Technology News from Ghana

The latest technology news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Prioritises Affordability and Digital Integration for Next-Gen Hardware
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Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Prioritises Affordability and Digital Integration for Next-Gen Hardware

Xbox Chief Executive Asha Sharma has signaled a strategic shift toward affordability for the brand's next-generation consoles as the gaming industry grapples with surging hardware production costs. In a recent interview with the BBC, Sharma addressed the economic pressures facing the sector, noting that the massive capital investment in artificial intelligence across the technology landscape is driving up the price of essential components. As current console prices continue to trend upward, the executive emphasized that industry innovation must now focus not just on raw performance, but on ensuring gaming remains financially accessible to a broader global audience. To address these challenges, Sharma urged for greater efficiency in hardware design to offset the rising costs attributed to the AI-driven supply chain. A major component of this evolving strategy involves bridging the gap between physical and digital media. Sharma announced that Xbox will soon introduce a feature allowing players to obtain digital versions of their existing physical games, enabling future play without the requirement of a disc. This initiative is designed to cater to evolving consumer preferences while reinforcing Xbox's long-standing commitment to backwards compatibility. By ensuring that players' previous investments in physical media remain relevant and portable in a digital-first ecosystem, the company aims to maintain brand loyalty and reduce friction during the transition to new hardware. Beyond hardware logistics, Sharma discussed the internal shifts within Xbox as the company navigates a volatile market. The organization is currently undergoing restructuring efforts aimed at adapting to modern gaming trends and ensuring long-term sustainability in an era of unprecedented price hikes. Despite the challenges of rising costs and market saturation, Sharma remains optimistic about the sector's growth potential, framing gaming as a leading pillar of global entertainment. The focus on efficiency and affordability is positioned as a necessary evolution to keep the platform competitive against both traditional rivals and emerging technology trends.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reports Technical Fault on National Passport Application Portal

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has officially confirmed a significant technical disruption affecting the national online passport application portal. The platform, accessible via passport.mfa.gov.gh, is currently unavailable to the public, effectively halting new applications and digital processing for citizens seeking travel documents. This outage represents a critical interruption in one of the country's most frequently used digital public services, impacting both local citizens and Ghanaians in the diaspora. According to a statement released by the Ministry, technical teams are actively engaged in corrective measures to restore the system. To address the underlying infrastructure failure, the MFA is collaborating closely with the National Signals Bureau (NSB), the state agency responsible for electronic communications security and intelligence. While the specific nature of the technical fault—whether it pertains to server maintenance, a cyber-related issue, or database synchronization—has not been explicitly detailed, the involvement of the NSB suggests a high-level technical response to ensure the integrity of the application system. The Ministry has issued a formal apology to the general public for the inconvenience caused by the service interruption. The portal serves as the primary gateway for applicants to book capture appointments, pay processing fees, and submit vital biodata. For many, this downtime translates into potential delays in travel plans and an inevitable backlog of applications that the Passport Office will need to address once services are restored. Currently, no specific timeline has been provided for the full resumption of the online service, leaving prospective applicants in a state of uncertainty. As the technical teams work toward a resolution, the Ministry has assured the public that updates will be provided as progress is made. This incident highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities within the nation's digital infrastructure as it strives for more efficient public service delivery under the current administration. Citizens are advised to monitor official government communication channels for further announcements regarding the portal's status and any temporary alternative arrangements that may be instituted during this period of unavailability.

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MTN Ghana Equips Journalists and CSOs with Ethical AI Training for Enhanced Content Development

