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.

Telecel Ghana Secures NCA Approval for 5G Spectrum Expansion to Boost Mobile Broadband
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Telecel Ghana Secures NCA Approval for 5G Spectrum Expansion to Boost Mobile Broadband

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially awarded three spectrum lots in the 2.3 GHz band to Telecel Ghana, marking a significant milestone in the country's telecommunications landscape. This strategic allocation is specifically designed to accelerate the rollout of 5G services and significantly enhance mobile broadband capacity across the nation. Telecel successfully secured all the lots it applied for during a competitive licensing process, which also included frequency allocations in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands. This move underscores the regulator's commitment to expanding high-speed connectivity to meet the growing demands of Ghanaian consumers. Out of five total lots available in the 2.3 GHz band, Telecel’s acquisition of three lots positions the company to lead in the next generation of mobile connectivity. The competitive licensing process is part of a broader national strategy to optimize spectrum resources and ensure that telecommunications providers have the necessary infrastructure to support advanced digital services. By securing these vital frequencies, Telecel is now better equipped to upgrade its existing network architecture and deploy 5G technology, which promises lower latency and faster data speeds for its subscriber base. Komla Buami, Director of External Affairs at Telecel Ghana, emphasized that the spectrum award is a crucial step toward improving customer service and fostering the growth of Ghana’s digital economy. He highlighted that the additional capacity would allow the company to provide a more reliable and seamless user experience, which is essential as more businesses and individuals move their operations online. Buami also expressed the company's commitment to working with the NCA on spectrum rationalization, a process intended to streamline frequency usage to facilitate more efficient network investments and higher service quality across the industry. This development is expected to have far-reaching implications for Ghana's digital infrastructure. As the demand for mobile services continues to surge, the expansion of 5G connectivity will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and digital inclusion. The NCA’s efforts to rationalize spectrum resources are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector, providing a stable environment for operators to invest in future technologies. For Telecel, this expansion is not just about capacity but about building a robust foundation that will support the evolving needs of Ghana's digital-first future.

King Charles Issues Stern Warning to AI Executives Over ‘Existential Dangers’ of Misused Technology
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King Charles Issues Stern Warning to AI Executives Over ‘Existential Dangers’ of Misused Technology

King Charles has cautioned global technology leaders against the "existential dangers" of artificial intelligence during a high-profile summit held at Dumfries House. Addressing a room of prominent industry executives and policymakers, the monarch emphasized that while AI offers transformative potential, the consequences of the technology falling into the "wrong hands" could be catastrophic for humanity. The summit, which included UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan and representatives from pioneering firms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Nvidia, underscores the growing international concern regarding the rapid and often unchecked evolution of machine learning. The King’s address called for an urgent establishment of shared principles to guide the future of AI development, insisting that the technology must be designed to serve humanity rather than threaten it. His sentiments were echoed by Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, who stressed the critical importance of safety and responsible innovation. Sir Demis Hassabis, co-founder of Google DeepMind, also contributed to the discourse, highlighting the unprecedented speed at which AI capabilities are advancing and the technical challenges involved in maintaining control over autonomous systems. The gathering at Dumfries House comes amid a broader, often polarizing debate within the tech community and government circles. While some industry voices are advocating for immediate and stringent government oversight to mitigate long-term risks, others argue that fears of an existential threat are being exaggerated, potentially overshadowing more immediate issues like algorithmic bias and data privacy. Critics have noted that focusing on hypothetical future catastrophes might distract from the real-world harms currently being facilitated by existing AI technologies. As the global race for AI supremacy continues, the summit highlights a pivotal moment where traditional institutions are seeking to exert influence over Silicon Valley’s trajectory. The call for a unified framework suggests that the next phase of AI development will likely involve greater collaboration between private innovators and public stakeholders. For the international community, these discussions signal a shift toward a more regulated digital landscape where the "existential" label is no longer confined to science fiction but is a core consideration of modern governance.

