General News
Ghana to Mark 69th Independence Anniversary at Jubilee House on March 6
Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary Parade will take place at the forecourt of Jubilee House on March 6, 2026, the Information Services Department, ISD, has announced.
In a notice dated February 24, 2026, and signed by the Acting Director of the ISD, Dr Winnifred N. Mahama, media houses were informed of arrangements for coverage of the national event. Editors have been invited to submit accreditation applications no later than February 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
This will be the second consecutive year the national parade is being held at Jubilee House, the seat of government. The decision follows a similar arrangement in 2025, when the 68th Independence Day celebration was staged at the same venue as part of government efforts to reduce public expenditure.
Government officials previously indicated that last year’s event cost GH¢1.5 million, compared to an estimated GH¢15 million if it had been organised at Black Star Square.
Black Star Square, completed in 1961, has traditionally hosted Independence Day celebrations. Over the years, it has served as the main venue for civic and military parades, including marches by schoolchildren and security services.
Media Accreditation Guidelines
According to Dr Mahama, limited space and the expected high number of applications mean each media house will be granted only one accreditation slot. However, organisations with existing presidential accreditation may assign their already approved reporters to cover the ceremony.
Applications must be submitted through an official letter from the media house, clearly stating the names and contact details of the assigned journalist and crew. All applications must reach the ISD before the stated deadline.
Accreditation will not be transferable, and late arrivals risk being denied entry. Accredited personnel are required to dress in formal or business attire.
Photographers and videographers must report to the venue by 6:45 am for security screening and positioning. Accreditation badges must be worn at all times, and media personnel are to remain within designated zones.
Movement will be restricted during the national anthem, the presidential address, and other key ceremonial segments.
Only professional cameras and video equipment will be permitted. The use of drones and aerial devices is strictly prohibited unless prior written approval is granted. Tripods and monopods must be placed in approved areas, while stabilisers and gimbals will be allowed within specified guidelines. Live streaming via personal or mobile devices will not be permitted.
Access to the presidential dais and surrounding areas will be limited to official photographers and videographers assigned to the Red Security Zone. Other restricted areas include security checkpoints and designated VIP seating sections.
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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