General News
$100m Annual Export Boost Expected from New Float Glass Facility – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana stands to earn nearly $100 million annually in export revenue from the new float glass manufacturing facility under construction in Shama in the Western Region.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the project and the inauguration of the fifth phase of Keda Ghana Ceramics’ tile production line, President Mahama described the investment as a major step toward strengthening Ghana’s industrial base and export capacity.
“At full capacity, when we are producing 1,400 tons a day, the export earnings alone are projected to be almost $100 million annually,” he stated.
The President explained that the factory will operate in two phases — with phase one expected to produce 600 tons per day and phase two adding 800 tons daily — bringing total output to 1,400 tons per day when fully completed.
“If you have your calculator, 1,400 tons a day times 365 days a year, you will get the production that is going to come out of this factory,” he said, adding that the facility would become “one of the largest float glass facilities in Africa.”
According to President Mahama, the project will significantly reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported glass products while boosting foreign exchange earnings.
“In 2024 alone, Ghana imported over 65,000 tons of glass products valued at almost $25 million to meet the demand of our construction industry, automobile and manufacturing sectors. This factory is going to change that equation,” he noted.
“It will reduce our imports of glass, save us foreign exchange, strengthen supply chain reliability, and position Ghana as a major regional exporter of glass,” he added.
The President stressed that industrial production and exports are critical to sustaining economic growth and strengthening the local currency.
“This is how to build a strong economy. This is how to build a strong currency. Production underpins the value of a currency — not by speculation — but by production and exports,” he emphasized.
Beyond export revenue, President Mahama highlighted the job creation potential of the project, indicating that over 2,000 direct jobs will be created, alongside thousands of indirect employment opportunities across logistics, raw material supply, and maintenance services.
“This project will generate approximately 2,182 direct jobs — 729 during construction and 1,453 permanent operational jobs — in addition to thousands of indirect jobs,” he said.
He further indicated that the investment aligns with Ghana’s broader industrialization strategy and export drive under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Trade agreements alone do not create prosperity. Production does. Value addition does. Competitive exports create prosperity,” he stated.
President Mahama commended Keda Ghana Ceramics for expanding its operations and investing in advanced manufacturing technology, noting that the facility would consume over 700 tons of raw materials daily and incorporate modern quality control systems.
“As I stand here today, I see a reduction in our import bill. I see an increase in our exports. I see a stronger cedi. I see high-value jobs for our youth, and I see Ghana emerging as a giant of West African manufacturing,” he declared.
The float glass facility is expected to export to African markets, Europe, and other destinations once fully operational, reinforcing Ghana’s ambition to become a leading manufacturing hub in the sub-region.
The United States Embassy in Accra has announced the release of more than 2,000 additional visa interview appointments over the next two weeks for applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas.
According to the Embassy, the newly opened slots are intended to support individuals planning temporary travel to the United States for business, tourism, family visits, and participation in major international events. Among the anticipated events is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place across North America.
In an official statement, the Embassy encouraged prospective applicants to secure interview dates as soon as possible due to sustained demand for B1 and B2 visas. These visa categories cover short-term travel for business purposes under B1 and tourism or family visits under B2.
Applicants who already have appointments scheduled later in the year are also advised to log into the visa scheduling system to check for earlier availability and, where suitable, reschedule their interviews.
The Embassy indicated that the additional appointment slots are expected to help reduce existing backlogs and provide greater flexibility for travelers with time-sensitive plans.
Further details on application procedures, requirements, and appointment scheduling are available on the Embassy’s official visa information page at: https://gh.usembassy.gov/visas/
Ghana’s telecommunications sector may soon witness increased competition in the 5G space following a move by the National Communications Authority to amend the licence of Next-Gen Infraco.
In a press release dated March 4, 2026, the regulator announced it had issued a Notice of Proposed Licence Amendment to NGIC, seeking to remove the exclusivity clause that grants the company sole rights to operate in Ghana’s 5G segment. The Authority said the action was taken pursuant to Section 14 of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
If approved, the amendment would open the 5G market to other operators, allowing them to deploy the technology independently.
According to the NCA, the proposed amendment is in the public interest and intended to promote competition and innovation, enhance consumer choice and service quality, accelerate nationwide digital transformation, and ensure efficient use of spectrum as a national resource.
Under the law, the amendment will take effect 90 days from the date of the notice unless, after reviewing any representations submitted by NGIC within the statutory period, the Authority determines otherwise. The NCA emphasized that the process complies with due procedure and aligns with its mandate to regulate communications services in the national interest.
NGIC’s Commercial Rollout
The proposed regulatory change comes shortly after NGIC announced it had received clearance from the NCA to commence full commercial operations as Ghana’s wholesale 4G and 5G infrastructure provider. The company said the approval followed technical inspections confirming compliance with its Wholesale Electronic Communications Infrastructure Licence.
NGIC has deployed 49 operational 5G sites across the country. Of these, 43 are located in Greater Accra, with the remaining sites spread across the Ashanti, Western, Northern, Bono and Central regions. The network is currently live in selected parts of Accra, Kumasi and Tamale under a wholesale-first model, where NGIC builds and manages shared radio and core infrastructure, while mobile network operators provide retail services to customers.
Chief Executive Officer Tenu Awoonor described the rollout as a transition from planning to execution, stating that the shared backbone is now commercially active and positioned for expansion. He noted that the model is designed to coordinate infrastructure investment nationally while preserving competition at the retail level.
Chief Operating Officer Nenyi George Andah said the company’s immediate focus is on scaling coverage in a coordinated and sustainable manner. He maintained that the wholesale model supports faster national reach and more efficient capital deployment.
Technology partner Nokia also reaffirmed its role in the deployment. Mustapha Salah, Head of Central West and East Africa, Mobile Networks at Nokia, said the partnership would support the rollout of Ghana’s first neutral-host 4G and 5G network, enabling operators to deliver high-speed data services and new enterprise solutions.
Licence Fee Default
In a related disclosure, the NCA indicated that NGIC is in default of an installment payment under its agreed licence fee schedule. The regulator said it is addressing the matter in accordance with applicable statutory provisions.
The combination of a potential policy shift on 5G exclusivity and concerns over fee compliance marks a significant moment for Ghana’s telecoms industry. While NGIC’s wholesale model remains central to national broadband expansion plans, the regulator’s proposed amendment signals a possible recalibration aimed at deepening competition and optimizing spectrum management.
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