Kwesi Atuahene, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation, has raised concerns about Ghana’s readiness to roll out 5G services, accusing the country of misplaced priorities.
According to Atuahene, Ghana lacks the necessary infrastructure to support 5G technology, and it has yet to fully optimize its 3G and 4G networks.
“For a country as Ghana, it appears that we are not having our priorities right,” he stated, emphasizing the need to resolve foundational issues like electricity supply and digital infrastructure before introducing 5G.
Atuahene highlighted the risk of high internet costs if the government proceeds with the 5G rollout, citing Next Gen InfraCo as the sole supplier, which could drive up prices.
He warned that Ghanaians would face steep charges for 5G services, making it unaffordable for most citizens.
“Internet now is very expensive in Ghana, compared to our neighboring countries like Togo, Nigeria, Burkina Faso,” Atuahene pointed out, stressing the economic burden it could impose on the population.
The executive also noted that while 5G promises faster internet, it would come at a heavy cost.
“The faster it may be, the more expensive it is going to be,” Atuahene remarked, painting a worrying picture of what could happen if Ghana proceeds without addressing its fundamental digital shortcomings.
