General News
At African Court Anniversary, Mahama Champions Human Rights and Rule of Law
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to human rights, justice and constitutional governance, urging African Union member states to strengthen and fully support the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th Anniversary of the African Court in Arusha, President Mahama described the institution as a critical pillar in safeguarding the dignity and freedoms of African citizens.
“We need an institution that serves all but is beholden to none,” he stated. “This is why we need the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
The ceremony brought together Heads of State and Government, Chief Justices, judges of regional and international courts, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society representatives and members of the legal fraternity.
A Personal Reflection on Justice
In an emotional reflection, President Mahama recounted the detention and exile of his father following Ghana’s 1966 coup d’état. His father, a former Minister of State under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was detained for over a year and later forced into exile after advising a military leader to relinquish power.
“Although I stand before you as a Head of State, I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader,” Mahama said. “I am still the boy who learned how dangerous it can be to challenge those in power.”
He noted that such experiences shaped his deep respect for due process and the rule of law, stressing that human rights violations affect entire families and communities, not just individuals.
Call for Ratification and Compliance
President Mahama called on AU member states that have not yet ratified the Protocol establishing the African Court to do so without delay. He also encouraged countries to make the declaration allowing individuals and NGOs direct access to the Court.
“To my colleagues in those countries, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from this Court,” he said. “I humbly ask all African nations and individuals to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith.”
According to him, the Court has, over the past two decades, demonstrated “fortitude and courage” in upholding the principles enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Africa’s Future Depends on Justice
President Mahama linked Africa’s development prospects to the strength of its institutions, particularly independent judiciaries. He pointed to the continent’s youthful population as a major opportunity that must be supported by good governance and respect for human rights.
By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to reach 2.5 billion, representing more than a quarter of the global population.
“Can we imagine the power that we hold in our hands?” he asked, urging leaders to build nations where citizens are assured of their rights to life, dignity, liberty and self-determination.
He also cautioned against complacency in global democratic standards, stressing that Africa must define its own governance paradigm while safeguarding its cultural identity and sovereignty.
Looking Ahead
As the African Court celebrates 20 years of operation, President Mahama expressed optimism that the institution would continue to grow in influence and authority.
“Now is the time to deepen our commitment to the Court,” he said. “Now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness.”
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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