Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, has revealed that only a million devices can use 5G in Ghana.
According to the MTN CEO, there is a long way ahead for Ghana to fully realise the transformative impact of the 5G network.
With Ghana’s projected population of over 34 million and a mobile penetration rate exceeding 120%, only one million 5G-ready devices represent a tiny fraction of the potential user base.
He also alluded to the regulatory and licensing steps required for commercial rollout.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile, Stephen Blewett stated, “I think we’ve got a long way to go in 5G. I think it’s unfortunate that it’s taken a while for us to get there”.
“It’s important to understand that in terms of the number of devices, there are only a million devices that can use 5G as we currently sit.”
The MTN Ghana CEO added, “5G as a technology is important for the expansion of our economy, but it doesn’t mean 5G shouldn’t come.”
However, Sam George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, has jabbed the former Akufo-Addo government over the hyped of 5G services launched by Next-Gen.
According to Sam George, the Akufo-Addo government’s claim of 5G was just a smoke screen and gaslighting.
He boldly asserted that Ghana has no 5G service in the country.
Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on August 1, 2025, Sam George stated, “We have no 5G service in the country. The previous government’s claim of 5G was just a smoke screen and gaslighting”.
“Let’s just say it was a smokescreen and voicemail. There was actually no fact. Even that day at the centre where they launched, there was no 5G network, and there’s no 5G anywhere. If there were 5G, I haven’t directed the NCA or NGIC to turn off any 5G site; we would have seen it.”
Sam George further revealed that Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) has received all the necessary approvals, but he declined their request for an additional licence for ISPs.
He noted, “NGIC have received all the necessary approvals; in fact, last two weeks, I gave the final connecting entity license approval for MNOs. They are asking for an additional licence for ISPs, which I have declined.”
“You have a license and have had it for almost three years. At the very least, I have given you the authority and regulatory approval to connect with MNOs. Focus on that and roll out with MNOs.”
He indicated, “Failure by NGIC to roll out full commercial activity by the end of quarter four this year will lead to me terminating the terms of that contract, taking away the exclusivity clause and opening up for fresh negotiations.”
It will be recalled that former Communications and Digitalisation minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful fired shots at Ghanaians, questioning the 5G service availability on their phones.
Speaking to the media before President Akufo-Addo delivered his final State of the Nation’s Address (SONA), Ursula stated, “People didn’t listen when we were launching it, it is a wholesale infrastructure, we have built it, it is now up to the telecom companies to buy capacity from it and deliver it on to their subscribers.
“I have done my part; the rest of it is left with the TELCOs and NGIs, I know I have delivered on my mandate”, she boldly added.
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful advised Ghanaian mobile network users to hold their service providers accountable for failing to launch the 5G network by 31 December this year.
Watch the video below: