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.

Third edition of Ghana's AI summit and awards to take place in March 2027 in Accra
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Ghana AI Summit and Awards 2027 to Convene in Accra to Shape "The Intelligent Future"

Accra is set to host the third edition of the Ghana AI Summit and Awards on March 30 and 31, 2027. This landmark event, themed "THE INTELLIGENT FUTURE: People. Policy. Profit. Progress," seeks to position artificial intelligence (AI) as a primary driver for Ghana’s economic and social transformation. Coinciding with the nation’s 70th independence anniversary celebrations, the summit will serve as a high-level platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the practical applications of AI across critical sectors, ensuring the country remains competitive in the global digital landscape. The two-day event features a comprehensive agenda designed to bridge the gap between policy and implementation. Key highlights include an African AI Roundtable, which will bring together regional leaders to discuss continental strategies, alongside a dedicated one-day technical workshop and a main conference. These sessions will host experts focusing on how AI can revolutionize healthcare delivery, agricultural productivity, and the efficiency of governance systems. By fostering collaboration between tech innovators, policymakers, and private sector leaders, the summit aims to create a roadmap for sustainable AI adoption that prioritizes human-centric progress. Beyond intellectual discourse, the summit will actively celebrate excellence and encourage homegrown talent through the Ghana AI Awards 2027 and the National AI Challenge. The awards ceremony is intended to recognize the trailblazers and organizations that have significantly contributed to the growth of the local AI ecosystem. Meanwhile, the National AI Challenge will provide a competitive stage for innovators to showcase solutions to local problems, reinforcing the summit’s commitment to driving profit and progress within the Ghanaian economy. As Ghana prepares for this pivotal gathering in 2027, the focus remains on building an inclusive intelligent future that balances technological advancement with robust policy frameworks. Organizers emphasize that the summit is not merely an event but a catalyst for long-term development, aiming to solidify Ghana’s status as a regional hub for technological innovation. With the global AI landscape evolving rapidly, the insights and partnerships formed during this summit are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the nation's trajectory for decades to come.

Forestry Commission Unveils Smart Eco-Tourism Initiative to Digitalize Ghana’s National Parks
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Forestry Commission Unveils Smart Eco-Tourism Initiative to Digitalize Ghana’s National Parks

The Forestry Commission of Ghana has officially launched its celebrations for World Tourism Day 2026, centering on a bold vision to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced digital tools into the nation’s protected ecological sites. The four-day event, held at the Commission’s headquarters, adapts the global theme of digital transformation to a localized context: "From Protected Areas to Smart Destinations." This initiative signals a strategic shift in how Ghana intends to manage and promote its natural heritage, seeking to leverage technology to enhance visitor experiences while simultaneously bolstering conservation efforts. During the opening ceremony, Timothy Ataboadey Awontiirim, the Acting Deputy Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, underscored the necessity of evolving traditional conservation methods. He outlined plans to transform iconic locations such as Kakum National Park and Mole National Park into digitally-driven "eco-hubs." According to Awontiirim, these upgrades are not merely cosmetic but are designed to streamline operations and provide a more immersive experience for both domestic and international tourists, ensuring that Ghana remains competitive in the global tourism market through modernized infrastructure. A central feature of the celebration is the Smart Eco-Tourism Hackathon, an initiative where young Ghanaian developers and tech enthusiasts are tasked with creating software solutions for real-world operational challenges within the forestry sector. Alongside this, the Eco-Tourism Innovation Exhibition is showcasing cutting-edge technologies, including virtual reality (VR) tours that allow prospective visitors to preview parks and drone monitoring systems for enhanced surveillance of wildlife and forest boundaries. These tools represent a move toward high-tech stewardship and data-driven management of Ghana's natural resources. While the focus remains heavily on technological advancement, the Forestry Commission emphasized that digital tools are intended to serve, rather than replace, the natural environment. Awontiirim advocated for a sustainable approach where innovation supports ecological integrity and long-term environmental health. As the four-day event continues, it provides a vital platform for students, media professionals, and tourism partners to engage with these new technologies, setting a precedent for a more connected and technologically resilient tourism sector in Ghana.

