“The company was formed less than a week before the contract” -Manasseh Azure Awuni quizzes 5G contract awarded to NGIC
Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has raised serious concerns regarding a contract awarded to Next Gen Infraco Ltd. by the Ministry of Communications for the rollout of Ghana’s 5G infrastructure.
In a Facebook post on May 30, Manasseh Awuni highlighted that the company was incorporated less than a week before President Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the deal, raising suspicions given the contract’s significant value.
He noted that the contract, estimated by experts to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, was awarded through sole sourcing without competitive bidding, which he argued undermines the transparency and fairness of the procurement process.
He questioned the track record and capacity of Next Gen Infraco Ltd. to handle such a substantial project, given its recent incorporation and limited history.
“President Akufo-Akufo-Addo granted Executive Approval on August 22, 2023, for the introduction of 5G through the establishment of a neutral, wireless open access network to promote a vibrant telecom market in Ghana”, Manasseh Azure Awuni stated.
“The company that has been handed the deal was formed less than a week before the president’s approval. Why is it being handed to one company without an auction?”
The government had previously announced a partnership with seven industry leaders, including Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana, to develop a new shared infrastructure for affordable 5G services.
These partners have formed the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC), which has been awarded a 5G license. NGIC plans to launch 5G services across Ghana within the next six months and expand into other parts of Africa.
The government asserts that NGIC will be the first entity to build a nationwide 4G/5G network, collaborating with telcos to introduce affordable 4G/5G-enabled devices and services. This initiative aims to enhance digital services in education, healthcare, and financial transactions, reducing the digital divide and promoting financial inclusion.
