Ghana 5G Spectrum Licence: NCA Qualifies Three Bidders
Ghana: NCA Advances 5G Spectrum Licence Process, Qualifies Three of Four Applicants for 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz Bands
Ghana has taken a decisive step toward expanding its 5G network infrastructure. On September 9, 2026, the National Communications Authority (NCA) announced the completion of the qualification stage in its Ghana 5G spectrum licence process, covering the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz frequency bands. The announcement (NCA/PR/2026/15) confirms that three of the four companies that applied have cleared the technical and eligibility review and will proceed to the next stage of the selection process.
This development is significant not only for the operators involved but for the broader trajectory of Ghana's telecommunications market, which is moving from a single-operator wholesale model to a competitive, multi-operator licensing framework for the first time.
Background: From Exclusive Wholesale Model to Competitive Bidding
Until earlier in 2026, exclusive rights to build and operate Ghana's wholesale 5G infrastructure rested with Next Gen Infraco Limited (NGIC), under a 10 year mandate established in 2024. After NGIC missed a June 2025 deadline to launch commercial services, the government revoked the exclusive arrangement and the NCA moved to a direct, competitive spectrum licensing model. This is the regulatory backdrop against which the current Request for Applications (RFA) for the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz bands was issued.
Summary of the September 2026 Qualification Stage
According to the NCA's official press release, four applications were submitted by the deadline of 5:00 p.m. on 27 August 2026. The Authority's review under Envelope A (Technical and Qualification Submission) comprised two components: an Eligibility Review and a Technical Qualification Assessment, carried out in accordance with Section 3.3.2(4) of the RFA.
Qualified Applicants:
Non-Qualified Applicant:
Infrava Ltd — its Envelope B (financial submission) will not be opened, as only qualified applicants proceed to that stage.
The NCA confirmed that all applicants, qualified and non-qualified, have been formally informed of the outcome, with reasons provided where applicable.
Next Stage: Opening and Ranking of Best Price Offers
With the qualification stage complete, the three successful applicants now move to Stage 3 of the selection process: the opening and ranking of their Best Price Offers, the sealed financial bids submitted alongside the technical applications. The NCA has stated that qualified applicants will be notified separately of the date, time, and venue for this stage.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Impact |
Spectrum access | Only the three qualified operators remain in contention for 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz spectrum rights |
Market structure | Ghana shifts from a single wholesale 5G operator model to competitive, multi-operator licensing |
Equipment certification | Devices and network equipment intended for deployment on awarded spectrum will require NCA type approval aligned to the final band plan and technical conditions of each licence |
New entrant significance | Goal Telecommunications' qualification alongside MTN and Telecel signals a genuine new entrant in a market historically dominated by two incumbents |
Non-qualified applicant | Infrava Ltd is excluded from further participation in this licensing round |
What This Means for Manufacturers
Monitor licence award outcomes: Equipment vendors and network infrastructure suppliers should track which operators ultimately secure spectrum, as this will determine deployment volumes and technical requirements per band.
Prepare for type approval alignment: Devices designed for 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, or 3 GHz 5G deployment in Ghana should be evaluated against NCA type approval requirements ahead of network rollout.
Engage early with qualified operators: MTN Ghana, Telecel Ghana, and Goal Telecommunications are the only entities eligible to deploy on these bands going forward manufacturers and infrastructure partners should prioritize engagement with these three.
Track RFA technical conditions: The original RFA document (published July 2026) sets out eligibility and band-specific conditions, including lot restrictions (e.g., a cap of two lots in the 700 MHz band), relevant to network planning and equipment specification.
Timeline and Required Actions
Date | Milestone | Required Action |
16 July 2026 | RFA published by NCA | Review eligibility criteria and technical conditions |
27 August 2026 | Application submission deadline (extended) | Applications closed four submissions received |
9 September 2026 | Qualification stage completed and announced | Confirm qualified/non-qualified status; qualified applicants prepare for Stage 3 |
To be announced | Opening and ranking of Best Price Offers (Stage 3) | Qualified applicants await NCA notification of date, time, and venue |
Following licence award | Spectrum licence issuance and network deployment | Manufacturers align equipment certification and supply plans with awarded operators' rollout schedules |
