Hon. Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central, has filed a Right to Information (RTI) request to Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful for details on the Next-Generation Infrastructure Company deal.
According to Ayariga, the request aims to obtain information from the Minister to address the information deficit regarding the deal.
He indicated that there are no documents available to support the Minister’s assertions about the deal in question.
“At your Ministerial briefing on Thursday 30th May 2024 you stated that “The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra, supported by All Mobile Network Operators in Ghana, starting with AT and Telecel, has launched the Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC).
“This initiative aims to deliver affordable 5G mobile broadband services across our nation, propelling us towards a fully digitized Ghana by 2030.” Please furnish me with the collaboration agreement or any other agreement entered into or in this regard because I do not believe that such a significant agreement could just be verbal or pronounced by your good-self no matter how exalted you may be”.
Hon. Mahama Ayariga
Ayariga further requested a copy of the partnership agreement for the deal signed in Mumbai, India, to provide clarity on each partner’s commitments.
He argued that Ghanaians interested in the telecommunications sector need this information.
The MP also sought documents confirming the existence of the Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), including details on its shareholders and management, as well as evidence of their financial and technical capabilities.
He requested clarification on the specific role of the Government of Ghana, including its obligations, and the commitments made by each partner to ensure that the Government of Ghana has credible partners in this significant project.
Ayariga also requested a copy of the 5G license, along with any additional conditions or terms not included in the license, for his review.
He further asked for evidence of the analysis conducted to determine the price of the 5G spectrum awarded to NGIC, as well as details regarding NGIC’s payment for the 5G license.
Ayariga Requests for Update on Microsoft Discussions
Furthermore, Hon. Mahama Ayariga stated that, according to the Minister, discussions with Microsoft—an interested party in the project—will soon be finalized.
As such, Ayariga requested that the Minister provide updates on any conclusions reached with Microsoft.
He also asked for the current equity holdings of Ascend Digital, K-NET, and all Mobile Network Operators expected to participate in the project, detailing their acquired interests and roles in the transaction.
“You said ‘The shared 4G and 5G infrastructure will be built by Nokia and Radisys, with IT architecture and integration provided by Microsoft and Tech Mahindra. This collaboration ensures that we leverage cutting-edge world-class expertise and technology to build a robust digital infrastructure’. Can you update me on the level of development of the infrastructure and by who?
“You said ‘NGIC will enable a reset of Ghana’s economy by attracting investments across all sectors and providing access to all manner of e-services and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to the latest digital services’. Please furnish me with the business case for 5G including the use cases for Ghana and your Ministry’s/Government of Ghana’s plans to promote 5G adoption to ensure the project succeeds”.
Hon. Mahama Ayariga
Ayariga also requested for a copy of the legal opinion supporting the manner of appointment of NGIC to undertake the 5G project, the award of the 4G/5G spectrum, and the structure of the project.
He demanded that the Minister provide information on the status of the deployment and the implementation plan for this year and beyond, as the Minister had indicated that deployment would occur in the last quarter of 2024.
He emphasized the need for the Minister to confirm the exact launch date of the project.
Accordingly, Hon. Ayariga emphasized that answers to these requests are crucial for transparency and will enable him to fulfill his oversight responsibilities effectively, underscoring the need for cooperation.
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