The National Communications Authority (NCA) has removed the exclusivity clause in the Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure (Telecommunications) Licence issued to Next-Gen Infraco Limited (NGIC), ending the company’s exclusive right to operate Ghana’s wholesale 5G infrastructure.
The decision, announced in a press release, forms part of the Authority’s efforts to promote competition, attract investment and improve the delivery of advanced telecommunications services across the country. The exclusivity arrangement had initially been introduced as part of the regulatory framework to support the rollout of a national wholesale 5G network, granting NGIC the sole right to own and operate wholesale 5G infrastructure in Ghana.
According to the NCA, developments in the telecommunications market have made it necessary to review the arrangement, with the Authority concluding that the public interest would be better served by a competitive wholesale 5G market. It said increased competition is expected to encourage investment, drive innovation, strengthen network resilience, improve service quality and expand access to advanced communications services.
The Authority explained that its decision is backed by Article 6.1.2 of NGIC’s licence and Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which empower it to amend licence conditions in the public interest. In line with the law, the NCA issued a Notice of Proposed Amendment to NGIC on March 2, 2026, and held consultations with the company on March 18.
The Authority said NGIC subsequently exercised its right under Section 14(4) of Act 775 by submitting a Statement of Objections on April 1, 2026. The company was also given the opportunity to make oral representations before the NCA Governing Board before the Authority reached its final decision.
After considering NGIC’s written and oral submissions, the NCA concluded that removing the exclusivity condition was in the public interest. It emphasised that the amendment affects only the exclusivity provision and does not alter the validity of the remainder of the licence. NGIC will continue to retain all its 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 decision to promote competition in the wholesale 5G market, encourage investment and innovation, and support Ghana’s digital transformation agenda by expanding access to next-generation telecommunications services.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe