GSMA Report: Boosting Connectivity in Ghana to Unlock Economic Potential

The GSMA, an industry-leading body for mobile networks, has highlighted a critical connectivity usage gap in Ghana that could be holding back the country’s economic growth. In a newly released report, the organisation emphasized that while mobile network coverage reaches an impressive 99% of the population and mobile services contribute 8% to Ghana’s GDP (equivalent to GHS94 billion), a staggering 62% of people with access to connectivity are not utilizing it. This underutilization represents a significant challenge, but also an immense opportunity for growth across key sectors.

Opportunities to Drive Growth Through Digital Innovation

The GSMA report provides compelling insights into how accelerating connectivity adoption could transform various sectors in Ghana. In the agricultural industry, for instance, digital tools such as precision farming could add GHS10.5 billion in value, create over 19,000 new jobs, and boost crop yields by 10–20%. This represents a massive opportunity for a sector that plays a vital role in the country’s economy. Furthermore, upgrading Ghana’s e-government services has the potential to increase tax revenues by GHS5.8 billion by improving efficiency and streamlining tax collection processes.

One example of how mobile connectivity is already driving change in Ghana is the LEAP social welfare programme, which leverages mobile money technology to deliver social benefits effectively. This demonstrates that with the right tools and investment, mobile connectivity can drive tangible progress in key areas of development, including social welfare, agriculture, and government operations.

Barriers to Connectivity: Affordability and Policy Challenges

Despite the potential for significant growth, affordability has been identified as a major hurdle in expanding mobile usage in Ghana. The GSMA report found that smartphones cost the equivalent of 27% of monthly GDP per capita, and for the poorest 40% of the population, this figure rises to an astonishing 76%. This makes smartphones unaffordable for a large portion of Ghana’s population, effectively excluding them from the benefits of mobile connectivity.

While recent government efforts, such as removing the mobile money e-levy earlier this year, have been positive steps, the GSMA emphasized the importance of further reforms. The organization has called on policymakers to establish a clear roadmap for 5G spectrum allocation and to streamline rights of way processes. These measures could significantly reduce deployment costs for mobile operators, paving the way for more affordable and accessible digital infrastructure.

The Path Forward for Ghana’s Digital Transformation

The GSMA is optimistic about Ghana’s potential to become a digital leader in West Africa. Angela Wamola, Head of Africa at the GSMA, noted that Ghana’s RESET agenda provides a strong framework for fostering digital-led growth. According to Wamola, addressing the key barriers—from spectrum policy to device affordability—can help connect millions more Ghanaians to the digital economy while positioning the country as a premier digital hub in the region.

The mobile industry, Wamola added, stands ready to partner with the government in achieving this transformation. By pursuing strategic investments, policy reforms, and initiatives that drive smartphone affordability, Ghana can unlock new opportunities for economic growth and development.

As Ghana moves toward becoming a digital hub, it will be vital for stakeholders across government, industry, and international partnerships to work collaboratively. By bridging the connectivity usage gap, the nation can fully harness the power of digital transformation to improve livelihoods and fuel sustainable economic growth.