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.

Cybersecurity Authority Records Surge in Online Safety Inquiries as Ghana Boosts Youth Awareness
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Cybersecurity Authority Records Surge in Online Safety Inquiries as Ghana Boosts Youth Awareness

Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has reported a significant uptick in public engagement regarding digital safety, recording 23,363 inquiries at its specialized call centre throughout 2025. This surge in communication highlights a growing national awareness of cyber threats among the populace, even as the authority confirmed that 4,604 of these reports were validated as actual cyber incidents. These figures were disclosed by the CSA Director-General, Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti, during the official launch of the Central Region Cybersecurity Competition held in Cape Coast. The event, organized as part of the activities for Africa Safer Internet Day 2026, serves as a critical platform for educating the younger generation on the complexities and hazards of the digital landscape. The competition itself saw enthusiastic participation from various educational institutions, aiming to test and improve the digital literacy of students across the region. In a display of academic excellence and technical savvy, Adisadel College and Mfantseman Girls’ Senior High School emerged as winners in their respective categories. Beyond the competitive spirit, Mr. Agbeti used the occasion to emphasize the real human impact of cyber incidents. He underscored that behind every statistic is an individual whose life, reputation, or finances may have been disrupted, urging all internet users, particularly the youth, to take personal responsibility for their online conduct and to promptly report any unsafe experiences to the authorities. Reinforcing the message of digital vigilance, CSA Board Member Mr. Charles Kwansah highlighted the critical importance of safeguarding personal information in an increasingly connected world. He pointed out that as more Ghanaians transition to digital platforms for education, commerce, and social interaction, the risk of data breaches and identity theft remains a persistent threat. The CSA’s outreach efforts focus on equipping students with the tools to navigate these risks ethically and securely. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity from the school level, the authority aims to build a resilient digital ecosystem that can withstand the evolving tactics of cybercriminals while empowering citizens to utilize the internet's benefits safely and productively.

HOPin Academy Launches Northern Ghana AI Lab to Drive Inclusive Innovation in Tamale
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HOPin Academy Launches Northern Ghana AI Lab to Drive Inclusive Innovation in Tamale

HOPin Academy has officially launched the Northern Ghana Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab in Tamale, marking a significant milestone in the region's digital transformation. The initiative is designed to foster research and innovation by providing students, researchers, and local entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to develop sustainable AI solutions. By focusing on inclusive growth, the Lab aims to position Northern Ghana as a burgeoning hub for responsible technology, ensuring that the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution reach beyond the nation's capital and address specific local socio-economic challenges. Mr. MacCarthy Mac-Gbathy, Co-founder of HOPin Academy, emphasized that the Lab is dedicated to addressing unique regional issues through AI applications tailored for critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. By equipping innovators with modern tools, the Academy hopes to create a vibrant ecosystem where technological advancement meets community needs. This initiative builds on HOPin Academy’s established track record; since its founding in 2013, the organization has supported over 500 startups and trained more than 10,000 individuals in essential digital skills, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment and economic resilience. The launch event brought together key stakeholders from academia, civil society, and the private sector, all of whom highlighted the importance of fairness and ethics in AI deployment. Winnie Dzidonu of MTN Ghana stressed the need for inclusive development to prevent technology from deepening existing social inequalities. Similarly, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko Amidu praised the initiative for its focus on community-centric innovation. The consensus among speakers was that the Lab must serve as a platform for equitable access, ensuring that Northern Ghana's youth are active participants in the global shift toward intelligent systems. Looking forward, the Northern Ghana AI Lab is expected to play a crucial role in closing the digital divide and promoting ethical AI research. By fostering collaboration across different sectors, the Lab aims to catalyze a new wave of home-grown solutions that are both culturally relevant and technically robust. As the region begins to integrate these advanced technologies, the Lab's success will likely be measured by its ability to transform Tamale into a center of excellence for responsible AI, ultimately driving sustainable development across the northern belt.

