U.S. Embassy in Ghana Releases 2,000+ New Visa Appointment Slots for B1/B2 Travelers
In a welcome development for Ghanaian travelers, the U.S. Embassy in Accra has announced the release of more than 2,000 additional visa appointment slots for B1/B2 applicants over the next two weeks. The newly available slots are designed for individuals traveling to the United States for business, family visits, tourism, or to attend the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup. The embassy announced on its official X account on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, building on a recent rollout of over 1,000 non-immigrant visa slots that enabled many travelers to book earlier interview dates. With demand for U.S. visas soaring ahead of major events, the embassy is encouraging applicants who already have appointments scheduled for later in the year to reschedule and take advantage of the increased availability. Interested travelers are advised to check the embassy’s official visa page for detailed instructions and to secure their slots promptly, as competition is expected to be stiff. The move reflects rising interest in travel that combines business, leisure, and global sporting opportunities, with the embassy working to accommodate the surge in applications from Ghana and the wider region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ibrahim Mahama Converts Private Jet into Free Emergency Air Ambulance for Ghanaians
Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama has taken a bold step in philanthropy, announcing that his former private jet will now operate as a free emergency air ambulance for Ghanaians facing urgent medical crises. “Any Ghanaian with a medical emergency who needs to be flown out for treatment can use the jet free of charge. I have dedicated it to the nation to support both local and international medical emergencies involving Ghanaians,” Mahama shared, highlighting his commitment to supporting critical healthcare needs. The newly repurposed jet is set to provide rapid transport for patients requiring specialized treatment, whether within Ghana or abroad. Health officials and community observers have applauded the initiative, pointing out that it could be a game-changer for patients in life-threatening situations, particularly those living in remote or underserved regions where timely access to advanced care can be a challenge. This act of generosity adds to Ibrahim Mahama’s growing legacy of championing projects aimed at improving the welfare and health outcomes of Ghanaians. As the air ambulance prepares for its first missions, many see it as a beacon of hope for families facing medical emergencies across the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Former Vice President Bawumia and Wife Relocated Amid Middle East Tensions
As unrest grows in parts of the Middle East, former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his wife Samira Bawumia, and their entourage have been quietly relocated from Qatar to another country in a government-led effort to ensure their safety. The move was carried out following direct instructions from Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Acting on behalf of the government, Minister Ablakwa directed Ghanaian embassies throughout the region to immediately coordinate secure travel arrangements for the former Vice President and his team. Diplomatic sources revealed that Ghanaian embassies worked closely with local authorities to facilitate the swift and discreet transfer, emphasizing that the operation was executed smoothly and without incident. Specific details regarding the relocation remain confidential for security reasons. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Ghana are maintaining a high level of vigilance as tensions persist in the region. Authorities are monitoring developments closely and have put embassies on alert to offer consular support and emergency assistance to Ghanaians living in or passing through affected areas. The safe relocation of the Bawumia family underscores the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and officials abroad during times of heightened risk. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ashanti Regional Fire Command Reports Slight Drop in Fire Outbreaks as New Safety Initiative Launched
Between January and February this year, the Ashanti Regional Fire Command recorded 208 fire outbreaks, a slight reduction from the 237 incidents reported during the same period in 2025. The update was shared by ACFO1 Peter Tetteh, Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, at the launch of an inter-market fire safety quiz in Kumasi on Tuesday, March 3. Commander Tetteh explained to journalists that the first quarter of the year typically marks the peak season for fire incidents, especially in the region’s bustling markets. While the dip in reported cases offers a small measure of relief, he cautioned that the risk of market fires remains high and called for continued vigilance. The newly launched inter-market quiz aims to arm traders with practical knowledge on fire prevention and emergency response. “Market fires cause a lot of devastation. The aim is to get traders involved in fire prevention so that they can own the market, understand what causes fires, and prevent them,” Tetteh noted, expressing satisfaction with the enthusiastic response from participants. He also issued a stern warning to traders handling combustible and explosive materials, urging them to relocate these goods outside market premises to safeguard the public from potential disasters. Supporting the initiative, Chairman Ernest Afayam, Managing Director of Kejetia Market, stressed the importance of fire safety education given the market’s structure and history of fire outbreaks. He recalled a recent incident swiftly contained by fire officers, as well as the 2023 blaze ignited by hazardous chemicals, which led to displacement and losses for many traders. Chairman Afayam praised the fire safety quiz as a proactive measure, stating, “It is a positive programme. The arrangement is a form of creating awareness and prevention as far as fire safety is concerned. I believe it is something worth embarking on.” With fire risks still looming, the region’s fire authorities and market leaders are working hand-in-hand to reduce hazards and safeguard livelihoods through education and collective action. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
MTN Group’s Ebenezer Asante Challenges African Graduates To Become Digital Innovators And Change-Makers For The Continent’s Growth
Mr. Ebenezer Asante, Senior Vice President of MTN Group, called for stronger alliances between academia, government, and industry to foster a generation of African innovators prepared to shape the continent’s technological future. He made this address at the 2025 graduation ceremony of Accra Technical University (ATU), themed “Emerging Technologies: How Prepared is the ATU Graduate?” During his speech, Mr. Asante urged young African graduates to take the initiative in shaping the continent’s technological destiny by becoming creators and innovators rather than mere consumers of digital technology. He stated, “The curious, tech-savvy graduate of the 21st century will not only use technology but will also shape it with foresight and a sense of shared human purpose.” Referring to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 2023 Report, Mr. Asante noted that Africa’s share of global technology patent filings has decreased from 4.4% a decade ago to 3.2% in 2023, despite the continent accounting for over 18% of the world’s population. This statistic highlights the urgent need for improved collaboration among universities, private sector players, investors, and policymakers to boost research, invention, and the industrial application of technology on the continent. “If we are serious about using technology to address Africa’s complex developmental challenges, we must become part of the technology supply chain and the global ecosystem of invention,” he asserted. Drawing inspiration from futurists Alvin Toffler and Professor Akosua Ampofo, Mr. Asante highlighted that Africa’s competitiveness in the digital age will rely on its youth’s ability to keep learning, unlearning, and relearning. He explained that the most successful graduates will be those who combine technical skills with creativity, empathy, and teamwork, traits that foster innovation in the 21st century. He encouraged the ATU graduates to embrace a growth mindset, emphasizing that their success will rely more on their psychological and behavioural flexibility than on their academic qualifications. “Do not fear the unknown. Be clear about what you possess that can make a difference and keep applying yourself until you achieve a breakthrough,” he advised. “Stubborn perseverance is what the world is waiting for from you.” Mr. Asante also emphasized how technology can tackle Africa’s real-world challenges across various sectors, including sanitation, healthcare, agriculture, education, and energy. He highlighted the inspiring work of The Buz Stop Boys, a youth-led initiative addressing urban sanitation in Ghana, as an example of how civic-minded innovation can make a difference. He challenged graduates to use their technical training to develop IoT-enabled waste management systems, smart data-driven city solutions, and even robotics or drone technologies to optimize waste collection and improve urban hygiene. Reflecting on the changing nature of employment, Asante noted that technology has enabled young people to work globally without relocating. He encouraged graduates to seize opportunities in freelancing, digital entrepreneurship, and hybrid work, leveraging platforms powered by AI, cloud computing, and digital payment systems such as Mobile Money (MoMo). In closing, Mr. Asante called on the graduates to actively contribute to advancing Ghana’s national digitalization agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which envision an integrated and prosperous Africa driven by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com