory and Policy Hurdles

Spectrum Allocation: One of the key regulatory challenges in rolling out 5G is spectrum allocation. The radio frequency spectrum is a finite resource used for all forms of wireless communication, including mobile networks. For 5G to function effectively, telecom operators require access to a wide range of spectrum frequencies, particularly those in the millimetre wave bands (24 GHz to 100 GHz), allowing faster data transmission.

In many countries, spectrum allocation involves auctioning frequency bands to the highest bidder. However, this process can be fraught with challenges, including regulatory delays and high costs for telecom operators. In Nigeria, for example, the government’s spectrum auction for 5G raised $547.2 million in 2021, a high price that could discourage smaller telecom operators from participating in the 5G market.

One of Ghana’s primary problems with the 4G spectrum auction was the high cost of acquiring spectrum licenses. The National Communications Authority (NCA) set a high reserve price for spectrum blocks, which many telecom operators found prohibitively expensive. For example, in 2015, the NCA auctioned a 4G LTE spectrum in the 800 MHz band, with a reserve price of $67.5 million for a 2×10 MHz slot. This price was considered high, especially compared to other countries with similar market conditions. This restricted the 4G spectrum to more extensive, multinational telecom companies with deep financial resources, such as MTN Ghana, which acquired the 4G spectrum in 2015. Smaller players, such as Vodafone Ghana and AirtelTigo, did not initially acquire 4G licenses, limiting competition and market diversity. It wasn’t until later, in subsequent negotiations, that other operators gained access to the 4G spectrum.

The government of Ghana must balance generating revenue from spectrum auctions and ensuring that operators can afford to deploy 5G infrastructure. Spectrum pricing must be set at a level that encourages investment in the network while still generating income for the government. Additionally, Ghana can learn from other African countries that have successfully managed spectrum allocation for 5G, such as South Africa, which has allocated both low- and high-frequency bands for 5G deployment.

Licensing and Compliance

Another regulatory hurdle is the licensing process for telecom operators. In some cases, the bureaucracy involved in obtaining the necessary licenses to deploy 5G networks can cause significant delays. For example, operators may need to navigate multiple government agencies to secure environmental permits, infrastructure approvals, and service licenses. These delays can slow the rollout of 5G and increase costs for telecom operators.

To streamline the regulatory process, the Ghanaian government could consider establishing a one-stop shop for telecom operators, where all necessary approvals and licenses can be obtained from a single government body. This would simplify the process, reduce delays, and encourage investment in 5G infrastructure.

International Cooperation

Ghana must also ensure its 5G rollout complies with international standards, particularly those set by organisations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). By adhering to these global standards, Ghana will ensure that its 5G network is interoperable with networks in other countries, facilitating international business and trade.

Collaborating with international telecom organisations can also help Ghana access technical expertise and best practices for 5G deployment. By engaging with global partners, Ghana can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smoother rollout of 5G technology.

4. Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks

Cyber Threats in the 5G Era: 5G’s enhanced connectivity also brings about g’s enhanced connectivity dangers. Compared to their predecessors, 5G networks are more intricate since they include a wide range of linked systems, sensors, and devices. Because of its intricacy, there are more opportunities for cybercriminals to gain access, raising the possibility of ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and data breaches. Additionally, because many IoT devices are not built with strong security measures, the Internet of Things (IoT), which will be powered by 5G, creates additional risks.

Numerous well-publicized cyberattacks have happened in nations where 5G has already been implemented. For example, a denial-of-service attack on a 5G network in Germany in 2021 severely disrupted internet access.  Cybercriminals in South Korea used weaknesses in IoT sensors to target 5G-connected devices and steal personal information.

The stakes are considerably higher in Ghana, where vital industries like banking, healthcare, and government services will depend on 5G networks. A cyberattack on a 5G network might compromise private information and interfere with vital services, among other far-reaching effects.

Ghana’s Cybersecurity Readiness

Ghana’s cybersecurity infrastructure has improved in recent years, particularly with the establishment of the Cybersecurity Authority and the passage of the Cybersecurity Act 2020. However, the country is still in the early stages of developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for 5G networks. The Cybersecurity Authority, in collaboration with telecom operators and government agencies, will need to implement stringent security measures to protect the 5G network from cyber threats.

One approach could involve security by design, where 5G networks are built with security features embedded from the outset rather than being added as an afterthought. This includes end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and intrusion detection systems.

Privacy Concerns

5G networks generate vast amounts of data, raising significant privacy concerns. With billions of connected devices transmitting data in real time, there is a greater risk of personal information being collected, stored, and misused by private companies and hackers. In Ghana, the Data Protection Act 2012 provides a legal framework for protecting personal data, but the law may need to be updated to address the unique privacy challenges posed by 5G.