Australia's Social Media Ban: One-Fifth of Teens Still Accessing TikTok and Snapchat Post-Regulation
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Australia's Social Media Ban: One-Fifth of Teens Still Accessing TikTok and Snapchat Post-Regulation

Two months after Australia implemented a landmark ban on social media for children under 16, recent data reveals that enforcement remains a significant challenge for regulators and parents alike. According to a report from parental control software provider Qustodio, approximately 20% of teenagers aged 13 to 15 are still successfully accessing restricted platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat. While the legislation was intended to safeguard young users from the potential harms of social media, the persistence of usage among a fifth of the target demographic highlights the technical difficulties inherent in implementing nationwide age-verification measures and shifting deeply ingrained digital habits among the youth. The data indicates a complex landscape of compliance across the country. While there has been a documented and significant decrease in overall social media consumption among these age groups since the ban's inception, a noteworthy portion of teens has managed to circumvent the restrictions. TikTok and Snapchat remain the primary platforms of concern, despite the legal barriers now in place. This ongoing access has sparked fresh debates regarding the technical efficacy of age-gating technologies and the role of parents in monitoring their children’s online activities within a newly regulated environment. Australian government officials have publicly acknowledged that enforcing such a sweeping ban is a formidable task, describing it as a major cultural change that will take time to fully realize. The eSafety Commissioner is currently tasked with ongoing monitoring of platform compliance and the effectiveness of the ban's rollout. Interestingly, the data suggests that teens are not yet flocking to completely unregulated or obscure platforms to replace their restricted accounts. Instead, there has been a minor uptick in the use of WhatsApp, which often occupies a gray area between private messaging and social networking, suggesting a shift toward more closed communication channels. As the Australian experiment continues, the international community is watching closely to see if legislative mandates can truly decouple the youth from addictive digital ecosystems. The current findings serve as a cautionary tale for other nations considering similar age-based restrictions: while laws can successfully reduce engagement, the technical and social infrastructure required to achieve total compliance remains elusive. Moving forward, the focus is likely to shift toward more robust verification methods and increased pressure on tech giants to proactively filter out underage users from their services.

Gabbo, a cuddly toy, is held in somebody's hands. Gabbo is soft-textured, like a teddy bear, but looks like a robot.
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Researchers Call for Stricter Regulation of AI-Powered Toys for Toddlers

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have issued a stark warning regarding the proliferation of AI-powered toys for toddlers, calling for urgent and tighter regulations to protect young users. The study focused on products like "Gabbo," a toy integrated with OpenAI's voice-activated chatbot technology designed for children aged three to five. Experts argue that current regulatory frameworks are insufficient to govern these advanced tools during sensitive developmental stages, as the technology often fails to meet the complex emotional and linguistic needs of early childhood. The research highlighted significant interaction barriers, noting that children in the target age group frequently struggled to communicate effectively with the AI. Parents involved in the study expressed deep skepticism about the toy's ability to foster genuine language skills, citing instances where the device misinterpreted emotional cues or provided awkward, nonsensical responses. Dr. Emily Goldacre emphasized that these erratic interactions could lead to confusion for toddlers, potentially disrupting the natural acquisition of social and communication skills. These concerns have gained high-level support from the Children’s Commissioner, who is now advocating for robust safeguarding measures to ensure that early educational tools do not compromise child safety or psychological health. In response to the findings, Curio, the manufacturer of the Gabbo toy, acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with deploying artificial intelligence in products for young children. However, the study also reflected a broader skepticism from frontline educators. Nursery workers interviewed during the research stressed that human interaction remains irreplaceable in early education, arguing that social skills are best developed through real-world play rather than algorithmic responses. As AI continues to permeate the consumer market, the debate underscores the need for a global standard that balances technological innovation with the ethical imperative of protecting the developmental integrity of the world's youngest learners.

Kwame AI Launches ‘Eskwai Pro Bono’ to Revolutionize Legal Aid Access in Ghana
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Kwame AI Launches ‘Eskwai Pro Bono’ to Revolutionize Legal Aid Access in Ghana

In a significant move toward digital transformation within Ghana's judicial landscape, technology firm Kwame AI has officially launched ‘Eskwai Pro Bono.’ This innovative artificial intelligence tool is specifically designed to support legal practitioners in providing high-quality free legal services to vulnerable populations. By integrating advanced AI capabilities into the pro bono framework, the initiative aims to bridge the gap in access to justice, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent Ghanaian citizens from receiving adequate legal representation and counsel. The Legal Aid Commission of Ghana has been named the primary beneficiary of this initiative, with its entire staff of 190 legal professionals set to leverage the platform. According to Dr. Joojo Boateng, co-founder of Kwame AI, the tool is engineered to significantly enhance the efficiency of legal aid lawyers. By streamlining labor-intensive tasks such as comprehensive case research, document preparation, and complex legal analysis, ‘Eskwai Pro Bono’ allows practitioners to focus more of their time on the strategic aspects of their cases and direct client interaction. Dr. Boateng emphasized that legal aid is a fundamental pillar for ensuring equitable access to justice, and this tool serves as a force multiplier for the Commission's dedicated staff. Looking beyond the immediate impact in Ghana, the collaboration is being hailed as a trendsetting partnership that could serve as a model for legal service delivery across the African continent. Kwame AI has extended an invitation to legal aid organizations worldwide to explore the platform’s potential in enhancing justice access. This launch underscores a growing trend of utilizing ‘AI for Good’ to solve systemic challenges within the legal sector, potentially transforming how pro bono work is conducted globally and ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are not left behind in the digital age.

