Smartphone penetration in Ghana outpaces network infrastructure expansion – Minister
Smartphone penetration in Ghana has increased significantly over the past decade, rising from 27.5 per cent in 2016 to 71.8 per cent as of June 2026. The post Smartphone penetration in Ghana outpaces network infrastructure expansion – Minister appeared first on Ghana Business News .
Samuel Nartey George, the Communications, Digitalisation and Innovation Minister of Ghana, highlighted a significant disparity between smartphone penetration and network infrastructure expansion during the Government Accountability Series in Accra. Smartphone usage has surged from 27.5 percent in 2016 to 71.8 percent as of June 2026, underscoring the rapid adoption of mobile technology across the nation.
However, this acceleration in smartphone usage has outpaced the growth of network infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
During the discussion, Minister George noted that network development has seen a gradual increase from 134 new sites in 2016, rising to 352 in 2017, 300 in 2018, and a further 352 in 2019. The trend continued with 200 new sites added in 2020, 120 in 2021, 343 in 2022, and 350 in 2023. Nevertheless, the Ministry observed a slowdown in the addition of new sites, with only 30 in 2024 and a planned 50 for 2025.
To address this widening gap, George advocated for an increase in the number of new infrastructure sites planned by major telecommunications provider MTN, proposing a rise from 500 to 800 sites for 2026. This adjustment was deemed necessary to meet the escalating demand for robust digital connectivity. The Ministry is also focusing on upgrading existing infrastructure to support advanced digital services, such as 4G and 5G networks, with improvements in fibre and microwave backhaul.
Moreover, the Ministry is urging telecommunications operators to ensure that new rural sites are 4G-ready from the outset, and to expedite the decommissioning of legacy-only equipment where feasible. This initiative aims to enhance access to digital services such as agricultural extension, online marketplaces, mobile banking, e-learning, mobile money, weather updates, telemedicine, and remote job opportunities.
By bridging the gap between smartphone adoption and network infrastructure expansion, George emphasized that more Ghanaians can fully participate in Ghana's burgeoning digital economy.
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