The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has declared a strict no-extension policy for the delayed national 5G infrastructure rollout, while unveiling a broad set of initiatives focused on tech inclusion, regulatory reform, and digital governance.
At a quarterly press briefing, sector minister Hon. Samuel Nartey George outlined key updates from the Ministry’s ongoing digital transformation agenda.
5G Rollout Deadline Firmed Up
The Ministry announced that the Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC) must meet its national 5G rollout target by the fourth quarter of 2025. If NGIC fails to meet this deadline, the Ministry will initiate legal action and consider renegotiating the company’s license. This move reflects a broader policy shift aimed at reducing infrastructure duplication, enhancing transparency, and safeguarding consumer rights.
Launch of Public Services Portal
A new digital Public Services Portal, integrated with the Ghana Card, is expected to go live in the fourth quarter. The platform will provide faster access to more than 16,000 government services, designed to improve transparency, service delivery, and convenience for individuals and businesses.
Girls in ICT Initiative Expands
The Ministry has expanded the 2025 Girls in ICT initiative to the Bono East and Upper East Regions. In June, 1,000 girls from 18 districts in the Volta Region completed a three-week hands-on ICT training program. The initiative aims to bridge the digital gender gap and nurture the next generation of female technology leaders.
Smart Workplace Upgrade Across Government
The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has completed a major upgrade of the Smart Workplace platform, which enhances inter-agency collaboration and document processing. Over 25 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and more than 300 public institutions, including district assemblies and health services, are now actively using the improved platform.
Re-Engagement with PayPal
The Ministry has re-opened dialogue with PayPal to enable full access to the platform in Ghana. A compliance roadmap has been issued, outlining the regulatory and technical standards required for rollout. The Ministry is working in close collaboration with the Bank of Ghana and other key stakeholders to fulfill the necessary conditions.
Tackling Inappropriate Content on TikTok
The Ministry held talks with TikTok’s West African team to address concerns about explicit and culturally inappropriate content. Ghana’s cybersecurity and data protection agencies are actively monitoring platform activity and engaging with TikTok to ensure stronger moderation. The Ministry welcomed TikTok’s introduction of STEM-focused content and called for the establishment of local moderation teams to align content with national values.
Dialogue with MultiChoice Ghana on DSTV Pricing
Responding to public concern over DSTV subscription rates, the Ministry has begun formal discussions with MultiChoice Ghana. Talks are focused on making pricing structures more transparent, affordable, and responsive to Ghana’s economic climate. A follow-up meeting is scheduled with senior executives from MultiChoice South Africa.
Sector Reforms and Digital Skills Development
Several strategic initiatives are being implemented to strengthen Ghana’s digital economy and human capital base:
The planned acquisition of a 60% stake in AirtelTigo is under active review, with 24 days remaining in the Ministry’s 60-day compliance window.
A signed MoU with MTN Ghana will support the establishment of a National AI Innovation Centre and train 5,000 young people in AI and digital skills over the next 18 months.
Construction of the $1 billion Ghana–UAE AI and Innovation Hub is scheduled to begin in Q1 2026.
A Digital Youth Village, developed in partnership with UNDP and the University of Ghana, will support AI hackathons, curriculum development, and digital training under the 1 Million Coders Initiative.
National Anti-Disinformation Bill
To safeguard Ghana’s digital space, the Ministry is advancing the National Anti-Disinformation Bill. The draft legislation will be submitted to Parliament in the upcoming session. It is designed to establish a clear legal framework to combat online misinformation while upholding freedom of expression.
These efforts underscore the Ministry’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive, innovation-led economy supported by effective regulation, private sector partnerships, and equitable access to digital opportunity.
Story by: Osman Issah Abadoo