Samuel Nartey George (2nd from left), Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, with Prof. Randolph Nsor-Ambala (3rd from right), Chief Executive Officer, DBG, and other dignitaries, launching the “BoaMi” Farmer AI Assistant. Picture: EDNA SALVO KOTEY
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Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George Calls for Specialized ICT Financing Models at DBG Roundtable

Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Samuel Nartey George, has called for a radical shift in how financial institutions approach the technology sector, arguing that traditional financing models are no longer sufficient. Speaking at an ICT Roundtable hosted by the Development Bank Ghana (DBG), the Minister emphasized that the funding structures currently utilized for the agriculture and manufacturing industries do not meet the unique, often intangible requirements of information and communication technology (ICT) businesses. He urged banks to evolve their credit assessment processes to better support the high-growth potential of the digital economy. During his address, the Minister highlighted specific areas within the tech landscape that require urgent and specialized financial instruments, including data center infrastructure, cybersecurity operations, and the scaling of tech startups. He pointed out that while traditional sectors rely on physical assets as collateral, the value of tech firms often resides in intellectual property and digital innovation. By designing unique funding models, financial institutions can help bridge the gap that currently prevents many Ghanaian innovators from accessing the capital needed to compete on a global scale. In a practical demonstration of the sector's potential, the event also saw the official launch of "BoaMi," an artificial intelligence assistant designed to improve agricultural productivity. This initiative illustrates the cross-cutting benefits of technology, showing how digital tools can modernize and optimize traditional sectors like farming. The Minister noted that such innovations are essential for national development but require a stable and supportive financial ecosystem to remain sustainable and reach their full potential. Concluding his remarks, Minister Samuel Nartey George reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing robust regulatory frameworks that provide security for both investors and technology firms. Under the administration of President John Mahama, the Ministry aims to foster a collaborative environment where the Development Bank Ghana and private lenders can safely expand their portfolios into the digital space. This strategic alignment between policy and finance is expected to serve as a catalyst for Ghana’s broader digital transformation goals.

Margins ID Group CEO Moses Baiden Urges Ghanaian Lawyers to Embrace AI at GBA Annual Conference
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Margins ID Group CEO Moses Baiden Urges Ghanaian Lawyers to Embrace AI at GBA Annual Conference

During the 2026/2027 Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Annual Conference held in Accra, Mr. Moses Baiden, the CEO of Margins ID Group, issued a compelling call to legal practitioners to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their workflows. Speaking to a gathering of the nation's legal elite, Baiden underscored that AI is poised to fundamentally reshape legal practice, judicial administration, and the broader landscape of access to justice in Ghana. He urged the Bar to move beyond traditional methods and prepare for a future defined by rapid technological evolution, ensuring that the Ghanaian legal system remains competitive in a globalized environment.\n\nDelivering a keynote address titled "From Quill to Algorithm," Baiden detailed the dramatic shifts expected in the legal sector over the next two decades. He emphasized that while the transition might seem daunting, it is an essential progression for maintaining relevance in a digital-first world. Crucially, Baiden clarified that while AI offers unprecedented capabilities in research and document analysis, it is intended to serve as a powerful tool rather than a replacement for the human element. He maintained that the core professional judgment and ethical considerations inherent to the legal profession remain irreplaceable by machines, even as algorithms take over more routine tasks.\n\nTo navigate this transition effectively, Baiden outlined four critical implications of AI for the legal field. He stressed the urgent need for lawyers to develop new competencies that blend traditional legal knowledge with technological literacy. Furthermore, he advocated for the modernization of legal systems to accommodate digital evidence and automated processes. A key highlight of his address was the call for the development of indigenous legal technology solutions. Baiden argued that creating tools specifically tailored to the local legal context and Ghanaian jurisprudence is vital for ensuring that the benefits of AI are fully realized within the country's unique legal framework.\n\nAs Ghana continues to position itself as a hub for innovation in West Africa, the legal profession's adaptation to AI represents a significant milestone in national development. Baiden’s remarks suggest that the proactive adoption of these technologies will not only enhance the efficiency of law firms but also play a pivotal role in clearing judicial backlogs and making legal services more accessible to the average citizen. The conference ended with a clear mandate for the GBA: to lead the charge in fostering a tech-savvy legal community prepared for the complexities of the mid-21st century.

