Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has expressed concern over a contract awarded by the Communications Ministry to Next Gen Infraco Ltd. for the rollout of Ghana’s 5G network infrastructure.
On Thursday, May 30 2024, Mr. Azure took to Facebook to reveal that the company, Next Gen Infraco Ltd., was incorporated mere days before President Akufo-Addo gave the green light for the deal with executive approval.
According to him, the timing was suspicious, given the importance of the contract and what the project entailed.
Mr. Awuni criticized the contract awarding process, pointing out that the deal, worth hundreds of millions of dollars was given to a single company without allowing others to compete for the project.
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He added that the lack of competitive bidding raises suspicions about the transparency and fairness of the procurement process.
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Mannaseh raised concerns about Next Gen Infraco Ltd.’s past performance and ability to successfully deliver a project of this magnitude.
Considering the company’s recent formation, he questioned its capacity to fulfil the project’s demands in a timely and dependable manner.
“President Akufo-Akufo-Addo “granted Executive Approval on 22nd August 2023 for the introduction of 5G through the establishment of a neutral, wireless open access network to promote a vibrant telecom market in Ghana,” Mr. Awuni said.
Mannaseh wondered why the 5G technology was not put up for public bidding, but was rather given to a company without competitive bidding.
“The company that has been handed the deal was formed less than a week before the president’s approval. The 5G technology, according to industry experts, can be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Why is it being handed to one company without an auction?” He questioned.
The government had previously announced a partnership with seven leading companies – Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, AT Ghana, and Telecel Ghana – to develop a shared infrastructure for delivering affordable 5G mobile broadband services across Ghana.
According to the government, these partners have established the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) which has received a 5G license. NGIC aims to roll out 5G services across Ghana within the next six months, with plans for future expansion into other African regions.
