President John Mahama’s Starlink & 5G Promise Under Scrutiny as Ghanaian Youth Demand Answers

In August 2024, then-candidate and now President John Dramani Mahama pledged to introduce Starlink internet services and 5G technology across secondary schools in Ghana — a promise that excited students, teachers, and digital advocates nationwide.

The Original Promise

Speaking during the 2024 campaign season, Mahama outlined plans to equip senior high schools with high-speed satellite internet through Starlink and expand access to 5G connectivity to enhance digital learning, research, and innovation.

The initiative was positioned as a bold step toward bridging Ghana’s digital divide, empowering students with modern tools, and preparing the country’s youth for a competitive global economy.

Growing Questions from the Youth

Now, months into his presidency, sections of Ghanaian youth are beginning to question the timeline and implementation strategy of the ambitious pledge. On social media and in student forums, many are asking:

• Has the rollout begun?
• Which schools are benefiting first?
• Is there a clear roadmap?

For many young Ghanaians, digital access is no longer a luxury — it is essential for academic research, online learning platforms, coding, AI training, and global collaboration.

Why Starlink and 5G Matter

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides high-speed satellite internet particularly useful in remote and underserved areas. Combined with 5G technology, schools could experience faster downloads, smoother virtual classrooms, and enhanced STEM education opportunities.

Experts argue that such infrastructure would significantly improve:

• Access to global educational resources
• Remote learning capabilities
• Digital entrepreneurship among students
• National technological competitiveness

Implementation Challenges?

Rolling out Starlink and 5G nationwide, however, requires regulatory approvals, infrastructure investment, funding allocation, and coordination with telecom providers. Questions remain about whether budgetary provisions have been secured and how soon deployment can realistically occur.

Trust and Accountability in Focus

Campaign promises often define public trust. As President Mahama settles into office, the youth are watching closely to see whether this digital transformation agenda becomes reality or remains a campaign highlight.

For Ghana’s young population — one of the largest in Africa — access to reliable, high-speed internet could shape the country’s economic future. The coming months may determine whether this promise strengthens public confidence or fuels further skepticism.

GhanaMedia.net will continue to monitor developments on the proposed Starlink and 5G rollout for secondary schools.