KNUST Student Team Husker AI Secures Top Prize at Pan African AI Summit for Cocoa Waste Innovation
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KNUST Student Team Husker AI Secures Top Prize at Pan African AI Summit for Cocoa Waste Innovation

Husker AI, a student-led team from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has emerged victorious at the 2026 Pan African AI Summit Hack-AI-Thon. Held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra from September 22 to 23, 2026, the prestigious competition showcased the continent's growing technological prowess, attracting over 200 applications from which only five finalists were selected to compete. Husker AI's winning project addresses a critical challenge in Ghana's agricultural sector by leveraging artificial intelligence to transform discarded cocoa pod husks into a viable source of additional income for smallholder farmers. The team’s innovation utilizes AI algorithms to assess the physical quality and potential market value of cocoa husks, which are traditionally treated as agricultural waste. By providing a data-driven assessment, the system facilitates direct connections between farmers and industrial businesses that can process the husks into value-added products. This approach not only promises to bolster the livelihoods of cocoa producers but also promotes environmental sustainability within the supply chain by reducing waste. For their achievement, the Husker AI team was awarded a $1,000 cash prize and secured exclusive mentorship to help scale their solution. The 2026 Pan African AI Summit drew more than 1,000 delegates, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing Africa's unique socio-economic challenges. Having previously served as runners-up in the Ghana AI Innovation Challenge, the Husker AI team is now focused on moving beyond the prototype stage. Their next steps involve seeking local partnerships and refining their technology for real-world application, aiming to prove that local AI solutions can provide practical, commercial answers to systemic agricultural issues.

How ‘Lagos Life’ is capturing young Nigerians online
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Nigerian Developer Shalom Rayhamen’s ‘Lagos Life’ Simulation Game Surges Past 670,000 Players

‘Lagos Life,’ a web-based simulation game developed by Nigerian creator Shalom Rayhamen, has rapidly ascended to the forefront of the regional gaming scene, attracting over 670,000 players since its debut in early October 2026. Designed to capture the unique essence of Nigeria’s largest city, the game offers a digital playground where users navigate the complexities of urban life, from managing finances to social networking. By translating the high-energy ‘hustle’ of Lagos into an accessible online experience, Rayhamen has tapped into a growing appetite for culturally relevant digital content among the continent’s tech-savvy youth. The gameplay mechanics of ‘Lagos Life’ are deeply rooted in the socio-economic realities of the city. Players are introduced to the virtual world through randomized starting scenarios—either beginning with significant wealth or in a more precarious financial position—which fundamentally dictates their initial navigation strategies and survival tactics. This bifurcated approach allows players to experience the extremes of Lagosian society, punctuated by a soundtrack featuring local artists that enhances the immersive atmosphere. The simulation extends beyond mere economics, incorporating the cultural nuances and social dynamics that define the ‘Lagos experience,’ effectively turning everyday survival and success into a compelling gaming narrative. Despite its rapid success, the platform has faced significant operational challenges, particularly concerning its internal economy. Shortly after launch, the developer had to address exploits involving the game’s virtual currency, which threatened to destabilize the balanced environment intended for players. Rayhamen and his team have since implemented technical fixes to curb these exploits and maintain a fair playing field for all participants. These growing pains reflect the broader challenges faced by independent developers in West Africa as they scale platforms to meet massive, unexpected demand. Looking ahead, the success of ‘Lagos Life’ signals a significant shift in the African gaming industry toward hyper-local content that resonates with domestic audiences. By successfully digitizing the cultural identity of a major metropolis, the game serves as a blueprint for other developers across the continent to create experiences that reflect their own environments. As the developer continues to refine the simulation and address technical hurdles, ‘Lagos Life’ stands as a testament to the potential of niche, culturally-grounded gaming to compete with global mainstream titles in the regional market.

Samukele Mkhize
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Binance Intensifies Cybersecurity Initiatives in Africa Following $10.5 Billion Fraud Interception

In observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, cryptocurrency exchange Binance has launched a comprehensive security drive across Africa, urging users to adopt rigorous protective measures against the rising tide of online scams. The initiative comes as the exchange reports a significant milestone in its security operations, successfully intercepting approximately $10.53 billion in potential fraud between 2025 and early 2026. This effort underscores the critical importance of digital safety as blockchain adoption continues to expand across the continent, necessitating more robust defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. To maintain these security standards, Binance has disclosed a substantial financial commitment, investing approximately $300 million annually into compliance and user protection measures. This investment supports a dedicated workforce of 1,500 compliance staff who are tasked with monitoring global transactions and neutralizing threats in real-time. By allocating significant resources to compliance, the exchange aims to build a more secure infrastructure for African investors who are often targeted by cross-border phishing and investment scams. Educational outreach serves as a cornerstone of this safety campaign, highlighted by the "Know Your Scam" initiative and a series of technical training workshops. Binance reports that it has already provided free cryptocurrency education to more than 400,000 individuals, focusing on practical skills such as identifying fraudulent schemes and securing digital wallets. These programs are designed to bridge the knowledge gap in emerging markets, empowering users to recognize red flags before they fall victim to malicious actors. As the digital economy evolves under the administration of President John Mahama, the focus on cybersecurity remains a top priority for both financial institutions and technology providers. Binance's ongoing strategy involves deepening security partnerships and fostering a culture of transparency within the African crypto ecosystem. Moving forward, the exchange intends to continue its proactive approach to user education and system monitoring to ensure that the continent's digital financial future remains resilient and secure.

