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.

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Anthropic seeks rehearing over Pentagon security risk branding

AI developer Anthropic has officially requested that a United States appeals court reconsider a decision that affirmed the Pentagon’s classification of the firm as a national security supply chain risk. The legal move follows a prior ruling that upheld the Department of Defense’s assessment of the company. By filing for a rehearing, Anthropic is challenging the judicial endorsement of its status as a security liability within the national defense supply chain. The primary justification for the Pentagon’s classification involves concerns regarding Anthropic’s technology guardrails. Federal authorities have highlighted safety and security issues related to how the company’s artificial intelligence systems are protected and controlled. This designation as a supply chain risk suggests that the government maintains significant reservations about the robustness of the safety protocols Anthropic has implemented to govern its AI models. The request for a rehearing represents a critical step for Anthropic as it attempts to navigate the intersection of high-level technology development and national security requirements. A reconsideration by the appeals court could lead to a reversal of the risk branding, whereas a denial would solidify the Pentagon's current stance. This case remains a focal point for the AI industry, as it demonstrates the rigorous security standards being applied to private-sector technological innovations by the U.S. military.

Shaima Hussein urges Ghana to prioritise home-grown AI solutions
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Shaima Hussein urges Ghana to prioritise home-grown AI solutions

Shaima Hussein, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative, has called on the Ghanaian government to prioritise locally developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to address specific national needs. Speaking at a training workshop in Accra, Ms. Hussein emphasized that home-grown innovations are essential for maintaining digital sovereignty and ensuring that technological advancements align with the country's unique socio-economic landscape. The initiative seeks to shift the focus from over-reliance on external technologies toward building internal capacity within the public sector. The training session, which was funded by the Government of Japan, targeted 50 government officials who are being prepared to serve as certified Digital and AI Champions. These officials are expected to lead a coordinated approach to digital transformation across various state agencies. Ms. Hussein highlighted that the integration of AI into public services should not be a haphazard process but a deliberate effort to enhance the efficiency of public institutions and the delivery of digital services to citizens. A significant portion of the UNDP's advocacy focused on the ethics of technological adoption. Ms. Hussein urged the participating officials to evaluate AI technologies with a critical eye, emphasizing the need for robust data governance and responsible adoption frameworks. By addressing ethical concerns and ensuring data security, Ghana can foster a sustainable digital ecosystem. This sentiment was echoed by Emmanuel Ofori from the Ministry of Communication, who noted that AI plays an increasingly vital role in data-driven decision-making and encouraged participants to innovate within their respective sectors. Ultimately, the programme aims to foster long-term digital development that remains responsive to the specific requirements of the Ghanaian people. By empowering civil servants with the tools to manage and implement AI, the UNDP and its partners hope to build a public sector that is both technologically advanced and ethically grounded. This focus on local solutions is intended to ensure that the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution are felt across all levels of Ghanaian society.

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Michael Gore unveils plant technology to signal nitrogen deficiency

Professor Michael Gore of Cornell University has introduced a groundbreaking "sentinel" plant technology designed to assist farmers in managing nitrogen levels in their crops. Speaking at the 9th International Plant Phenotyping Symposium in Accra, Professor Gore explained that this innovation allows plants to change color when they experience nitrogen stress. This visual cue serves as an immediate indicator for farmers, enabling them to address nutrient deficiencies before they impact crop yields or result in wasted resources. The technology addresses the critical challenge of nitrogen fertilizer waste, which is both a financial burden for farmers and a significant environmental hazard. By utilizing these sentinel plants, farmers can apply fertilizer with much greater precision, targeting only the areas or crops that truly need supplementation. This method significantly reduces the volume of nitrogen runoff, which is a major contributor to water pollution and the degradation of local ecosystems, while simultaneously lowering production costs for agricultural workers. The symposium in Accra served as a vital platform to highlight the importance of agricultural innovation and international partnerships in bolstering food security across Africa. Attendees emphasized that such technological advancements are essential for navigating modern agricultural challenges and ensuring sustainable farming practices. By integrating sentinel plants into existing farming systems, African agricultural sectors can improve efficiency and better manage resources in an era of changing climatic conditions and rising input costs.

