General News
Government Extends Humanitarian Support to Jamaica, Cuba, and Sudan with ₵10 Million Relief Package
The Government of Ghana has donated ₵10 million in humanitarian aid to Jamaica, Cuba, and Sudan to support recovery efforts following the recent devastating hurricanes that struck the three nations.
President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement during a symbolic ceremony held at Jubilee House on Friday 7th November, 2025.
The assistance package, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, aims to provide relief to victims of Hurricane Melissa — which ravaged Jamaica and Cuba in late October — and to those affected by the prolonged conflict in Sudan.
Ghana’s Tradition of Solidarity:
Speaking at the brief ceremony, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding commitment to international solidarity and mutual aid.
“Ghana has a tradition of solidarity and compassion,” he said. “This gesture continues our history of standing with nations in distress, as we did with Japan during the tsunami disaster.”
The President described the recent hurricane as “one of the most devastating storms to strike the Caribbean in recent years,” noting that Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, caused massive destruction across Jamaica and Cuba, claiming hundreds of lives and inflicting billions of dollars in damage.
“As a result of climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. For the Caribbean nations, hurricanes have become like a game of Russian Roulette,” President Mahama observed.
Details of the Aid Package:
The ₵10 million relief package includes:
2,400 bags of Ghana-produced rice
540 bags of sugar
377 boxes of assorted medication
1,500 mattresses and 500 pillows
100 cartons of fortified porridge (Gari mix)
50,000 pieces of T-shirts
20 containers of assorted chocolate and cocoa products
20 water storage tanks (500 liters each)
20 hand wash stations
10 portable toilets
Assorted clothing
According to President Mahama, 50% of the supplies will be sent to Jamaica, 30% to Cuba, and 20% will be delivered through the International Red Cross to displaced communities in Sudan.
Spotlight on Sudan’s “Forgotten War”
The President also drew attention to the ongoing crisis in Sudan, which he described as “a forgotten war” overshadowed by global attention on Ukraine and Gaza.
“Sudan is virtually becoming the forgotten war,” he said. “The atrocities, genocide, and humanitarian suffering there should not be happening in the 21st century.”
While acknowledging that Ghana’s contribution alone cannot solve the crisis, President Mahama urged collective international action.
“Even though our contribution may seem modest, if every country contributes its quota, we can help alleviate the suffering in these places.”
Private Sector Partnership
The President commended the Ghanaian private sector for its strong response and contributions to the initiative.
“We appealed to business people, and they really came up. These products have been donated by Ghanaian and foreign businesses. On behalf of government, I say a big thank you to them for this humanitarian gesture.”
Diplomatic Appreciation
The event also included a farewell acknowledgment for the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, who is set to depart after seven years of service in Ghana, strengthening Ghana-Lebanon relations.
Receiving the donation, the Jamaican High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Lincoln George Downer, who spoke on behalf of the Governments of Cuba and Sudan, expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Ghana for their timely support and show of brotherhood.
“This gesture from Ghana reflects the spirit of unity and friendship that binds our nations together. On behalf of Jamaica, Cuba, and Sudan, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for this generous humanitarian assistance,” H.E. Downer stated.
The three beneficiary countries have been grappling with widespread destruction of infrastructure, displacement of citizens, and loss of livelihoods as a result of the recent hurricanes. Ghana’s donation is expected to bolster ongoing recovery and relief operations in the affected regions.
Government officials emphasized that Ghana remains committed to playing an active role in supporting global humanitarian efforts and fostering international cooperation in times of crisis.
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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