Ghana officially joined the global digital revolution with the launch of its first high-speed 5G internet service, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s digital transformation.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, speaking at the launch event in Accra, heralded the development as an opportunity to drive economic resilience, industrial innovation, and social inclusion. However, he urged Ghanaians, particularly users and regulators, to remain vigilant against potential digital threats that could arise with the rollout of this advanced technology.
“This launch represents more than just high-speed internet—it is a game-changer that will shape how we live, work, and innovate across every sector.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The promise of 5G technology includes transformative applications across multiple sectors. In his speech, President Akufo-Addo noted the pivotal role 5G could play in empowering domestic businesses, particularly the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that constitute a substantial portion of Ghana’s economy.
He underscored the importance of 5G in supporting real-time data collection, machine-to-machine communication, and other advanced industrial applications, which can notably enhance productivity in agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.
“As part of this agenda, we have invested significantly in digital infrastructure, national identification systems, and mobile interoperability to support an inclusive digital ecosystem. “
Today, with the power of 5G, Ghana stands ready to embrace advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, bringing connectivity and innovation to urban centers and rural communities alike.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
These capabilities are expected to elevate Ghana’s industries by optimizing efficiency and potentially reducing production costs, making Ghana more competitive in the global marketplace.
Despite the vast potential benefits of 5G, Akufo-Addo reminded Ghanaians that vigilance is paramount. Citing concerns around cybersecurity, data privacy, and the responsible use of the technology, the President urged both users and regulators to adopt robust measures to protect against digital threats.
This call to action aligns with global concerns over data protection and the security challenges that come with the adoption of high-speed, high-capacity internet infrastructure.
“The journey ahead requires vigilance and responsibility. 5G is a powerful catalyst for shaping Ghana’s future and, with its powers, comes a responsibility to use it wisely,” Akufo-Addo stated.
“We must address concerns around data privacy, cybersecurity, and responsible use to ensure that 5G fosters unity and not division.”
Ghana’s Strategic Leap in the African Digital Landscape
Ghana’s 5G launch places it among a handful of African nations embracing this advanced technology, alongside South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, which have already initiated 5G deployment in recent years.
By joining the 5G ecosystem, Ghana seeks not only to enhance its national digital infrastructure but also to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens through technological innovation.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized that Ghana’s digital journey with 5G must prioritize inclusivity. He called for efforts to ensure that high-speed internet reaches rural and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and allowing all citizens, regardless of location, to benefit from this technology.
The initiative aligns with Ghana’s broader goal of achieving social inclusivity, using 5G as a tool to create equitable opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic participation across the country.
“Let this day mark the beginning of a new era in our digital journey, one that leads Ghana to economic resilience, social inclusivity, and global competitiveness,” Akufo-Addo stated, underscoring his vision of 5G as a force for national progress.
The government has signaled its intention to partner with key stakeholders to establish regulatory frameworks that will both support innovation and safeguard user privacy and data.
Public-private partnerships will play a vital role in building the infrastructure needed for a nationwide 5G network and providing necessary training and support to communities and businesses adopting 5G technology.
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