Eyram Tawia (left), CEO and Co-Founder, Leti Arts, in a handshake with Patrick Awuah, President, Ashesi University, after signing the agreement. With them is Dr Bless Sefenu Agordjo, Senior Manager, Digital Services and Verticals, MTN Ghana. Picture: DOUGLAS ANANE-FRIMPONG
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MTN Ghana signs MoU with Ashesi University to launch Gaming Academy

MTN Ghana, Ashesi University, and Leti Arts have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the growth of the local gaming industry. Announced at the 2026 MTN Digifest Gaming Conference, this partnership marks a significant milestone in MTN’s 30th-anniversary celebrations. The collaboration is designed to create a sustainable ecosystem for digital entertainment and professional game development by providing structured training and internship opportunities for students. The centerpiece of the agreement is the establishment of a Gaming Academy, which will focus on developing specialized skills in game design and technical development. Beyond traditional entertainment, the partners aim to explore the practical applications of gamification in critical sectors such as agriculture and education. By using interactive technology to simplify complex concepts and improve engagement, the initiative seeks to drive innovation across the broader Ghanaian economy. Speaking on the significance of the partnership, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Ashesi University emphasized that gaming is a powerful tool for fostering critical-thinking skills and creating high-value local employment. The collaboration will involve joint efforts in curriculum development to ensure that academic training remains aligned with the needs of the evolving digital economy. This approach is also intended to empower local creators to promote African culture and narratives through digital media for a global audience. This initiative aligns with national efforts to position Ghana as a competitive hub for the digital economy. By combining MTN’s technological infrastructure, Ashesi’s academic excellence, and Leti Arts’ industry expertise, the partners intend to build a robust pipeline of talent. The MoU sets the stage for future projects aimed at bridging the gap between local academia and the burgeoning global gaming market, ensuring that Ghanaian youth are equipped to lead in the digital space.

US Department of Justice The device was allegedly concealed in toilet paper.
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Abdulrahman Alfozan charged for planting recording device in OpenAI office

Abdulrahman Alfozan, a Saudi national and software engineer, has been charged with allegedly planting a sophisticated recording device within the San Francisco headquarters of artificial intelligence leader OpenAI. The device was discovered on September 30, 2025, hidden in a conference room used for discussing sensitive product developments. Prosecutors allege that Alfozan, who had joined the company in July 2025, intended to capture confidential communications regarding the firm’s internal research and upcoming AI models. The breach was uncovered when staff found a recording device wrapped in toilet paper and plugged into a USB port on a television inside a meeting room. Following the discovery, OpenAI utilized its own internal AI-powered tools and surveillance footage to conduct a rapid investigation. This analysis linked the hardware to Alfozan, and surveillance records confirmed he had unauthorized access to the room during confidential sessions. Investigators further discovered that Alfozan had meticulously planned the placement of the bug. According to the charges, he used OpenAI’s internal productivity software and an AI chatbot to research the optimal placement for audio equipment to ensure clear sound capture. This digital trail, combined with the physical evidence found on-site, led to his arrest and the immediate termination of his employment. Alfozan now faces federal charges and could be sentenced to up to five years in prison along with a $250,000 fine if convicted. The FBI, which is leading the ongoing investigation, emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding technological innovation from corporate and foreign espionage. OpenAI stated that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement to secure its intellectual property and maintain the integrity of its research environment.

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Samuel Nartey George orders audit of 2,016 rural telephony sites

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has directed the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) to conduct a comprehensive audit of 2,016 rural telephony and community network sites across the country. The directive was announced during the Minister's visit to the Sekyere Afram Plains District, where he inaugurated four new network sites. The audit is designed to verify the construction status, active operational status, and traffic capacity of each site involved in the national project. Minister George emphasized that the assessment is necessary to clarify the performance of contractors and determine the amount of outstanding work remaining on the inherited sites. By evaluating the operational functionality of the infrastructure, the government aims to ensure that the project effectively serves its purpose of connecting underserved areas. This process will provide the Ministry with a clear overview of the national network's health and the current status of facilities that have already been deployed. A primary objective of this audit is to facilitate a technological transition from 3G to 4G connectivity across the network to improve digital access for residents. To address the challenge of reaching communities that lack access to the national electricity grid, the government is utilizing solar-powered solutions. This approach ensures that internet and telephony services can be extended to remote regions without being hindered by power infrastructure limitations. Following the audit's commencement, the Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the project contractor for next week to evaluate current progress and address any gaps identified in the project's execution. This initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to enhance digital inclusion and provide reliable communication services to rural and marginalized communities throughout Ghana.