Tanzania’s AI Healthcare Ambitions Threatened by Critical Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
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Tanzania’s AI Healthcare Ambitions Threatened by Critical Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

Tanzania is moving forward with an ambitious plan to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its public healthcare system, aiming to modernize service delivery across the nation. However, experts are sounding an urgent alarm that this digital leap is being taken without the necessary cybersecurity foundations. Many public hospitals currently lack even basic digital protections, leaving the entire health infrastructure vulnerable to devastating cyberattacks that could compromise sensitive patient data and paralyze essential medical services. At the heart of this transition is the government’s Digital Health Strategy (2025–2030), which seeks to deploy advanced AI tools to improve diagnostics and patient management. Despite these high-tech goals, the ground reality reveals significant security lapses; many facilities still practice insecure habits such as sharing passwords and failing to encrypt sensitive records. Furthermore, while the Personal Data Protection Act of 2022 exists on paper, its enforcement remains weak, and many hospital administrators continue to view cybersecurity as an optional luxury rather than a critical necessity. The risks are not merely theoretical, as the global healthcare sector has increasingly become a prime target for international cybercriminals. High-profile ransomware attacks in neighboring Kenya, as well as South Africa and Nigeria, serve as a stark warning of the potential consequences. A successful breach in Tanzania could lead to the theft of medical histories and the freezing of hospital operations, putting lives at risk. Experts argue that without a robust defense system, the introduction of AI—which relies on massive datasets—only expands the "attack surface" available to hackers. To mitigate these threats, digital security specialists are calling for the immediate establishment of a National Health Cybersecurity Baseline. This framework would mandate minimum security standards for all health facilities before they are permitted to deploy AI technologies. Beyond technical fixes, there is a pressing need for comprehensive training and governance structures to manage digital risks effectively. Ensuring that the technological revolution in Tanzanian healthcare is matched by a corresponding commitment to data security will be vital to the success of the 2025–2030 strategy.

Standard Chartered Empowers Gen Z and Millennials to Navigate the AI-Driven Career Landscape
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Standard Chartered Empowers Gen Z and Millennials to Navigate the AI-Driven Career Landscape

In a strategic engagement at its Accra headquarters, Standard Chartered hosted a dynamic forum for Gen Z and Millennial professionals to explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of work. Led by global leaders Margaret Harwood-Jones and Michelle Lynn Swanepoel, the event served as a critical platform for Ghana’s young talent to dissect the evolving career landscape. The discussion moved away from the common fear of job displacement, instead fostering an optimistic view of AI as a powerful amplifier of human potential and a catalyst for professional growth. Central to the forum’s message was the philosophy of "people first, machines second." Speakers emphasized that while AI is exceptionally adept at automating repetitive tasks and processing vast datasets, it cannot replicate core human attributes such as empathy, creativity, and ethical judgment. These human-centric qualities were identified as the essential foundation for ensuring that technology remains a tool for advancement rather than a replacement for talent. The session encouraged participants to view AI as a partner in innovation, capable of handling technical heavy lifting while freeing humans to focus on high-value strategic thinking. To thrive in this new era, the forum underscored the necessity of "skill resetting" and the pursuit of continuous learning. Young professionals were urged to prioritize the development of soft skills alongside technical proficiency, as adaptability is becoming the most valuable asset in the modern economy. The discussion highlighted the emergence of specialized roles—including AI specialists and data analysts—while stressing that the ability to pivot and learn new systems will define career longevity in the financial services sector and beyond. Standard Chartered’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools and mindset required for a technology-driven future. By fostering a dialogue that balances rapid technical advancement with human-centric values, the bank aims to position its workforce at the forefront of the digital revolution. The forum concluded with a call to action for young professionals to lead with curiosity and ethical oversight, ensuring that the integration of AI ultimately serves to create a more resilient and innovative professional environment in Ghana.

