Ghana’s 5G ambition amidst power crisis an avenue for loot and share – Group

The Africa Center for Digital Transformation (ACfDT) has suggested that Ghana's ambition to deploy a 5G network amidst the ongoing power crisis could become a flashpoint for corruption.

In a press statement sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the Center's Executive Director, Kwesi Atuahene, emphasized the need for the government to strengthen the capacity of backup power systems for the 5G network infrastructure, which includes the adoption of advanced battery technologies and efficient generator systems.

He warned that neglecting this amidst the frequent power cuts will compromise the quality of service for 5G users.

He stated that, "We recognize the urgency of resolving the power crisis to ensure the successful deployment of the 5G telephony service by Next Gen InfraCo. Hence, we urge the government of Ghana to immediately prioritize the following measures; otherwise, it will present another opportunity to 'create, loot, and share.'"

"The government of Ghana must focus its immediate efforts on the enhancement and expansion of the electrical infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce the occurrence of power outages. It should also consider renewable energy alternatives, such as solar and wind power, to augment traditional hydroelectric sources and strengthen the resilience of the power grid," the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has confirmed that the 5G network service will commence in Ghana starting September 2024.

The 5G network, succeeding the previous generations of 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G, represents the latest evolution in wireless technology, offering significantly faster data speeds, reduced latency, and greater capacity compared to its predecessors.

Currently, Ghana operates on a 4G network, which is deemed slow and obsolete given the pace of modern technological progress.

SA/EK