General News
Mahama’s UN Address Inspired My Visit to Ghana — St. Kitts PM Drew
The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama’s address at the United Nations General Assembly inspired his decision to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Ghana during his official visit to Accra.
Speaking during high-level discussions with President Mahama, Dr. Drew said he was deeply moved after listening to the Ghanaian leader’s UN speech, which he described as powerful, visionary, and reflective of shared global aspirations.
“There are many speeches delivered at the United Nations General Assembly,” Dr. Drew said. “But I particularly listened to your speech, and your speech inspired me. I told my team that I wanted to meet you.”
The St. Kitts and Nevis leader explained that his visit to Ghana was not only a diplomatic mission but also a symbolic reaffirmation of historical and cultural ties between the Caribbean and Africa.
“I am not only meeting you, Mr. President, but you have welcomed me at home. Thank you very much,” he said. “As I arrived in Ghana and was driving along the streets, I could not tell the difference whether I was at home or in a foreign country.”
Dr. Drew emphasized the shared history between St. Kitts and Nevis and Ghana, tracing the connection to the transatlantic slave trade, which he said forcibly linked the ancestors of both nations.
“We come not only as partners in diplomacy, but as family,” he said. “The transatlantic slave trade forcibly connected our ancestors, but it did not erase their identity, culture, intellect, or resilience.”
He further noted that African cultural influence remains strong in Caribbean societies, particularly in music, spirituality, cuisine, and communal traditions.
“In our music, our spirituality, our cuisine, and our communal traditions, the spirit of Africa lives on in St. Kitts and Nevis and across the Caribbean,” he added.
The Prime Minister also drew historical parallels between Ghana’s independence struggle under Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the Caribbean’s quest for self-determination.
“Ghana’s journey from the Gold Coast to independence resonates deeply with our own path to self-determination,” he said. “We are nations with strong voices, and we understand the power of togetherness in shaping our destiny.”
Dr. Drew further stressed that relations between the two countries must go beyond history to focus on practical cooperation in development.
“Our relationship is not confined to the pages of history. It is active, growing, and forward-looking,” he stated.
He highlighted ongoing cooperation in education, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Ghana aimed at promoting research, innovation, youth development, and academic exchange.
“Just this year, we formally signed an MOU with the University of Ghana to enhance cooperation in education, research, youth development, and innovation,” he said.
The Prime Minister also mentioned collaboration in healthcare, particularly the recruitment of Ghanaian nurses to support St. Kitts and Nevis’ healthcare sector.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and expanding Africa-Caribbean relations, noting that his role as former Chair of CARICOM had strengthened his resolve to promote global south partnerships.
“St. Kitts and Nevis sees Ghana not only as a historical anchor but as a strategic partner in Africa,” Dr. Drew said. “We are here to listen, to share, to learn from each other, and most importantly, to stand together in the spirit of shared destiny.”
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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