MTN Ghana has launched a comprehensive virtual training initiative designed to empower journalists and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the skills necessary for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Organized as part of the telecommunications giant's 30th-anniversary celebrations, the session focused on bridging the digital divide and ensuring that media and civic professionals are not left behind by the rapid pace of technological innovation. The training provided a platform for participants to explore how AI can be effectively integrated into research and professional content creation. During the session, Madam Efua Falconer, representing MTN Ghana, underscored the critical importance of adaptation in the modern professional landscape. She emphasized that for those unfamiliar with digital advancements, understanding AI is no longer optional but a necessity for staying relevant. Technical experts led practical demonstrations of various AI applications, illustrating how these tools can significantly improve efficiency in newsrooms and advocacy groups by streamlining data analysis and drafting processes. A central theme of the training was the delicate balance between automation and human judgment. While the experts highlighted the immense opportunities for productivity, they issued a strong call for ethical oversight and rigorous verification. Participants were reminded that AI should serve as a tool for enhancement rather than a replacement for the critical thinking and fact-checking that define professional journalism and civil society work. This focus on ethical guardrails aims to prevent the spread of misinformation that can sometimes arise from unverified AI-generated content. As AI continues to reshape the global media and communications landscape, such initiatives are vital for maintaining a competitive and credible local press. By prioritizing both technical proficiency and responsible usage, MTN Ghana’s training program serves as a significant step toward a more digitally literate and ethically grounded media sector. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to supporting the digital transformation of Ghanaian society while upholding the standards of accuracy and public trust.

Ghana Police Service to Launch TrafficTech for Automated Road Traffic Enforcement
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Ghana Police Service to Launch TrafficTech for Automated Road Traffic Enforcement

The Ghana Police Service (GPS) is poised to revolutionize road safety management across the country with the introduction of its new automated enforcement system, "TrafficTech." This technological initiative is designed to modernize the way traffic regulations are enforced, specifically targeting the high incidence of speeding and other road traffic violations that contribute to accidents on Ghana's major highways. By transitioning toward a more digitized surveillance model, the GPS aims to create a safer environment for both motorists and pedestrians through consistent and objective monitoring. At the core of the TrafficTech system is its ability to identify and document offenders without the immediate intervention of police officers on the ground. Traditionally, traffic enforcement in Ghana has relied heavily on physical checkpoints and manual stops, which can often lead to traffic congestion and potential friction between officers and drivers. TrafficTech seeks to eliminate these inefficiencies by utilizing advanced sensors and cameras to capture vehicle data in real-time. This allows for a seamless enforcement process where offenses are recorded automatically, reducing the need for dangerous high-speed chases or disruptive roadside stops. The implementation of this system represents a significant shift in the operational strategy of the Ghana Police Service under current national modernization efforts. By leveraging technology to detect speeding and other infractions, the service can maintain a persistent presence on the roads without requiring an officer at every corner. This move is expected to not only increase the rate of detection for traffic offenders but also serve as a powerful deterrent. Knowing that violations are being monitored and logged electronically, drivers are encouraged to adhere strictly to speed limits and road signs, fostering a culture of discipline on the road. As the system rolls out, it is expected to play a crucial role in the broader national agenda of reducing road fatalities and improving the overall efficiency of the transportation network. The integration of TrafficTech marks a milestone in the digital transformation of Ghana’s public safety infrastructure. While the police continue to finalize the deployment details, the initiative signals a proactive stance in embracing 21st-century solutions to address long-standing road safety challenges and ensure the protection of all road users.

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Cyber Security Authority Urges Journalists to Exercise Caution in Reporting System Vulnerabilities

Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a stern caution to media practitioners regarding the reporting of cybercrime and system vulnerabilities. Speaking at a specialized training session for journalists, Alex Awere-Kyere, a Senior Manager at the CSA, highlighted the delicate balance between public interest and national security. He urged the press to exercise restraint and rigorously verify all claims before publication, noting that the media holds a critical responsibility in how digital threats are communicated to the public. Mr. Awere-Kyere emphasized that the premature disclosure of cyber vulnerabilities often serves as a roadmap for digital criminals rather than a public service. By publicizing unverified breaches or specific technical weaknesses before they are officially patched or addressed, journalists may inadvertently facilitate further attacks and provide bad actors with actionable intelligence. Furthermore, he warned that such reporting could significantly hamper ongoing investigations, as law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts often require a degree of confidentiality to track and apprehend perpetrators without alerting them to the detection of their activities. The training was organized as part of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project, an initiative designed to bolster the digital literacy and reporting standards of media workers across the country. This project recognizes that journalists are often the first point of contact for the public during a cyber incident and aims to equip them with the necessary tools to understand the complexities of the digital landscape. By improving their technical understanding, the CSA hopes to foster a media environment that supports national cybersecurity efforts rather than undermining them through sensationalism or technical inaccuracies. As Ghana continues its digital transformation, the role of the media in shaping public perception and response to cyber threats remains paramount. The CSA's outreach underscores the necessity of a collaborative approach between state security institutions and the press to build a resilient digital economy. Moving forward, journalists are encouraged to consult with the Authority to verify technical details and context, ensuring that their reporting contributes to national safety while upholding the principles of transparency and public awareness.