To safeguard citizens’ privacy, Ghana could look to international standards like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which provides strict data collection, storage, and sharing guidelines. By strengthening its data privacy framework, Ghana can ensure that the benefits of 5G are realised without compromising individuals’ privacy.

5. Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact

Energy Demands of 5G: The substantial energy requirements of 5G are one of its less well-known problems. Although 5G networks use less energy overall than 4G networks do per-bit, this is because of the significant increase in data traffic and the requirement for additional infrastructure, such as base stations and tiny cells.

According to a Huawei study, a typical 5G base station needs up to three times as much energy as a 4G base station. The higher energy consumption of 5G networks could present a severe problem for telecom operators in Ghana, where electricity costs are already high, especially in rural areas with less developed power infrastructure.

Balancing Energy and Sustainability: To minimise the environmental impact of 5G, Ghana can adopt several strategies for balancing energy consumption and sustainability. One approach is to integrate renewable energy sources into 5G infrastructure. In Sweden, telecom operators have begun using solar panels and wind turbines to power 5G base stations, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering carbon emissions.

With abundant sunshine, Ghana is well-positioned to adopt similar green energy solutions. The country can reduce its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy to power 5G infrastructure while promoting long-term energy sustainability.

Government Initiatives: The Ghanaian government has already launched several initiatives to promote green energy in the telecom sector. The Renewable Energy Act of 2011 encourages the use of renewable energy sources in infrastructure projects, and the Ghana Energy Commission has set ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix.

By expanding these initiatives and providing financial incentives for telecom operators to adopt green energy solutions, the government can ensure that Ghana’s 5G rollout is both technologically advanced and environmentally sustainable.

Conclusion

Implementing 5G in Ghana may lead to baseline shifts in social development and innovative technologies and alter the economic environment. It is 5G that offers Ghana enhanced industrial operations, increasing connectivity, and competitiveness in the global digital economy. Innovations in key sectors of health, agriculture, education, and manufacturing can be availed by the new technology of 5G. These include real-time data analytics, remote healthcare solutions, precision farming, and automation. Each and every part of this will go a long way to improving Ghanaians’ productivity and quality of life. Also, the potential of 5G to facilitate smart technologies and IoT can allow the introduction of intelligent cities; hence, general living in metropolitan areas will be improved, together with the provision of adequate public services.

 

There is, therefore, all reason for economic expansion. This could lead to the birth of new ventures, the stimulation of entrepreneurship, and the attraction of capital injections into fintech, mobile, and app development industries. Aside from creating jobs and developing business opportunities, this next generation of digital transformation can position Ghana as a leader in the African tech-driven economy.

 

However, several challenges still have to be overcome to realise the full value of 5G. At the outset, there is an especially critical issue of the prohibitive infrastructure costs of deploying 5G networks amidst remote or underprivileged areas. The requirement for a high volume of small cells, the expansion of fibre-optic infrastructure, and significant investment in the replacement of available systems can retard the pace of implementation or dissemination.

 

This also involves overcoming some of the outstanding regulatory barriers. Only when operators are granted accelerated licensing procedures and the most efficient spectrum assignment to ensure timely and less costly effective deployment of 5G networks. These also include relationships with multinationals of the telecom sector built in close response to the government’s quest to adhere to global standards and inclusive cooperation, coupled with adopting the best international practices.

 

Apart from that, the policies that would facilitate digital inclusion would be of utmost importance for the success of 5G in Ghana because they guarantee that all citizens and residents, regardless of income and geographical location, benefit from the technology. The other important aspects involve data privacy and cybersecurity. Ghana also needs to enhance its cybersecurity infrastructure for sensitive data to be kept safe and critical systems intact, with the rapid connectivity brought by 5G and massive data.

For security regarding citizens’ data and maintaining their trust, robust data protection regulations need to be established. Looking ahead, however, Ghana may have a bright future in 5G. Planning well, making smart investments, and collaborating with the public and private sectors may position Ghana to lead the digital revolution of Africa. This will truly enhance the nation’s technological capability and offer the opportunity for an innovative, inclusive, and connected society through the adoption of 5G.

 

Long-term planning will be needed to ensure that the rollout of 5G is equable and sustainable, reaching every corner of the economy and society. With the relevant partnerships, infrastructure, and regulations put in place, Ghana has the potential to be a full beneficiary of 5G as it seeks to establish itself as a leader in digital innovation and a hub for technological growth on the continent. Though filled with challenges, the possible benefits of a tech-driven economy far outstrip the difficulties. With the investment in the future of 5G, it is time for Ghana to rapidly accelerate its transition into a fully tech-driven economy that improves livelihoods and leads the digital revolution of Africa.

By Eugene O. Aryeetey

The writer is the CEO and Founder of Zentech IT Solutions

eugene@zentechgh.com

The post Opportunities and challenges of 5G rollout in Ghana first appeared on 3News.

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