Raises Concerns Over Transparency and Fairness
The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the government’s decision to grant exclusive 5G licensing rights to NextGen InfraCo, a company hastily assembled within a week, leading to what has been described as a questionable “sweetheart deal”.
Under the terms of the agreement, Next Gen Infraco Limited has been entrusted with the construction, ownership, and operation of the entire 5G infrastructure network in Ghana, controlling access for all mobile network operators and internet service providers.
Opposition parties, notably the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have voiced their dissent, citing concerns over the lack of transparency, parliamentary approval, and perceived favoritism towards Next Gen InfraCo.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has pledged to oppose the deal vehemently, promising further insights and collaboration with stakeholders to safeguard national interests.
Dr. Ato Forson highlighted the absence of clear regulatory frameworks and operational guidelines for the arrangement, accusing the government of rushing through the deal without proper parliamentary oversight.
He raised apprehensions about some entities within the consortium allegedly linked to government officials, questioning their track records and the undisclosed investments required to justify their significant stake in Ghana’s 5G infrastructure.
The Minority further underscored missed revenue potentials from a lack of competitive bidding, estimating that the government settled for a mere USD$125 million upfront payment over a decade, significantly undervaluing the country’s 5G spectrum assets.
The perceived lack of due diligence and potential conflicts of interest surrounding the deal have aroused suspicions within the political landscape.
Critics argue that the deal, in its current form, compromises national interests and financial prudence, particularly in a time of economic strain and urgent developmental needs.
Despite Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s defense of the agreement, citing the necessity for a specialized infrastructure company like NextGen InfraCo, skepticism and calls for a more transparent and competitive process persist among the opposition and concerned watchdogs.