The National Communications Authority (NCA) has launched a public consultation on the proposed authorization of the 5925–6425 MHz band (commonly known as the Lower 6GHz or L6GHz band) for license-exempt Wireless Access Systems/Radio Local Area Networks (WAS/RLANs), including Wi-Fi 6E. This move aligns Ghana with global spectrum harmonization efforts and aims to support the expansion of next-generation wireless connectivity services.
The consultation is open to stakeholders including service providers, consumers, and the general public, and will run until February 25, 2026.
International Alignment and National Use
Globally, regulators in the US, EU, UK, South Korea, Brazil, and others have already opened portions—or the entirety—of the 6GHz band for license-exempt Wi-Fi use. Ghana’s NCA has opted to authorize only the lower portion (5925–6425 MHz) at this stage, reserving the upper portion for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) in line with the outcomes of WRC-23.
Domestically, this band is currently used for fixed wireless and satellite services, including backhaul links and Earth stations for key industries. However, there are no international barriers to reallocating part of this band for Wi-Fi use, provided coexistence with incumbents is ensured.
Technical and Operational Restrictions
The NCA intends to adopt technical rules developed by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU). Two categories of device usage are defined:
Low Power Indoor (LPI):
Max power: 23 dBm (200 mW)
Indoor use only (e.g., homes, offices, trains with RF-attenuating windows)
Devices must use power from wired connections (not battery-powered)
Requires spectrum sharing mechanisms and power spectral density limits
Very Low Power (VLP):
Max power: 14 dBm (25 mW)
Indoor and outdoor portable use
Drones are explicitly excluded
Also subject to spectrum sharing rules
Regulatory Provisions for License Exemption
Per Section 1(2)(c) of Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act, equipment used within a single premise (or on a single vessel, aircraft, or vehicle) qualifies for license exemption. As a result, personal use of L6GHz Wi-Fi for applications such as VR or AR does not require authorization from the NCA.
However, any commercial deployment of services using the L6GHz band will require formal licensing. The NCA has established a fee structure for such cases, GHS 1,155.00 per region, per band, for shared spectrum usage by ISPs and hotspot providers.
Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in penalties, sanctions, or other directives issued at the Authority’s discretion.
Timeline and Next Steps
The NCA outlines the following timeline:
Public Consultation Period: Jan 26 – Feb 25, 2026
Review of Comments: Mar 2 – Mar 5, 2026
Stakeholder Engagements: Mar 9 – Mar 13, 2026
Notice of Band Opening for Wi-Fi 6E: Apr 13 – Apr 17, 2026
Responses must be submitted by email in Microsoft Word format, following the structured template provided by the Authority.
For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.
Quick Country Facts
Ghana
Certification Body: National Communications Authority (NCA)
Certification Type: Mandatory
License Validity: Indefinite
Application Language: English
Legal License Holder: Manufacturer
In-Country Testing Requirement: Product Specific
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