NCA Shortlists MTN, Telecel, and Goal Telecom for Final Stage of Ghana's 5G Spectrum Licensing

The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana has officially shortlisted three telecommunications firms to proceed to the final stages of the 5G spectrum licensing process. Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana), Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel Ghana), and Goal Telecommunications Ltd have successfully cleared the preliminary assessment phase, moving them closer to deploying fifth-generation network technology across the country. This milestone, announced on September 9, 2026, marks a significant step forward in Ghana's digital transformation agenda as the government seeks to implement ultra-high-speed connectivity to meet growing consumer and industrial demand.

The selection comes after a rigorous evaluation of four applications submitted by the August 27, 2026 deadline. Following the NCA's technical and financial assessment, the three successful companies were approved to advance to "Stage 3" of the licensing framework, while Infrava Ltd was disqualified. The qualified applicants are vying for spectrum allocations within the critical 700MHz, 2.3GHz, and 3GHz bands. These frequencies are essential for providing the low-latency and high-bandwidth capabilities that define 5G, enabling a more robust and responsive mobile infrastructure than current 4G standards allow.

Looking ahead, the NCA will notify the qualified bidders for the opening and ranking of their "Best Price Offers" to finalize the allocation. The entire licensing process is slated for completion by the end of 2026, paving the way for a rapid national rollout of 5G services. This advancement is expected to revolutionize Ghana's digital landscape by significantly enhancing data transmission speeds and device connectivity. By fostering a competitive licensing environment, the NCA aims to ensure that the transition to 5G technology provides maximum benefit to the Ghanaian economy and its telecommunications subscribers.