Samuel Nartey George (left), Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, addressing some of the coders undergoing training at the Kwadaso Regional Information Centre
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Samuel Nartey George targets 100,000 digital jobs in two years

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced a target to create 100,000 digitally enabled jobs over the next two years. This objective is being pursued through the government’s One Million Coders programme, which seeks to equip the youth with high-level technical skills. Speaking during a working visit to the Ashanti Region, the Minister explained that the ministry is transitioning from a focus on basic training to ensuring that participants are successfully integrated into the workforce. As part of the initiative, the ministry presented 2,000 computers to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to enhance its digital training infrastructure. This donation is intended to expand the reach of the One Million Coders programme and provide students with the tools necessary to compete in the digital economy. Mr. George emphasized the importance of participants completing their full training modules, noting that total completion is vital for improving employability. He also challenged KNUST to develop Artificial Intelligence initiatives tailored to protecting and preserving indigenous Ghanaian languages. Professor Christian Agyare, representing KNUST, welcomed the donation and noted that the provision of additional laptops would significantly boost the university's capacity to reduce youth unemployment. He stated that the partnership with the government provides a practical pathway for students to gain industry-relevant skills. The visit to the Ashanti Region is part of a broader monitoring tour by the Ministry of Communication to assess the progress of digital skills programmes and explore further expansion across the country’s tertiary institutions.

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Kwami Ahiabenu warns businesses of economic risks in global AI gold rush

Technological analyst Kwami Ahiabenu has drawn a stark comparison between the current surge in artificial intelligence (AI) investment and historical gold rushes, cautioning that many participants risk significant financial loss. In his analysis, Ahiabenu identifies three critical economic lessons from history: only a small percentage of "miners" typically see a profit, traditional business methods often yield the most sustainable results, and infrastructure suppliers—the "shovel sellers"—are the most likely to thrive regardless of the outcome for individual speculators. The current AI boom has triggered a global race among governments and private enterprises to leverage the technology for productivity and innovation. This has led to massive investments in AI infrastructure as entities scramble to secure a foothold in the market. However, Ahiabenu notes that the competitive landscape is fraught with risks for those who invest without a clear strategy for value addition. He argues that simply adopting the latest tools is insufficient; instead, businesses must position themselves strategically within the supply chain or provide essential services that support the broader ecosystem. To secure real value in this evolving digital environment, Ahiabenu advocates for a synthesis of AI capabilities with deep domain expertise. He stresses that the most successful entities will be those that use AI to solve specific, complex problems within their respective industries rather than chasing the technology for its own sake. As the AI landscape continues to evolve, Ahiabenu concludes that organizations must carefully navigate the environment by focusing on infrastructure and specialized knowledge to avoid being left behind in the race for digital transformation.

Divine Selase Agbeti urges international cooperation on cybercrime
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Divine Selase Agbeti urges international cooperation on cybercrime

Dr. Divine Selase Agbeti, the Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), has called for enhanced international partnerships to combat the rising tide of trans-border digital threats. Speaking at the 2026 Morocco Cybersecurity Week, Dr. Agbeti emphasized that the global nature of cybercrime requires a unified response that transcends national borders. He argued that international cooperation must go beyond formal agreements to deliver tangible technical benefits that protect the digital infrastructure of participating nations. During his address, the CSA chief highlighted the critical necessity of threat intelligence sharing and coordinated responses between countries. He noted that as digital threats become increasingly sophisticated, individual nations cannot effectively secure their systems in isolation. Dr. Agbeti advocated for joint efforts that result in practical, actionable advantages, which are essential for safeguarding Ghana’s digital economy and the broader African digital landscape from malicious actors. Beyond diplomatic collaboration, Dr. Agbeti stressed the importance of strengthening national institutions and making significant investments in technical skills. He pointed out that the long-term resilience of Africa's digital future is intrinsically linked to the ability of nations to secure emerging technologies. Building and maintaining public trust in digital systems, he added, is a prerequisite for the continued growth and stability of the continent’s digital ecosystem. The Director-General’s remarks signal a push for a more proactive and integrated approach to cybersecurity within the region. By calling for a shift from symbolic agreements to active technical cooperation, Dr. Agbeti underscored Ghana's commitment to leading regional security initiatives. The address at the Morocco Cybersecurity Week serves as a reminder that the safety of the continent’s digital transformation depends on collective vigilance and shared expertise.