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako’s Book on Ghana’s Cybersecurity Featured at 15th UN Congress in Abu Dhabi
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Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako’s Book on Ghana’s Cybersecurity Featured at 15th UN Congress in Abu Dhabi

Ghana’s significant strides in digital security have gained international recognition at the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. A seminal book by Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, titled "The Republic: A Professional Journey, Ghana’s Cybersecurity and the Making of a Role Model Country," was selected for exhibition during the high-profile event held in Abu Dhabi from September 26 to October 1, 2026. Recommended by the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ), the publication highlights Ghana's successful evolution into a regional leader in cybersecurity and its commitment to international standards of digital safety. Published in November 2025, the book provides a comprehensive reflection on the development of Ghana’s cybersecurity framework and the strategic collaborations that underpinned its growth. During the congress, the work was featured among a select group of publications aimed at inspiring global cooperation toward building just and secure societies. Dr. Antwi-Boasiako emphasized that the book represents a documentation of the collective achievements of various stakeholders and individuals who have contributed to the nation’s digital defenses, framing Ghana's journey as a blueprint for other nations seeking to secure their digital frontiers. The recognition of this work carries long-term implications for Ghana’s international standing in the technology and security sectors. Following the conclusion of the congress, a copy of the book will be permanently preserved in the CCPCJ’s historical collections and housed in a library in Abu Dhabi for future reference. This preservation ensures that the insights from Ghana’s cybersecurity journey will remain accessible to global policymakers and security experts, solidifying the country’s reputation as a role model for developing nations in the realm of crime prevention and digital justice.

A close-up photograph of a white corporate sign featuring the blue Meta infinity logo and the company name in dark blue text. The rectangular sign is mounted on the exterior of a modern building with light-colored masonry.
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UK Regulator Ofcom Launches Investigation into Meta’s Instagram Instants Over Child Safety Risks

Britain’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has officially launched an investigation into Meta, the parent company of Instagram, to determine if the social media giant failed to properly assess risks before launching its "Instagram Instants" feature. The probe centers on whether Meta breached the UK’s stringent Online Safety Act by neglecting to conduct mandatory risk assessments related to illegal content and child safety prior to the feature's release in May. The Instants feature, which allows content to disappear immediately after it has been viewed, has raised significant alarms among regulators concerned that ephemeral messaging could be exploited for harmful or illicit activities. Ofcom has emphasized that under current UK law, technology platforms are required to integrate safety measures and conduct thorough impact evaluations at the design stage of any significant platform change, rather than attempting to address vulnerabilities after a product is already in the hands of the public. The regulator’s director highlighted that these assessments are not optional and are vital for protecting vulnerable users, particularly children, from exposure to dangerous material. The investigation will scrutinize Meta’s internal processes to verify if the company accurately identified and mitigated potential harms associated with the disappearing nature of the content. In response to the investigation, Meta has maintained that it takes its regulatory obligations seriously and asserts that it did perform a comprehensive risk analysis before deploying the feature. The company stated that it has already implemented specific tools and features designed to protect its user base but expressed a willingness to cooperate fully with Ofcom’s inquiries. However, the relationship remains complex, as Meta is simultaneously engaged in legal challenges against Ofcom regarding the specific implementation and interpretation of the Online Safety Act, highlighting a broader tension between big tech and national regulators. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for how social media companies operate within the United Kingdom. If found in breach of the law, Meta could face substantial fines or be forced to modify the Instagram Instants feature to align with safety standards. This case serves as a critical early test of the UK’s ability to enforce the Online Safety Act, signaling to other tech firms that the era of "move fast and break things" must now give way to a "safety-by-design" approach in the British market.