Telecel Ghana Signals Readiness for 5G Launch, Calls for Transparent Spectrum Auction
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Telecel Ghana Signals Readiness for 5G Launch, Calls for Transparent Spectrum Auction

Telecel Ghana has officially declared its technical readiness to roll out 5G services across the country, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s digital evolution. Speaking in a recent interview, Patricia Obo-Nai, the Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, confirmed that the telecommunications giant is prepared to deploy the next-generation network once the regulatory framework and spectrum allocation details are finalized. This move positions Telecel as a key contender in the race to provide ultra-high-speed connectivity, which is expected to fundamentally transform the country's digital landscape and connectivity standards. Central to the rollout strategy is the CEO's call for a fair and competitive environment regarding the distribution of 5G frequencies. Obo-Nai emphasized the importance of a transparent spectrum allocation process, specifically advocating for an open auction system. She noted that such a mechanism would ensure that all telecommunications operators have an equitable opportunity to participate, fostering healthy competition that ultimately benefits the Ghanaian consumer. According to Obo-Nai, clarity on these regulatory processes remains the primary prerequisite before the company's infrastructure can be fully activated for public use. The deployment of 5G is anticipated to significantly enhance mobile internet speeds, offering lower latency and higher capacity compared to existing 4G networks. Beyond faster browsing for individual users, 5G technology is seen as a critical enabler for advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and smart city applications. Telecel Ghana, which serves millions of subscribers, views this technological upgrade as a necessity to meet the growing data demands of its customer base and to support the broader national agenda of digitalization and industrial growth. As the industry awaits a formal roadmap from the National Communications Authority (NCA) regarding 5G licensing, Telecel’s proactive stance highlights the urgency within the private sector to modernize Ghana’s connectivity infrastructure. The successful integration of 5G is expected to drive economic growth by improving business efficiency and opening new avenues for innovation in sectors like healthcare, education, and finance. The focus now shifts to the government’s next steps in the spectrum auction process, which will determine the timeline for Ghana's entry into the global 5G era.

Ghana Launches iCOLMS-GH Digital Platform to Regulate and Streamline Courier Sector
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Ghana Launches iCOLMS-GH Digital Platform to Regulate and Streamline Courier Sector

The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has officially launched the Integrated Courier and Logistics Management System – Ghana (iCOLMS-GH), a comprehensive digital platform designed to oversee and streamline the nation's burgeoning courier and logistics sector. Introduced against the backdrop of a significant rise in e-commerce activities, this initiative seeks to modernize the regulatory framework governing delivery services. By shifting administrative functions to a digital environment, the government aims to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that the infrastructure of Ghana’s digital economy remains robust and reliable. The new iCOLMS-GH platform provides a seamless, end-to-end digital experience for courier companies and individual delivery riders. Users can now apply for new licenses, process renewals, and verify their credentials entirely online. A key feature of the system is its integration with existing national databases, which facilitates rigorous verification of operators. This move is expected to drastically reduce the bureaucratic hurdles previously associated with manual registration, allowing businesses to focus on service delivery while maintaining compliance with national standards. A major pillar of the iCOLMS-GH launch is the enhancement of consumer safety and public trust. As the logistics industry grows, the platform offers a vital tool for the public to verify the legitimacy of service providers before engaging them. This transparency is designed to mitigate security risks associated with unregistered operators and to protect consumers from potential fraud. By providing a verifiable registry of licensed couriers, the system fosters a safer environment for both small-scale vendors and large-scale logistics firms operating within the country. In light of the launch, authorities have established a 19-day grace period to allow all current operators to register and align their businesses with the new digital requirements. Following the expiration of this deadline, strict enforcement protocols will be reinstated to ensure total compliance across the sector. This transition period is viewed as a critical window for the industry to professionalize, ensuring that Ghana’s logistics backbone is prepared for future growth and technological integration.

