Mupita Pushes for 5G Rollout to Accelerate Ghana’s Digital Economy

MTN Group Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, has called for the allocation of 5G spectrum in Ghana, describing it as a critical step toward accelerating the country’s digital transformation and economic growth.

Speaking during his first visit to Ghana in 2026, Mupita outlined the far-reaching impact of next-generation connectivity, positioning 5G as essential infrastructure for modern economies.

He emphasized that 5G technology has the potential to transform home connectivity, enabling faster and more reliable broadband access for households across the country.

With increasing demand for remote work, online education, digital entertainment, and e-commerce, Mupita noted that Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) powered by 5G can deliver high-speed internet directly to homes in a cost-effective way.

This, he said, would allow households to operate as digital hubs—supporting small businesses, virtual learning, financial services, and access to government platforms—thereby deepening digital inclusion.

Beyond homes, Mupita highlighted the significant opportunities 5G presents for businesses and industries. He pointed to successful deployments in countries such as South Africa and Zambia, where private 5G networks have improved efficiency, safety, and productivity in sectors like mining.

According to him, such networks enable automation, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced safety systems, making them valuable tools for industrial transformation.

Drawing lessons from global markets, including China, he noted that 5G has revolutionized logistics, port operations, and supply chains through smart technologies and automation.

He indicated that Ghana stands to benefit from similar advancements, particularly in key sectors such as mining, logistics, and port operations, where improved connectivity could boost productivity and competitiveness.

Mupita also underscored the benefits of 5G for consumers, noting that it significantly enhances network quality, reliability, and overall user experience.

As data consumption continues to surge—driven by video streaming, fintech services, cloud computing, and social media—he said 5G will provide the capacity needed to sustain growth while improving service delivery.

He stressed that 5G is not just a technological upgrade but a foundational pillar for economic development, supporting innovation and expanding opportunities across sectors.

During his visit, Mupita engaged with MTN Ghana’s leadership, regulators, and key government stakeholders, including officials from the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations.

The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to advance Ghana’s digital agenda, with particular attention on improving service quality and facilitating 5G spectrum allocation.

Mupita reaffirmed MTN Group’s long-term commitment to Ghana, describing the country as a key market within its pan-African operations.

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He emphasized the company’s role as a major investor in digital infrastructure and financial inclusion, noting that continued investment will be essential to meet the growing demand for digital services.

According to him, with the right regulatory support and strategic investments, 5G can become a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic transformation—driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and positioning the country competitively in the global digital economy.