Mahama Ayariga, Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communication, has formally submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request to Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.
The request seeks detailed information about the Next-Generation Infrastructure Company (Next-Gen InfraCo) deal, amid growing calls for transparency in government contracts.
Ayariga’s move is significant, as it highlights concerns about potential implications for competition and service delivery in critical industries like telecommunications.
The Bawku Central lawmaker is demanding the full contractual agreement between the government and Next-Gen InfraCo, including terms and financial commitments undertaken by the state.
In his request, Ayariga referenced Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s previous announcement about the landmark partnership, signed in Mumbai, India, on May 27, 2024.
Ayariga seeks a copy of the partnership agreement for review, emphasizing that Ghanaians interested in the telecommunications sector should not be “groping in the dark.”
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful announced in March that Ghana would receive 5G internet connectivity by September 2024 through the Next-Gen InfraCo deal.
The partnership involves Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, and Tech Mahindra, supported by All Mobile Network Operators in Ghana, starting with AT and Telecel.
Ayariga stressed that agreements of this magnitude should be made accessible for thorough review, rather than limited to verbal briefings.
Ayariga aims to promote transparency and accountability in government contracts, ensuring that the public interest is protected.
