General News
“We Are Each Other’s Keepers” — Mahama Calls for Stronger Judicial Independence in Africa
President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger judicial independence across Africa, declaring that the continent’s shared history and interconnected future demand robust institutions capable of defending human rights and upholding the rule of law.
Addressing Heads of State, jurists and diplomats at the official opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and the 20th Anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania, President Mahama emphasised that African nations bear collective responsibility for one another’s democratic health.
“We are each other’s keepers,” he declared. “This is why we need an institution that serves all but is beholden to none: the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
A Shared Destiny
President Mahama reflected on Africa’s history, noting how both liberation movements and military coups spread rapidly across the continent in different eras.
“Although our continent comprises 55 sovereign nations, our destinies are closely linked,” he said. “One nation after another declared freedom from colonial rule. Then again, when coup d’états became common, that tendency spread like a contagion.”
He argued that such historical patterns highlight the need for strong continental safeguards to prevent abuses of power and protect citizens beyond national borders.
Personal Lessons on Justice
In a deeply personal moment, President Mahama recounted the detention and exile of his father following Ghana’s 1966 coup and subsequent political upheavals. He said those early experiences shaped his lifelong respect for due process and judicial independence.
“I am still the boy who learned how dangerous it can be to challenge those in power, who may act with impunity and assume the roles of judge, jury and executioner,” he said.
According to him, the existence of an independent continental court today provides reassurance that future generations may not have to endure similar injustices.
“For the past 20 years, we have had a court that can protect the rights and dignity of African people beyond the borders of our individual nations,” he noted.
Call for Ratification and Compliance
President Mahama urged African Union member states that have not yet ratified the Protocol establishing the African Court to do so without delay. He also encouraged governments to allow individuals and non-governmental organisations direct access to the Court.
“To my colleagues in those countries, I assure you that you have nothing to fear from this Court,” he said. “I humbly ask all African nations to respect and implement the Court’s judgements in good faith.”
He praised the Court’s two decades of operation, saying it has demonstrated “fortitude and courage” in upholding the principles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
A Moment of Opportunity
Highlighting Africa’s youthful population and growing global significance, President Mahama said strong judicial systems would be essential to securing the continent’s future.
“Now is the time to deepen our commitment to the Court,” he stated. “Now is the time for Africa to step into its greatness.”
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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