ASOS Investigates "Brazen" Cybersecurity Breach After App Users Receive Hacker Notifications
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ASOS Investigates "Brazen" Cybersecurity Breach After App Users Receive Hacker Notifications

Online fashion giant ASOS has launched an investigation into a security breach after thousands of customers received alarming unauthorized push notifications through the company's mobile application. On Tuesday morning, app users across multiple countries were startled by messages explicitly stating "ASOS HACKED." The company quickly acknowledged the incident, attributing the breach to unauthorized activity involving third-party platforms rather than a direct compromise of its core infrastructure. While the incident caused widespread confusion and concern, ASOS has sought to reassure its global customer base. Preliminary assessments by the company suggest that while some "basic personal information" may have been accessed, critical sensitive data—including passwords and payment information—is believed to remain secure. Despite the breach, both the ASOS website and mobile app remain fully operational, and the company has encouraged customers to continue shopping while the investigation proceeds. Cybersecurity experts have described the attack as an unusually brazen attempt at extortion. Unlike typical data breaches where hackers operate quietly to extract data for sale, this incident involved a direct and public confrontation with the company's clientele. The market reacted swiftly to the news, with ASOS shares experiencing a notable decline, falling by approximately 10% on the London Stock Exchange following the reports. ASOS is currently working alongside specialized cybersecurity consultants and has alerted the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the London Stock Exchange. Although the company is still assessing the full extent of the breach to determine if formal notification to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is required, it has advised users to remain vigilant. Security analysts recommend that users refrain from interacting with the suspicious notifications and consider updating their account passwords as a standard safety precaution.

CSA opens Cyber Security Awareness Month with call for stronger collaboration
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CSA Director-General Divine Selase Agbeti Launches 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month to Bolster Digital Finance Security

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana has officially launched the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) at the University of Ghana, marking the fifth anniversary of the Authority’s establishment. Under the theme "Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust Through Collaboration and Cyber Resilience," the month-long initiative aims to unify stakeholders against the growing sophistication of cyber threats. Director-General Mr. Divine Selase Agbeti opened the event with a strong appeal for a coordinated defense strategy, emphasizing that the stability of Ghana's digital economy depends on the collective vigilance of both public and private sectors. Throughout his address, Mr. Agbeti underscored that cybersecurity must no longer be viewed merely as a technical issue but as a critical business risk with profound national security implications. He highlighted the emergence of new challenges posed by artificial intelligence, which cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging to orchestrate complex attacks. To counter these threats, the Director-General urged financial institutions, fintech firms, and telecommunications providers to enhance their cooperation. A central pillar of this strategy includes the establishment of a digital fraud monitoring system and the real-time sharing of actionable threat intelligence to stay ahead of malicious actors. The urgency of this year’s campaign is underscored by data showing that online fraud incidents accounted for a significant portion of reported cybersecurity issues in 2026. The CSA noted that the digital finance landscape is particularly vulnerable, requiring comprehensive cooperation to maintain public confidence in electronic transactions. Beyond corporate collaboration, the Authority is focusing on strengthening the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cybercrime more effectively, ensuring that the legal system can keep pace with technological advancements. As NCSAM 2026 progresses, the CSA will engage in nationwide activities designed to promote safer digital practices among the general public. Mr. Agbeti called on all citizens to remain vigilant in safeguarding their personal information, noting that individual awareness is the first line of defense. By fostering a culture of cyber resilience, the Authority seeks to secure Ghana’s digital transformation and ensure that the financial ecosystem remains a trusted space for economic growth and innovation.

MTN Ghana to Expand 5G Network Following $202 Million Spectrum Award from NCA
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MTN Ghana to Expand 5G Network Following $202 Million Spectrum Award from NCA

MTN Ghana is set to significantly enhance its network infrastructure following the acquisition of a newly awarded 5G spectrum valued at US$202 million. The National Communications Authority (NCA) granted the telecommunications giant access to the 700 MHz and 3 GHz bands, marking a pivotal step in the country's transition toward widespread 5G and high-speed mobile broadband services. These licenses, which are valid for 15 years, represent a major capital commitment by MTN to lead Ghana's digital transformation and support the government's digitalization agenda. The deployment of these specific frequency bands is designed to address the surging demand for data from both residential and commercial sectors. The 700 MHz band is particularly known for its superior indoor coverage and wide-area reach, while the 3 GHz band provides the high capacity needed for ultra-fast 5G speeds. By integrating these assets, MTN Ghana aims to improve overall service quality, reduce latency, and provide more robust home and mobile connectivity solutions for its millions of subscribers as data traffic continues to rise. Financially, the company has already integrated the $202 million obligation into its long-term fiscal outlook. As the licensing process concludes, MTN is finalizing its payment schedules and technical rollout plans. This investment is expected to catalyze innovation in the local tech ecosystem, enabling new use cases in automation, remote work, and high-definition streaming. The company has pledged to keep the market and the public updated as the infrastructure deployment progresses and network performance improvements become visible across the country.