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Rejects Calls for AI Development Slowdown, Cites Market and Legal Incentives for Safety

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has publicly opposed calls for a coordinated industry-wide slowdown in artificial intelligence development, arguing that existing market competition and legal liability frameworks provide sufficient incentive for labs to build safely. In comments made on September 16, 2026, Zuckerberg’s remarks highlighted a growing rift among tech leaders regarding the pace of AI advancement. While some competitors have raised alarms about existential risks, Zuckerberg maintains that individual responsibility and the threat of litigation are enough to keep the industry’s progress within safe and manageable bounds. The Meta chief’s stance stands in direct contrast to the position taken by other prominent industry figures, such as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, who has recently urged a deceleration due to concerns over catastrophic risks. Zuckerberg countered this perspective by suggesting that labs failing to prioritize "alignment"—the process of ensuring AI behavior matches human values—will naturally fall behind in the competitive landscape. He revealed that Meta has already experienced internal delays in its own AI releases specifically to refine safety protocols, emphasizing that the company’s priority remains creating functional, user-friendly products rather than autonomous, self-improving systems. Beyond the internal dynamics of tech companies, the debate is drawing significant scrutiny from federal regulators. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson recently issued a warning against AI firms that might seek antitrust exemptions while simultaneously lobbying for new regulatory hurdles. This indicates that while companies like Meta advocate for self-regulation through market forces and existing liability laws, they face a skeptical regulatory environment concerned with both technological safety and the preservation of fair competition. As the global race for AI dominance intensifies, the tension between rapid innovation and precautionary restraint continues to define the sector. Zuckerberg’s reliance on liability as a primary safety mechanism suggests that the legal system, rather than collective industry pacts, may serve as the ultimate brake on reckless development. With Meta and its peers under constant pressure to meet user demands while navigating these complex risks, the coming months will likely see further debate on whether individual corporate responsibility is sufficient to manage the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

Klenam Tamakloe and Funza AI to Launch SMS-Based Artificial Intelligence to Bridge Ghana’s Digital Divide
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Klenam Tamakloe and Funza AI to Launch SMS-Based Artificial Intelligence to Bridge Ghana’s Digital Divide

A Ghanaian startup led by tech professional Klenam Tamakloe has unveiled Funza AI, a pioneering service designed to bring artificial intelligence to the millions of Africans who lack smartphones or reliable internet connectivity. Scheduled for an official launch in November 2026, Funza AI utilizes simple SMS technology to allow users to interact with AI models. This initiative is positioned as a critical tool for bridging the digital divide, ensuring that the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence do not leave behind those in rural or marginalized communities across the continent. The service operates by allowing individuals to send questions via standard text messages and receive AI-generated responses directly on their basic mobile devices. This approach specifically targets key demographic groups, including farmers seeking agricultural advice, students in remote areas requiring educational support, and small business operators looking for market insights. By removing the requirement for expensive hardware and data plans, Funza AI democratizes access to information that was previously restricted to those with high-end technology and consistent internet access. Tamakloe and his team draw a direct parallel between Funza AI and the mobile money revolution, which transformed financial inclusion across Africa by leveraging existing telecommunications infrastructure rather than traditional banking systems. By mirroring this successful model, the startup aims to create an AI ecosystem tailored to African realities. The project has also sparked significant discussion within Ghana’s tech ecosystem regarding the necessity for increased government support for local innovations, advocating for a future where technological empowerment is a universal right rather than a luxury for the urban elite.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Urges Public Trust Amidst "Legitimate" Fears Over AI Advancements
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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Urges Public Trust Amidst "Legitimate" Fears Over AI Advancements

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has called on the global community to trust artificial intelligence developers while acknowledging that people are "right to be afraid" of the technology’s rapid pace of evolution. Speaking at a conference in San Francisco, Altman addressed growing anxieties regarding the potential existential risks posed by unregulated AI. Despite these concerns, he advocated for a model of industry-led self-regulation, asserting that tech firms are best positioned to navigate the complex safety challenges associated with high-level AI development. Altman’s comments come in response to mounting scrutiny and a recent viral warning from an AI researcher regarding the threats posed by advanced systems. During his address, Altman emphasized that AI companies must ensure their safety protocols remain aligned with their technological capabilities. He notably pledged that OpenAI and similar firms would be willing to pause development if they felt the progress of their systems was becoming uncontrollable. This stance was echoed by other industry heavyweights, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang, and Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, all of whom have voiced a preference for internal safety measures over rigid government-mandated regulations. However, the push for self-regulation has met with significant skepticism from critics who question whether Silicon Valley can be trusted to police itself effectively. While tech leaders focus on "responsible innovation" and are currently engaged in discussions to establish industry-wide safety standards, detractors point to the historical track record of tech giants as a reason for caution. As the debate over AI governance intensifies, the outcome of these industry agreements will likely determine whether the public’s fear can be transformed into the trust that Altman and his peers are seeking.

Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman Warns of ‘Disastrous Impact’ from Anthropic’s Claude AI Training Approach
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Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman Warns of ‘Disastrous Impact’ from Anthropic’s Claude AI Training Approach

Mustafa Suleyman, Microsoft’s Head of AI, has issued a significant warning regarding the developmental trajectory of Anthropic’s AI model, Claude. Suleyman cautioned that the current approach to training such systems—specifically the tendency to anthropomorphize AI—could lead to "disastrous" consequences for humanity. This critique centers on the danger of projecting human-like consciousness or agency onto software that is fundamentally a tool, rather than a sentient being. Suleyman’s concerns stem from what he perceives as a misleading portrayal of AI capabilities. He asserts that artificial intelligence systems, including rivals like Claude, are devoid of feelings, desires, or independent agency. By treating these models as if they possess consciousness, developers risk creating a false narrative that obscures the reality of the technology. Suleyman argues that maintaining a clear distinction between human cognition and algorithmic processing is essential to ensuring AI remains a controllable and safe instrument of human progress. To mitigate these risks, Suleyman is calling for heightened transparency in AI training protocols and the implementation of robust, independent monitoring systems. He advocates for third-party scrutiny of AI behaviors to ensure that they operate within ethical and safety bounds. This sentiment is shared by other prominent figures in the field, including computer scientist Dame Wendy Hall, who emphasized the necessity of these high-level discussions to prevent unforeseen risks associated with rapid AI advancements. The public friction between industry leaders like Microsoft and Anthropic highlights a deepening philosophical and technical rift within the global tech sector. As AI models become increasingly sophisticated, the debate over how they are presented to the public—and how they are regulated—will likely intensify. Suleyman’s warning serves as a call to action for the industry to prioritize transparency and prudent oversight, ensuring that the potential risks he identifies remain a theoretical concern rather than an inevitable outcome of the current technological race.

NCA Awards Three 5G Spectrum Lots to Telecel Ghana to Boost National Broadband Capacity
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NCA Awards Three 5G Spectrum Lots to Telecel Ghana to Boost National Broadband Capacity

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially awarded three spectrum lots in the 2.3 GHz band to Telecel Ghana, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications development. This move is designed to accelerate the rollout of 5G services and substantially enhance mobile broadband capacity across the nation. Telecel secured these lots through a competitive licensing process, emerging as a key beneficiary in the government's effort to optimize national spectrum resources and meet the growing demand for high-speed connectivity. During the competitive tender, which also included frequencies in the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands, five total lots were made available in the 2.3 GHz band. Telecel successfully secured all three lots for which it applied, reinforcing its infrastructure to support advanced mobile services. This allocation is seen as a vital step in ensuring that Ghana remains competitive in the global digital landscape by providing the necessary frequency assets for telecommunications providers to scale their operations. Reacting to the award, Mr. Komla Buami, Director of External Affairs at Telecel Ghana, emphasized that the new spectrum would lead to a direct improvement in customer service quality and network resilience. He highlighted that the acquisition is crucial for supporting the growth of Ghana’s digital economy and providing a better experience for mobile users. Furthermore, Mr. Buami expressed the company’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with the NCA regarding spectrum rationalization, a process intended to facilitate more efficient network investments and superior service delivery. The expansion of 5G connectivity is expected to have far-reaching implications for various sectors, providing the necessary infrastructure for innovation in fintech, education, and digital entrepreneurship. As Telecel integrates these new frequencies into its network, the NCA's broader strategy of spectrum management continues to focus on optimizing resources for the benefit of all Ghanaians. This development underscores the nation's proactive approach to digital transformation and its long-term goal of achieving robust, high-speed connectivity for all citizens.

Real Intelligence must be free to the world – Prof. Ato Duncan
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Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan Launches 'Real Intelligence' Initiative to Counter Global AI Overdependence

Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan, the President of the Centre of Awareness Global Peace Mission, has officially launched the "Real Intelligence" (RI) initiative in Ghana’s Central Region, issuing a stern warning against the global overreliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Prof. Duncan argued that a future built solely on AI lacks a sustainable path for humanity, as the technology primarily engages the "outer self" and "psychic consciousness" of individuals. He advocated for a paradigm shift where technological development is balanced with the innate, inner intelligence found within the human soul, which he describes as the true essence of humanity. The "Real Intelligence" initiative is envisioned as a global asset, with Prof. Duncan emphasizing that this knowledge must be made freely available to the world to ensure equitable progress. According to the professor, while AI has its uses, it cannot replace the true consciousness that resides within the soul—the core of what he defines as Real Intelligence. He further warned of an "inevitable internal shutdown" that could arise from current technological trajectories if they remain unanchored by spiritual and internal consciousness. Consequently, the initiative seeks to promote further research and technology development that prioritizes these deeper human elements. Supporting the initiative, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, the Paramount Chief of the Abeadze Traditional Area, urged Ghanaians and the international community to embrace and support the RI concept. He characterized the innovation as a significant contribution from Ghana to the world, highlighting its potential to benefit humanity at large. The launch concludes with a call for a more holistic approach to innovation, positioning Real Intelligence as a vital intellectual and spiritual anchor necessary to navigate the future of human development safely and effectively.

Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel Signals Readiness to Implement Daily Time Limits for Teen Snapchat Users
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Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel Signals Readiness to Implement Daily Time Limits for Teen Snapchat Users

Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel has expressed a willingness to introduce daily time limits for teenage users on Snapchat, a move that signals a potential shift in how social media platforms manage youth engagement. Speaking in a recent interview, Spiegel indicated that the company is open to setting industry norms to address growing concerns over app addictiveness. This development comes as Meta, Snapchat's primary competitor, recently committed to similar safety measures following a massive $12.7 billion legal settlement concerning the impact of its platforms on younger audiences. Spiegel suggested that a daily limit of approximately two hours for teenagers could serve as a beneficial benchmark for the social media industry. While Snap already offers a "Family Centre" feature that allows parents to monitor their children's usage and interactions, the implementation of hard time limits would represent a more proactive approach to digital wellbeing. Despite the openness to these changes, the CEO stopped short of providing a specific timeline for when such restrictions might be enforced. He emphasized, however, that Snap aims to be part of the solution in creating a safer online environment for young people. The conversation around user safety coincides with Snap's latest push into high-end hardware. The company recently unveiled its next generation of "Specs" smart glasses, which are set to retail at $2,195 in the United States. These advanced augmented reality (AR) glasses are designed to merge artificial intelligence with the physical world, offering features that suggest activities based on user preferences and providing seamless connectivity with Apple devices. Targeted primarily at developers, tech enthusiasts, and enterprise users, the Specs glasses represent Snap’s long-term vision of shifting interaction from smartphone screens to immersive AR environments. As Snap explores these restrictive measures, the broader social media landscape remains divided. While Meta is moving forward with its own safety initiatives, other major platforms like TikTok and YouTube have yet to comment on whether they will adopt similar time-limit standards. For Snap, the challenge lies in balancing its growth as a hardware innovator with the increasing regulatory and public demand for accountability regarding the mental health of its youngest users. The eventual rollout of these time limits could redefine the platform's relationship with its teen demographic and set a precedent for the entire tech sector.

Ericsson celebrates 30 years in Ghana and 150 years globally
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Ericsson Marks 30 Years of Telecommunications Leadership and Digital Transformation in Ghana

Ericsson, the global telecommunications giant, has reached a significant double milestone, celebrating its 150th anniversary globally and 30 years of operations in Ghana. At a high-level event held in Accra, the company reflected on its journey since entering the Ghanaian market in 1996 and reaffirmed its commitment to the nation's digital future. The celebration brought together key industry stakeholders to recognize Ericsson's role as a primary architect of the country's modern communications landscape, facilitating infrastructure that has connected millions of citizens over three decades. Since establishing its presence in Ghana, Ericsson has been instrumental in several foundational advancements that shaped the local industry. The company was the driving force behind the launch of Ghana's first commercial GSM network, a move that fundamentally changed how Ghanaians communicate and conduct business. Over the years, this partnership has evolved through the introduction of subsequent generations of mobile technology, including the rollout of 3G and 4G services. These technological milestones have not only improved personal connectivity but have also served as a backbone for economic growth and social development across the country. Looking toward the future, Ericsson is positioning itself as a strategic partner in Ghana's quest for digital leadership. The company is prioritizing the deployment of next-generation technologies, specifically 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cloud-based innovations. Beyond hardware infrastructure, there is a renewed focus on expanding mobile financial services and enhancing digital inclusion for underserved communities. By leveraging these advanced technologies, Ericsson aims to support Ghana’s ambition of becoming a regional digital hub, ensuring that the benefits of high-speed connectivity and automation translate into tangible opportunities for local businesses and the broader economy.