General News
Mahama Calls for Stronger African Judicial Cooperation to Safeguard Future Generations
President John Dramani Mahama has urged African leaders to strengthen collaboration across the continent’s justice systems, describing African nations as “each other’s keepers” with a shared responsibility to protect the aspirations of future generations.
The President made the remarks on March 2 during the official opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th Anniversary celebration of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania.
Shared Responsibility for Africa’s Future
Addressing judges, legal professionals, and policymakers, President Mahama emphasized that Africa’s progress depends on collective leadership and sustained commitment to justice, governance, and human rights protection.
He noted that African countries must work together to fulfil the unachieved ambitions of past generations while creating opportunities for those yet to come.
According to him, leaders across the continent carry a responsibility not only to their citizens but also to the broader African vision of unity, stability, and development.
Progress in Strengthening Justice Systems
President Mahama highlighted improvements made in judicial systems across Africa over recent decades, citing Ghana’s ongoing efforts to reinforce institutional independence and strengthen legal frameworks.
Reflecting personally on the significance of justice and rule of law, he underscored how stronger institutions help build public confidence and safeguard citizens’ rights.
Role of the African Court
The President praised the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for its contributions over the past two decades, noting that the institution has become an important mechanism for protecting the dignity and rights of Africans beyond national jurisdictions.
He stressed that the Court represents a collective continental commitment to accountability and legal protection.
Call for Deeper Commitment
Speaking in Arusha, widely regarded as a symbolic center for human rights advocacy in Africa, President Mahama called for renewed dedication from member states to strengthen the Court’s mandate and global influence.
He urged African governments to deepen their support so that the institution can evolve into a leading international judicial body ahead of its 40th anniversary.
“The time for Africa is now,” the President said, encouraging leaders to honour commitments made to future generations and position the continent for greater global relevance through strong legal institutions.
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.
“I’m Not Dead” — Paa George Breaks Silence on Recurring Death Hoax
Accra Court Grants Bail to Woman Accused of Abducting Newborn in Mamprobi
Afenyo-Markin Retracts Fraud Allegations Against Interior Minister Over Security Recruitment
-
Entertainment1 week ago[EDITORIAL] Praised in Victory, Crucified in Defeat: The Ghanaian Fanbase Paradox
-
Sports6 days ago2026 FIFA World Cup: President Mahama tasks supporters to return immediately after the tournament
-
Business7 days agoThirdWell launches Inclusive Business Centre to support Accredited Inclusive Businesses in Ghana
-
Entertainment3 days agoTHE INSIDE STORY: Why President Mahama Revoked Gideon Nii Aryeequaye’s Appointment as Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency
-
Entertainment6 days agoSONA: GH¢20m for Film Sector, GH¢20m for Creative Industries — Mahama Announces Major Investment
-
Sports1 week agoBREAKING: Salary Crisis hits Tension at Eleven Wonders Camp for the second time
-
General News1 week agoPolice Arrest Two in Agona Swedru With 209 Slabs of Suspected Narcotics, Reject GH₵100,000 Bribe
-
General News2 weeks agoMahama: We’ll increase efforts to clean polluted water bodies and reclaim mined lands