General News
Mahama Welcomes St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Calls for Stronger Global African Unity
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening ties with the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, as he warmly welcomed Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew and his delegation to Accra ahead of Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Speaking during official engagements at the Jubilee House, President Mahama described the Prime Minister’s visit as a symbolic “return home,” underscoring the shared history and enduring bonds between Ghana and the Caribbean nation.
“It is my great pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to my dear brother, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and his distinguished delegation to Ghana,” President Mahama said. “Mr. Prime Minister, your presence here in Accra signifies a return home.”
He added: “On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana—your brothers and sisters—I warmly welcome you. We are especially grateful that you have extended your stay to join us in commemorating Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary.”
President Mahama emphasised the deep historical ties between the two countries, rooted in the shared experience of the transatlantic slave trade.
“Our two nations are bound by a shared history and heritage,” he stated. “Although the transatlantic slave trade cruelly separated us, the resilience of our ancestors and the enduring courage of our global African family continue to shape our common destiny.”
He noted that discussions between the two leaders would focus on key sectors, including health, education, trade and investment, tourism, skills development, and cultural exchange, as well as cooperation within multilateral institutions.
“Today’s discussions will focus on priority areas of mutual interest, including health cooperation, education, trade and investment, tourism, skills development, cultural exchange and collaboration in multilateral forums,” he said. “We will also explore other areas within the broader framework of South-South cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.”
The President used the occasion to caution against emerging forms of neo-colonialism and external influences that undermine Africa’s development.
“At a time when some seek to perpetuate neo-colonial structures that constrain the growth and aspirations of our people, we must remain vigilant,” President Mahama declared. “As Africans, we cannot afford to be unaware of forces that work against our collective progress or attempt to sow division within our global African family.”
He stressed the need for unity and self-determination across the African world.
“We must remain united. We must marshal our collective resolve and commit ourselves to developing our nations for the benefit of our own people,” he said.
President Mahama further highlighted his administration’s commitment to translating political independence into economic transformation.
“The inspiration that political independence ignited across our continent must now be transformed into economic emancipation,” he noted. “We must build a future in which every Black person, anywhere in the world, is accorded dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.”
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to its bilateral relationship with Saint Kitts and Nevis, the President concluded on a note of optimism.
“As we commence these deliberations, I wish to assure you that Ghana attaches the highest importance to its relationship with Saint Kitts and Nevis,” he said. “We approach our discussions with optimism, goodwill, and a shared determination to translate our friendship and brotherhood into concrete outcomes for our people.”
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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