Telecel Ghana Partners with Whalebone to Launch SecureNet Cybersecurity Protection
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Telecel Ghana Partners with Whalebone to Launch SecureNet Cybersecurity Protection

Telecel Ghana has announced a strategic partnership with global cybersecurity firm Whalebone to launch SecureNet, a specialized network-level security service designed to protect mobile customers from a growing array of online threats. Unlike traditional security solutions that require users to download and update third-party software, SecureNet operates directly within the Telecel network. This seamless integration allows for real-time protection, automatically blocking access to phishing sites, malicious content, and fraudulent links before they can reach the user's device. The introduction of SecureNet comes at a critical time when digital scams and sophisticated phishing attempts are on the rise across Ghana’s telecommunications landscape. Aneth Muga, Telecel Ghana’s Director of Consumer Business, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, noting that increased digital connectivity inherently increases vulnerability to cyber threats. To ensure the service is effectively tailored to the local market, Whalebone has collaborated with its local partner, AntCellular, to deliver the technology. This localized approach ensures that the security measures are responsive to the specific types of digital fraud prevalent within the Ghanaian ecosystem. By offering flexible subscription options, Telecel aims to make high-grade cybersecurity accessible to all segments of its customer base, particularly those utilizing mobile financial services. As mobile banking and digital transactions become more integral to daily life, such protections are essential for maintaining consumer trust. The launch of SecureNet is expected to foster a safer digital environment, encouraging more users to engage with Ghana’s expanding digital economy with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Meta Platforms to Pay Landmark $18 Billion Settlement Over Youth Social Media Addiction Claims
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Meta Platforms to Pay Landmark $18 Billion Settlement Over Youth Social Media Addiction Claims

Meta Platforms has reached a historic $18 billion settlement with 29 U.S. states, effectively concluding a high-profile legal battle over the impact of its social media services on youth mental health. The agreement addresses long-standing allegations that Facebook and Instagram were engineered with addictive features that harmed minors and violated both state and federal privacy laws. State leaders have hailed the resolution as a significant victory for online safety, aimed at curbing the escalating mental health crisis among young users and establishing a new era of corporate accountability for tech giants. Under the terms of the settlement, Meta is required to implement substantial changes to how teenagers interact with its platforms. Key measures include the introduction of mandatory daily usage limits, which will automatically restrict teen accounts to two hours of access per day. Furthermore, the company must institute nighttime usage blocks and enhance its age assurance technologies to prevent younger children from bypassing restrictions. These changes are bolstered by new, robust parental control tools designed to give families greater oversight of their children's digital habits and prevent harmful exposure. The financial structure of the deal involves an initial payment of approximately $12 billion. The total payout could reach the full $18 billion ceiling, though this is contingent on whether other major social media platforms agree to similar compliance measures and settlements. This structure highlights the states' intention to create uniform industry standards rather than penalizing a single company in isolation. The settlement follows intense mid-trial negotiations that emerged after years of litigation regarding Meta’s alleged disregard for the well-being of its youngest users in favor of engagement metrics. While the settlement marks a turning point in tech regulation, its long-term success will depend heavily on strict judicial enforcement and the cooperation of the broader technology sector. By setting these precedents, the legal action seeks to force a fundamental shift in how social media algorithms are designed, moving away from engagement-heavy metrics toward safer user experiences. As the industry watches closely, the outcome of this case is expected to serve as a blueprint for future digital safety legislation and corporate responsibility regarding the protection of minors online.

