General News
SONA: Government Takes Steps to End No-Bed Syndrome — Mahama Assures Emergency Care for All Patients
President John Dramani Mahama has announced decisive measures to eliminate the long-standing “no-bed syndrome” in Ghana’s health facilities, emphasizing that no patient in need of emergency medical care should be turned away from any health facility.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address, President Mahama stressed that the Ministry of Health will soon issue new operational guidelines to ensure that patients in emergency situations receive immediate care, even under makeshift or temporary conditions.
“You don’t need to have a comfortable bed to save a patient. No patient must be turned away from any health facility they report to,” President Mahama stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to saving lives while health infrastructure capacity is being expanded.
To address the challenge sustainably, the government outlined several ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at increasing hospital bed capacity across the country. President Mahama announced the implementation of Phase 2 of the Ridge Hospital project to expand bed capacity at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
“We are investing heavily in expanding healthcare infrastructure to ensure that our hospitals can meet the growing demand for quality healthcare services,” he added.
The President also confirmed that several major hospital projects will be completed to improve healthcare delivery nationwide. These include the completion of the Police Hospital project and the La General Hospital project in the Greater Accra Region.
In the Ashanti Region, President Mahama said the government remains committed to strengthening tertiary and regional healthcare delivery. “We will complete the Sewa Regional Hospital. We will complete the Afari Military Hospital. And we will complete the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Maternity and Children’s Block,” he assured.
According to the President, the infrastructure expansion is part of a broader health reform agenda aimed at improving access to quality healthcare while reducing the pressure on major referral hospitals.
Health policy analysts have often identified the no-bed syndrome as a critical challenge contributing to preventable deaths in the country’s health system. The new policy guidelines are expected to improve emergency response protocols and ensure better coordination between health facilities.
President Mahama reaffirmed that improving healthcare access remains a top priority of his administration, adding that the government will continue to invest in both human resources and health infrastructure to strengthen Ghana’s health system.
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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