Scancom Plc (MTN Ghana), Ghana Telecommunications Company Limited (Telecel Ghana) and Goal Telecommunications Ltd have successfully advanced to the final stage (Stage 3) of Ghana’s 5G spectrum licensing process. However, one of the three applicants, Infrava, was disqualified.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) announced this in a formal statement on Wednesday, September 10. It said Infrava was among the applicants for the 5G spectrum licensing process but was the only company that failed to meet the qualification requirements after the submission before the 5 pm deadline.

“The National Communications Authority (NCA) has completed the qualification stage of the Request for Applications for spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands. Of the four applications received by the submission deadline of 5:00 pm on 27th August 2026, three Applicants have qualified to proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

“In accordance with Section 3.3.2(4) of the Request for Applications, the Authority hereby publishes the list of Qualified and Non-qualified Applicants”, parts of the statement read.

The assessment comprised the Eligibility Review and Technical Qualification Assessment under Envelope A (Technical and Qualification Submission).

According to the NCA, all four applicants had been notified of the outcome, with reasons provided where necessary.

The three successful companies will now enter Stage 3 of the selection process, which covers spectrum licences in the 700MHz, 2.3GHz and 3GHz bands.

NCA also said that since Infrava Ltd did not qualify, its financial offer, contained in Envelope B, will not even be opened or considered.

“The three companies that qualified will now move to Stage 3, where their “Best Price Offers” will be opened and ranked”, the Authority added.

Meanwhile, the qualified applicants will be informed separately about the date, time and venue for the opening and ranking of their Best Price Offers.

The latest decision concludes the qualification phase of the NCA’s Request for Applications for the designated spectrum bands.

The next stage is expected to determine which of the three qualified companies will secure spectrum for the deployment and expansion of advanced mobile communications services in Ghana.

Background

On February 25 this year, during the 30th anniversary celebration of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced Cabinet’s approval to auction Ghana’s 5G spectrum competitively.

This marked a significant policy shift, ending the exclusivity arrangement previously granted to Next Gen Infraco (NGIC). The Minister set an ambitious target: achieving 70 percent population coverage by March 2027, coinciding with Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.

In July 2026, the NCA formally removed NGIC’s exclusivity rights, opening the wholesale 5G market to competition. This reform paved the way for broader participation by telecom operators.

On July 16, the Authority issued its Request for Applications (RFA) for spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, and 3 GHz bands. The submission deadline was set for August 27, 2026, giving interested firms just over a month to prepare their bids.