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Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak Unveils TraffiTech-GH to Automate Traffic Enforcement

Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior has officially launched "TraffiTech-GH," a sophisticated, technology-driven traffic enforcement system designed to automatically detect and penalize motorists who violate road regulations. Announced by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the initiative represents a significant shift toward digital governance in the transport sector. By integrating surveillance cameras and specialized monitoring devices across the nation’s major road networks, the government aims to modernize road safety management and ensure stricter adherence to traffic laws without the necessity of constant physical police presence. The TraffiTech-GH system operates through a network of strategically placed sensors and high-definition cameras that document traffic infractions in real-time. Once a violation is captured, the data is instantly transmitted to a central control room where personnel verify the offense. Upon confirmation, the system generates an electronic notification that is sent directly to the offender’s mobile phone, detailing the specific nature of the violation and the corresponding penalty. This automated workflow is slated to monitor over 47 distinct traffic offenses, ranging from speeding and running red lights to more complex maneuvers that endanger road users. According to Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the primary objective of this technological intervention is to reduce the high incidence of road accidents across Ghana by fostering a culture of compliance. One of the system’s most significant advantages is its ability to minimize direct, face-to-face interactions between motorists and police officers. By streamlining the enforcement process and reducing human discretion at the point of citation, the Ministry expects to curb potential corruption and increase the efficiency of revenue collection from fines, which will be reinvested into national road safety initiatives. The rollout of TraffiTech-GH marks a pivotal moment in the administration's broader agenda to utilize technology for public safety. As the system begins its implementation phase on major highways and urban centers, officials anticipate a measurable decrease in traffic-related fatalities and injuries. Moving forward, the Ministry intends to expand the network of monitoring devices, ensuring that even the most remote high-traffic areas are covered. This shift toward an automated enforcement regime signals Ghana’s commitment to adopting international best practices in traffic management and urban planning.

mNotify Selects 14 Ghanaian SMEs for AI-Powered Digital Transformation Initiative
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mNotify Selects 14 Ghanaian SMEs for AI-Powered Digital Transformation Initiative

mNotify, a prominent Ghanaian technology company, has launched a specialized three-month Digital Transformation Drive as part of its 14th-anniversary celebrations. The initiative is designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and modern digital tools into their operations. From a pool of over 100 applicants across various sectors, 14 businesses were selected to undergo a comprehensive journey aimed at scaling their operations, improving customer engagement, and boosting overall revenue. The program focuses on moving SMEs beyond basic digitization toward a sophisticated use of mNotify’s "Omni" platform, cloud technologies, and AI-driven automation. By providing these tools, mNotify intends to help local businesses overcome historical barriers to growth, such as poor record-keeping and inefficient data management. The selected SMEs will receive hands-on support to implement these technologies, ensuring that the digital shift is not merely cosmetic but fundamentally improves business processes and productivity. Speaking at the launch, mNotify CEO Ronald Tagoe emphasized the importance of a strategic, data-first approach to technology adoption. He cautioned businesses against adopting new tools simply because they are trendy, urging them instead to first identify their core operational challenges and organize their internal data before transitioning to digital solutions. Mr. Tagoe also addressed common anxieties regarding automation, asserting his optimistic view that AI is intended to augment human labor and enhance job roles rather than lead to mass job displacement. To ensure accountability and measure the program's success, mNotify will track specific performance indicators, including changes in revenue, customer acquisition rates, and employment figures over the three-month period. The outcomes of this initial cohort will serve as a blueprint for future iterations of the initiative as mNotify seeks to enhance the broader digital landscape in Ghana. By bridging the digital gap for SMEs, the company aims to contribute to a more robust and technologically resilient national economy.

Amazon and Twitch Face Class-Action Lawsuit Over Unauthorized Use of Streamer Content for AI Training
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Amazon and Twitch Face Class-Action Lawsuit Over Unauthorized Use of Streamer Content for AI Training

