Mahama Ayariga files RTI request over 5G contract, seeks transparency in Next-Gen InfraCo deal

Oct 3, 2024 - 12:48

Mahama Ayariga is a Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communication

Accra, Ghana - Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communication, Mahama Ayariga has filed a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking transparency in the Next-Generation Infrastructure Company (Next-Gen InfraCo) deal.

This move comes amid growing demands for openness in government contracts, particularly those affecting competition and service delivery in critical sectors like telecommunications.

Ayariga, representing Bawku Central, is demanding full disclosure of the contractual agreement between the government and Next-Gen InfraCo, including the terms of the deal and any financial commitments undertaken by the state.

Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful announced in March that Ghana would receive 5G internet connectivity by September 2024 through the Next-Gen InfraCo deal, in partnership with Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra, supported by all mobile network operators in Ghana.

Ayariga emphasized that agreements of this magnitude should be accessible for thorough review, rather than limited to verbal briefings.

“You [Ursula Owusu-Ekuful] also mentioned at the briefing that “I am pleased to inform you that this landmark partnership was signed in Mumbai, India, on Monday, 27th May 2024, the culmination of a process which started over 2 years ago.”

“Kindly furnish me with a copy of the landmark partnership agreement for our review and understanding of the exact commitments of each of the partners since Ghanaians interested in the telecommunications sector cannot be groping in the dark,” a part of Ayariga’s request read in part.

Find the full statement in the link below.