Mastercard records nearly 70,000 cyber events across Africa in 2025
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Mastercard records nearly 70,000 cyber events across Africa in 2025

Mastercard has released a report detailing a sharp rise in cyber threats across Africa, documenting nearly 70,000 cyber events on the continent during 2025. The findings highlight a dramatic 421.4% increase in cyber attacks between 2016 and 2025, a growth rate that significantly outpaces the global average of 307.3%. This surge underscores the growing vulnerability of Africa's rapidly expanding digital landscape to increasingly sophisticated criminal activities. Financial services and public institutions were identified as the primary targets, accounting for 44% of all recorded cyber events. These sectors are critical to the continent's economic stability and public trust, yet they remain under constant pressure from digital attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in essential infrastructure. The research indicates that the intensity of these attacks is closely tied to the increasing digitalization of services and the rapid adoption of digital payment systems across the region. A major factor compounding these security risks is a severe talent deficit within the continent's technology sector. According to Mastercard, Africa currently faces a shortage of approximately 200,000 cybersecurity professionals. This gap in expertise makes it difficult for both private companies and government agencies to implement robust defense mechanisms or respond effectively to breaches. The report suggests that without a significant investment in specialized training and workforce development, the continent remains at a strategic disadvantage. These findings come as Africa’s digital economy is poised for unprecedented growth, with digital payments projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030. Mastercard emphasizes that building a secure digital ecosystem is essential to maintaining public confidence and protecting critical infrastructure. As the continent continues its digital transformation, the report serves as a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize cybersecurity measures and collaborative frameworks to safeguard Africa's economic future.

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Nvidia share of China AI chip market drops to 34 percent

Nvidia’s dominance in the Chinese data-centre AI chip market has declined significantly, with the company’s market share falling to 34% in the first half of 2026. This shift marks a substantial retreat for the American semiconductor giant, which saw its shipments drop by 44% during the period. The decline is largely the result of tightened US export controls that have restricted the sale of advanced chips to China, creating an opening for domestic competitors to gain ground. Huawei has been the most prominent among these local rivals, capturing 28% of the market share. The Chinese technology leader shipped approximately 572,000 AI accelerators in the first half of the year, closing the gap with Nvidia as domestic enterprises increasingly opt for locally produced hardware. This surge in Huawei's performance underscores the growing capability of Chinese firms to provide alternatives to restricted Western technology amidst ongoing trade tensions. The overall market for AI hardware in China presents a complex picture. Total shipments of AI accelerators rose to 2.008 million units, yet the market for graphics processing units (GPUs) specifically contracted by 26%. This divergence indicates a changing preference in the types of processors being deployed for artificial intelligence tasks. Despite the decline in GPU sales, the International Data Corporation (IDC) anticipates that total accelerator shipments in China will grow by 19% throughout the year. As Nvidia navigates the challenges of trade restrictions, the landscape of China’s technology sector continues to evolve toward greater self-reliance. The competition between international suppliers and local manufacturers is expected to sharpen as Chinese firms invest more heavily in research and development to match the performance of high-end global standards. The ongoing growth in total shipments suggests that the demand for AI processing power in China remains high, even as the sources of that power shift toward domestic providers.

Shaima Hussein urges Ghana to prioritise home-grown AI solutions
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Shaima Hussein urges Ghana to prioritise home-grown AI solutions

Ms. Shaima Hussein, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has called on Ghana to prioritise the development of local artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to strengthen public institutions and ensure digital sovereignty. Speaking at the opening of a three-day training session in Accra, she emphasised that the nation's digital transformation should be driven by national priorities and home-grown innovations rather than a total reliance on external technologies. The training programme, organised by the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation in collaboration with the UNDP and funded by the Government of Japan, is designed to equip 50 government officials to serve as "Digital and AI Champions" within their respective ministries. These officials are being trained to lead the adoption of digital tools and improve the efficiency of public service delivery across the various sectors of government. Throughout the session, participants are encouraged to identify and address the specific barriers within their ministries that hinder digital integration. Ms. Hussein highlighted the importance of moving away from isolated, siloed projects toward a more coordinated, integrated approach to digital governance. She further noted that the initiative promotes the responsible adoption of AI, with a strong focus on establishing robust ethical safeguards and effective data governance frameworks. This training initiative marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to transition into a digitally-led economy. By fostering a cohort of internal experts, the government aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where technology is leveraged effectively to meet the evolving needs of the public. The collaboration between the Ministry, the UNDP, and international partners underscores a shared commitment to building a resilient digital infrastructure that supports long-term national development goals.