Ghana’s 5G Spectrum Process Moves Forward as MTN Secures 700 MHz Lots
09/18/2026
Ghana is getting closer to a competitive 5G market. The National Communications Authority (NCA) opened price offers on 11 September 2026, and the first band has already been awarded: MTN Ghana has secured two lots in the 700 MHz band, for a total licence fee of US$100.9 million.
How we got here
Ghana originally planned to roll out 5G through a single shared-infrastructure company. When that model stalled, the NCA switched to licensing spectrum competitively from 15 July 2026 and issued a request for applications the following day. Three bands were on offer:
- 700 MHz: three lots of 2×10 MHz
- 2.3 GHz: five lots of 20 MHz (TDD)
- 3 GHz: three lots of 50 MHz in the 3300–3400 and 3600–3650 MHz ranges
Licences run for 15 years and come with coverage and rollout obligations. As the operator with significant market power, MTN paid a premium on reserve prices and has extra rural coverage targets.
Where each band stands
- 700 MHz: concluded, with two lots going to MTN.
- 2.3 GHz: under-subscribed. Telecel Ghana has said it was awarded three lots.
- 3 GHz: over-subscribed, with MTN and Telecel after four lots between them against three available. No final result had been published at the time of writing.
The NCA had earlier cleared MTN, Telecel and Goal Telecommunications to take part, while a fourth applicant didn't qualify. Licence fees are due by 17 November 2026, with licences issued shortly after payment.
What it means for equipment makers
This round doesn't change Ghana's type approval rules. But new 5G networks usually bring a wave of new devices, CPE and network equipment, all of which need NCA type approval before they can be sold or deployed. If you're planning to supply 5G products in bands like n28 (700 MHz), band 40 (2.3 GHz) or n77/n78 (3 GHz), it's worth getting your approvals lined up early.
Our Ghana NCA type approval guide explains the process, and our team can handle it for you.
Sources: NCA update, 11 September 2026, NCA request for applications, Ghana News Agency, MyJoyOnline.