Amazon and its streaming subsidiary Twitch are the subjects of a significant class-action lawsuit filed in the United States, alleging the unauthorized use of creator content to train artificial intelligence models. The lawsuit, initiated by Connecticut-based streamer Warren Pandiscia on behalf of millions of Twitch users, claims that the tech giant improperly harvested livestreamed videos without obtaining explicit consent or providing any form of compensation to the creators. This legal battle represents a growing movement among digital content creators who are challenging the "fair use" claims of major technology firms that rely on massive datasets to develop generative AI tools. The core of the legal complaint centers on the lack of transparency regarding how and when Amazon began scraping Twitch content for its AI initiatives. Although Twitch introduced a toggle in August that allows users to opt out of certain data usage, the lawsuit argues that this measure is both late and inadequate. It highlights concerns that even with the opt-out enabled, user content could still be utilized in various scenarios. Adding to the controversy, Twitch’s chief product officer has acknowledged a lack of certainty regarding the specific dates when the platform began its data collection efforts, which the plaintiffs suggest points to a long-term pattern of undisclosed data exploitation. The legal action seeks substantial monetary damages for the millions of users whose intellectual property and personal likenesses were allegedly used to benefit Amazon's proprietary AI systems. Beyond financial compensation, the lawsuit is requesting a court-ordered injunction to halt Amazon’s current data training practices and force a restructuring of how the platform handles user content. Currently, Twitch has issued guidance for users wishing to manually disable AI training features within their account settings, but the lawsuit contends that the burden of protection should not rest solely on the user. As the case proceeds, it is expected to have far-reaching implications for the tech industry and the global gig economy. A ruling in favor of Pandiscia could necessitate a complete overhaul of how social media and streaming platforms manage user data, potentially leading to mandatory licensing agreements between platforms and creators. For digital entrepreneurs and streamers globally, the outcome of this case will likely signal how their own digital rights and intellectual property will be protected in an increasingly AI-driven market.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs Addresses Technical Outage of Ghana's Online Passport Application Portal

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially notified the public of a significant technical disruption affecting the national online passport application system. The portal, located at passport.mfa.gov.gh, is currently inaccessible, preventing citizens from initiating new applications, booking biometric appointments, or making necessary payments. This outage comes at a time when digital services are central to the government’s efforts to streamline administrative processes and reduce physical congestion at passport application centers across the country. In a statement addressing the service interruption, the Ministry confirmed that its internal technical team is working urgently to restore the platform's functionality. Notably, the Ministry is collaborating with the National Signals Bureau (NSB) to diagnose and rectify the underlying fault. The involvement of the NSB, a key state intelligence and cybersecurity agency, underscores the technical complexity of the issue, though the government has not specified whether the disruption was caused by hardware failure, software glitches, or external security factors. The Ministry has expressed regret for any inconvenience the downtime has caused to applicants both within Ghana and in the diaspora. While a specific timeline for the full restoration of services has not yet been provided, the public is encouraged to remain patient as updates are expected to be issued once the portal is back online. For now, the suspension of the online portal serves as a reminder of the critical reliance on digital infrastructure for essential state services and the ongoing need for robust maintenance and security protocols.

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Cyber Security Authority Warns Journalists Against Prematurely Exposing Cyber Vulnerabilities

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a stern caution to media practitioners across Ghana, advising against the publication of unverified claims and the premature exposure of digital vulnerabilities. Speaking at a specialized training session for journalists, Alex Awere-Kyere, a Senior Manager at the CSA, highlighted the delicate balance between public interest and national security. He warned that while the media plays an indispensable role in informing the public about cyber threats, the dissemination of sensitive technical flaws before they are addressed can inadvertently provide a roadmap for cybercriminals to exploit. The training session, organized under the auspices of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project, was designed to equip media professionals with a deeper understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. Mr. Awere-Kyere emphasized that the premature disclosure of specific vulnerabilities often complicates ongoing investigations by law enforcement and regulatory bodies. By rushing to publish details that have not been fully verified or mitigated, news outlets risk compromising the integrity of digital infrastructure and hindering the efforts of technical teams working to secure compromised systems. Beyond the immediate risks of aiding criminal actors, the CSA official noted that inaccurate or sensationalized reporting can cause unnecessary panic among the public and stakeholders. Journalists were encouraged to prioritize factual accuracy over the speed of breaking news when dealing with complex cyber incidents. The initiative aims to foster a more collaborative relationship between the media and cybersecurity experts, ensuring that the public receives timely and accurate information without undermining the country's defensive posture. As Ghana continues to expand its digital economy, the role of the media in cybersecurity advocacy becomes increasingly critical. This capacity-building project represents a significant step toward creating a cyber-aware press corps capable of reporting on sophisticated digital crimes with the necessary nuance. Moving forward, the CSA intends to continue its engagement with community and national media outlets to ensure that reporting on cybercrime serves as a tool for public education and deterrence rather than a liability to national security.