Ghana Shifts Focus from Digital Consumption to Production; Minister George Outlines 2026 Vision
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Ghana Shifts Focus from Digital Consumption to Production; Minister George Outlines 2026 Vision

At the 2026 FEMITECH Conference, Minister Samuel Nartey George announced a pivotal shift in Ghana’s technological trajectory, declaring that the nation is moving from being a consumer of digital services to a producer of digital solutions. This strategic redirection is part of a broader commitment by the Mahama administration to implement significant structural reforms rather than relying on superficial digital measures. The move is designed to anchor the country’s digital economy on production, ensuring that Ghana captures the full economic value of the global technological revolution. The Minister highlighted that the transition involves a deep integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into state processes and the substantial enhancement of digital public infrastructure. By building a more resilient and sophisticated digital backbone, the government aims to create an environment where local developers and tech firms can thrive. This approach focuses on developing homegrown solutions to address local challenges, thereby reducing the capital flight often associated with the procurement of foreign software and digital services. A core component of this digital transformation is the intentional empowerment of women within the technology sector. Minister George stressed that Ghana’s digital production goals cannot be achieved without the active and leadership-level participation of women. He urged young women in tech to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as the architects and contributors who will define the country's digital future. By prioritizing inclusivity, the government hopes to build a diverse workforce capable of driving innovation across all sectors. Looking forward, the Minister called for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors to sustain this momentum. He noted that the shift toward digital production requires a collective effort to mentor the youth and provide the necessary resources for innovation. As Ghana refines its digital public infrastructure, the ultimate goal remains clear: to transform the digital sector into a powerhouse of economic development that provides sustainable jobs and fosters national self-reliance in the 21st-century global economy.

UK-Ghana ST&I Initiative Equips Journalists to Transform Science and Technology Reporting
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UK-Ghana ST&I Initiative Equips Journalists to Transform Science and Technology Reporting

A cohort of twenty-five journalists and digital content creators in Ghana have commenced an intensive three-day training workshop designed to bolster science communication under the UK–Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) Media Capacity Programme. This initiative, a critical component of the broader five-year UK–Ghana ST&I Strategy (2023–2028), seeks to demystify complex scientific concepts and enhance public engagement with technological advancements across the country. By empowering media professionals with specialized tools and knowledge, the programme aims to ensure that scientific progress is accurately and effectively reflected in the national discourse. The curriculum focuses on essential competencies including research evaluation, sophisticated interview techniques, and multimedia storytelling, alongside a rigorous focus on the ethics of science reporting. Abigail Opoku Mensah, representing the Ghana National Research Fund, noted that while Ghana has seen significant scientific and research progress, a persistent communication gap often prevents these benefits from reaching the grassroots level. She emphasized that journalists act as the vital bridge between academic researchers and the general public, translating technical data into actionable information for citizens and policymakers alike. Furthering this perspective, Professor Jerry John Kponyo from the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) underscored that accurate science communication is not just about reporting facts, but ensuring that research translates into tangible societal benefits. He advocated for a paradigm shift in how researchers and journalists collaborate, suggesting that scientific findings should be translated into local Ghanaian languages to maximize accessibility and impact. As the workshop progresses, the ultimate goal remains the creation of a robust media ecosystem capable of driving Ghana’s development through informed, science-based public dialogue.

NPP Enhances Membership Management with Launch of Multi-Channel Digital Platforms
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NPP Enhances Membership Management with Launch of Multi-Channel Digital Platforms

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken a significant step toward digital transformation by launching several new platforms designed to streamline its membership registration and management processes. This initiative allows party members across the country to interact with the organization's administrative structures more efficiently, reflecting a broader trend of political parties in Ghana adopting technology to manage their grassroots base. By integrating modern digital tools into their core operations, the party aims to create a more accessible and responsive environment for its supporters nationwide. National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye announced that the new system provides multiple entry points for both existing and prospective members. Individuals can now register, update their personal details, and fulfill their financial obligations, such as paying dues, through a dedicated online portal or a specialized mobile application available on both iOS and Android devices. For members in areas with limited internet connectivity or those using basic feature phones, the party has introduced a USSD service accessible by dialing *920*279#, ensuring that the digital migration is inclusive of all demographics regardless of their technical infrastructure. According to Mr. Boakye, these technological interventions are aimed at more than just convenience; they are central to improving member engagement and enhancing the party's record management capabilities. By centralizing data and automating the dues collection process, the NPP expects to strengthen its organizational development and create a more transparent system for tracking its support base. This move is seen as a strategic effort to modernize political administration in Ghana, moving away from traditional paper-based systems that are often prone to errors, loss of data, and significant administrative delays. As the political landscape becomes increasingly competitive, the integration of digital tools is likely to play a crucial role in how parties mobilize and communicate with their constituents. The NPP’s adoption of these platforms sets a precedent for digital accountability and data-driven decision-making within the party's hierarchy. Moving forward, the success of this digital shift will depend on the widespread adoption by the party's rank and file, as well as the robustness of the security measures protecting the sensitive data of its millions of members.