Four men are posed for a photo in an office setting, with the two younger men in the center holding a framed certificate. The group consists of two students and two older officials, likely from KNUST, celebrating a win in a technology competition.
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KNUST Student Team "Husker AI" Wins 2026 Pan African AI Summit Hackathon for Cocoa Waste Innovation

A student-led team from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has emerged victorious at the 2026 Pan African AI Summit Hack-AI-Thon. The team, known as Husker AI, claimed the top prize for their innovative artificial intelligence solution designed to transform discarded cocoa pod husks into a viable source of income for Ghanaian farmers. Outperforming a competitive field of over 200 applicants from across the continent, the group secured a $1,000 cash prize and exclusive mentorship opportunities to further develop their technology during the event held on September 22–23, 2026. The winning project addresses a long-standing challenge in the cocoa industry: the management of agricultural waste. Husker AI's platform utilizes AI to assess the quality and potential market value of cocoa husks, which are typically discarded after the beans are harvested. By connecting smallholder farmers with industrial buyers who can repurpose these husks into value-added products, the team aims to create a circular economy within the agricultural sector. The project was developed by a five-member team comprising Frank Agyare, Caleb Antwi, Wilhelmina Adjah, Elijah Ayinomba, and Joseph Amankwaah. The Hack-AI-Thon served as a centerpiece of the broader AI & Innovation Summit, which sought to highlight groundbreaking technological advancements in Africa. The competition's rigorous selection process narrowed down hundreds of entries to just five finalists, who presented their prototypes to a panel of industry experts. The judges praised Husker AI for its practical application and its focus on accessibility for smallholder farmers, ensuring that the benefits of high-tech innovation can reach the grassroots level of Ghana's economy. Looking ahead, the Husker AI team intends to use their prize money and mentorship to transition their concept into a real-world application. As Ghana remains one of the world's leading cocoa producers, the potential impact of such technology is significant, offering a path to diversify farmer income and reduce environmental waste. This victory underscores the growing role of Ghanaian youth and academic institutions in driving technological solutions for local industrial challenges, positioning AI as a critical tool for national economic development.

How ‘Lagos Life’ is capturing young Nigerians online
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Nigerian Developer Shalom Rayhamen’s "Lagos Life" Simulation Game Surpasses 670,000 Players

Nigerian developer Shalom Rayhamen has achieved significant success with the launch of "Lagos Life," a web-based simulation game that has rapidly captured the attention of young Nigerians. Since its debut in early October 2026, the game has attracted more than 670,000 players, offering a virtual window into the vibrant and often chaotic lifestyle of Nigeria’s most populous city. By digitizing the unique cultural nuances and daily "hustle" associated with Lagos, the game has become a digital hub for a generation seeking relatable entertainment that reflects their lived reality. The simulation provides an immersive experience where players must navigate various aspects of life in the city, including finding work, managing finances, and socializing. A key mechanic of the game is its realistic financial stratification; players begin their journey in either a wealthy or poor financial scenario, a choice that fundamentally dictates their path and the challenges they face within the virtual ecosystem. To further ground the experience in authenticity, Rayhamen integrated music from local artists, turning everyday activities like commuting or working into an engaging celebration of Nigerian pop culture. Despite its rapid rise, "Lagos Life" has not been without its technical hurdles. The developer recently had to address issues involving virtual currency exploitation, where some users found ways to manipulate the economy for unfair advantages. Rayhamen has been active in implementing fixes to ensure a balanced and fair environment for all players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the game's integrity as it grows. This commitment to stability is crucial as the game evolves from a niche project into a significant cultural platform for digital interaction. As "Lagos Life" continues to expand its user base, it serves as a testament to the growing potential of the African gaming industry. By focusing on hyper-local content rather than following generic global gaming tropes, Rayhamen has demonstrated that there is a massive, underserved market for stories that resonate with the African experience. The success of the game suggests a future where more African developers use technology to archive and celebrate their urban cultures, creating a digital legacy that is both entertaining and socially relevant for the continent.