General News
Africa Must Build Strong Institutions to Safeguard Human Rights — Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has called on African nations to prioritize the strengthening of democratic institutions as a fundamental strategy for protecting human rights, maintaining constitutional order, and ensuring sustainable political stability across the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th Anniversary celebrations of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania, President Mahama emphasized that Africa’s historical experiences with political instability, coups, and constitutional disruptions underscore the urgent need for resilient institutions capable of safeguarding citizens’ freedoms.
According to him, the protection of human rights cannot be guaranteed through political rhetoric alone but must be anchored in strong, independent, and impartial institutions that operate above partisan influence.
“Our continent’s history teaches us that justice cannot be left to chance,” President Mahama stated. “Justice must be deliberately constructed, carefully protected, and firmly rooted in institutions that are independent, impartial, and resilient to political interference.”
The Ghanaian leader used his keynote address to draw a connection between personal history and broader continental governance challenges. He recounted how the detention of his father following Ghana’s 1966 military coup shaped his lifelong commitment to justice, due process, and democratic accountability.
“I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader,” he said, describing how early exposure to political instability deepened his appreciation for the fragility of fundamental rights in environments where institutional safeguards are weak.
He further noted that violations of justice against individuals have far-reaching social consequences.
“When injustice is visited upon one person, it does not end with that individual,” Mahama said. “It reverberates through families, communities, and sometimes across generations.”
President Mahama stressed that Africa’s future development is intrinsically linked to the strength of its democratic governance architecture. He urged African governments to invest in judicial independence, strengthen constitutional courts, and empower continental institutions tasked with monitoring human rights compliance.
He particularly praised the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, describing it as a critical continental mechanism for protecting citizens from abuses of power and ensuring that states remain accountable to the principles of the Banjul Charter.
“For me, this is not an abstract legal discussion,” he said. “It is about ensuring that no African child grows up witnessing injustice without access to remedy or protection under the law.”
Civil society observers and legal scholars present at the event described the address as a strong reaffirmation of Africa’s commitment to democratic governance and human rights protection. Analysts noted that Mahama’s remarks reflected a broader continental debate about balancing sovereignty with supranational judicial accountability.
The event brought together African heads of state, senior judges, international diplomats, and human rights advocates who gathered to commemorate two decades of the African Court’s contribution to the advancement of justice on the continent.
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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