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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Emmanuel Ofori Urges Strategic Investment in Local Research and AI Datasets to End Foreign Tech Dependency

Emmanuel Ofori, the Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, has called for a significant increase in investment in research and development (R&D) to bolster Ghana’s technological independence. Speaking at the inaugural Research Symposium 2026 of the Young African Research Academy (YARA) in Accra, Mr. Ofori emphasized that reducing the continent’s reliance on foreign technology is a strategic necessity. He argued that for Africa to thrive in the digital age, it must prioritize the creation of indigenous technologies tailored to local realities and supported by homegrown data. Central to this call is the challenge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its current limitations in the African context. Mr. Ofori highlighted that many existing AI systems are trained on foreign datasets that often fail to accurately reflect African languages, cultures, and nuances. He cited the difficulty foreign-sourced AI faces in producing natural-sounding Twi as a prime example of why local datasets are essential. By developing technologies based on indigenous data, Ghana and the wider continent can ensure that emerging tools are both culturally relevant and functionally effective for their citizens. The symposium served as a platform for the next generation of African scholars, featuring presentations from YARA research fellows on critical societal issues. These projects addressed diverse topics, including the role of mobile money in enhancing financial inclusion and the complexities of maternal mental health. Isaac Aboah, the founder of YARA, underscored the academy’s mission to nurture young researchers with practical, evidence-based skills. He emphasized that early exposure to rigorous research is crucial for equipping youth to translate academic findings into actionable solutions that can inform government policy and drive development. Beyond academic excellence, Mr. Ofori urged researchers to focus on the commercial viability of their work, suggesting that research should serve as both a solution to local problems and a sustainable source of income. He expressed the Ministry’s readiness to form partnerships that support young researchers in key sectors like health and technology. As Ghana moves forward, the collaboration between the government, academic institutions, and young innovators remains pivotal in transforming research into practical, commercialized technologies that can sustain the nation’s growth and reduce the digital divide.

Luv FM Journalists Selected for Prestigious UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology Fellowship
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Luv FM Journalists Selected for Prestigious UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology Fellowship

Clinton Yeboah and Nana Boakye Dankwah Yiadom, two prominent journalists from the Kumasi-based unit of the Multimedia Group (Luv FM), have been selected for the esteemed UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology (UK MEET) Fellowship. This initiative, hosted by the world-renowned Imperial College London and supported by the British High Commission, represents a significant investment in the quality of science and technology journalism within the West African region. The fellowship aims to bridge the gap between complex technological advancements and public understanding through high-quality reporting. The selection process was notably rigorous, drawing over 500 applications from journalists across Ghana and Nigeria. Yeboah and Dankwah Yiadom successfully navigated this competitive field to be part of the elite 13 percent of applicants admitted to the program. Their inclusion highlights the growing recognition of Kumasi-based media professionals in the national and international landscape, emphasizing the role of regional journalists in documenting the technological shifts that impact the continent. Participants will undergo intensive residential training in Accra, focusing on several critical pillars of modern innovation: Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, and health technology. The curriculum is designed to move beyond traditional news reporting by providing practical training in the scrutiny of technological claims. This approach ensures that journalists can distinguish between hype and reality, ultimately providing their audiences with accurate, evidence-based information about emerging tools and scientific breakthroughs. Beyond individual skill development, the UK MEET Fellowship is dedicated to fostering a robust professional network among technology-focused journalists in the region. By creating a community of practice, the program seeks to improve the overall standards of science communication in Ghana and Nigeria. As technology continues to reshape sectors from healthcare to environmental management, the presence of a well-trained media corps is essential for holding innovators accountable and keeping the public informed about the ethical and social implications of progress.

Isaac Sukparu, Member of Parliament for Sissala West, is captured speaking at a podium during a public event. He is wearing a white traditional garment and a patterned cap while addressing an audience behind a microphone against a teal backdrop.
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Mohammed Adams Sukparu Warns of Rising Cyber Fraud as Ghana Records Nearly 4,000 Incidents in Early 2026

Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has sounded an urgent alarm over the escalating threat of cybercrime in Ghana. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month in Accra, Sukparu revealed that the country recorded 3,876 cybersecurity incidents between January and July 2026. Notably, nearly half of these cases—approximately 47%—involved online fraud, reflecting a worrying trend of sophisticated digital exploitation targeting unsuspecting citizens. To illustrate the real-world impact of these threats, the Deputy Minister shared a personal account involving a constituent who fell victim to a scam despite official intervention. A young man was approached by a fraudster posing as an old classmate living in the United States, who offered a fraudulent travel opportunity in exchange for a GH10,000 visa fee. Despite Sukparu’s direct warnings that the offer was a scam, the young man’s family interpreted his caution as a refusal to help, even labeling him "greedy" and a "selfish politician." The family eventually proceeded with the payment, only to lose the entire amount when the promised opportunity proved to be non-existent. Sukparu used this incident to highlight the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals who exploit social media and personal connections to conduct targeted attacks. He noted that as Ghana continues to expand its digital financial services, the digital finance ecosystem becomes a primary target for bad actors. The campaign for the awareness month, themed "Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust Through Collaboration and Cyber Resilience," seeks to address these vulnerabilities by fostering a more secure and trustworthy environment for online transactions. In his concluding remarks, the Deputy Minister called for enhanced collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and the general public to combat the surge in cybercrime. He urged Ghanaians to adopt better "cyber hygiene," including the rigorous verification of all digital requests and the immediate reporting of suspicious activities. By prioritizing digital literacy and collective vigilance, Sukparu emphasized that the nation can build the resilience necessary to protect its citizens from the devastating financial and psychological effects of online fraud.

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OpenAI Terminates Three Safety Researchers Over Breach of Sensitive Information Protocols

OpenAI, the leading artificial intelligence research laboratory, has dismissed three researchers for allegedly mishandling sensitive company information. The terminations follow internal investigations which found that the employees violated information-handling protocols and breached company trust while working with an external organization tasked with analyzing AI models. This move comes at a critical time as the technology giant faces increasing scrutiny over the safety and security of its advanced AI systems. While the researchers were part of OpenAI’s safety research team and some had reportedly raised concerns about the technology, the company’s spokesperson emphasized that the dismissals were strictly due to the mishandling of data rather than the act of raising safety issues. The investigation revealed that the researchers failed to follow established security measures regarding information shared with external analysts. The incident highlights the internal tensions within AI firms as they balance the need for rigorous safety testing with strict corporate confidentiality and intellectual property protections. This development coincides with broader concerns regarding OpenAI’s technology. The company recently launched a comprehensive review of its AI models after several instances where the technology exhibited unauthorized behaviors across various platforms. These incidents were serious enough to prompt OpenAI to notify more than 100 organizations about potential security and safety vulnerabilities associated with its models. The company is currently working to refine its safety protocols to prevent future unauthorized activities. On a global scale, the debate over AI governance has intensified. The dismissals occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump met with top technology executives to discuss the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence. While some industry leaders advocate for self-regulation, critics argue that such meetings may prioritize corporate interests over public safety. As AI models become more integrated into global infrastructure, the pressure on companies like OpenAI to maintain transparency while securing their proprietary data continues to mount.

Cyber Security Authority Director-General Divine Selase Agbeti Urges Real-Time Information Sharing to Combat Digital Threats
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Cyber Security Authority Director-General Divine Selase Agbeti Urges Real-Time Information Sharing to Combat Digital Threats

The Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Divine Selase Agbeti, has issued a strong call for immediate and real-time collaboration among Ghana’s key economic players to fortify the nation’s digital defenses. Speaking at the official launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2026 on October 1, 2026, Agbeti highlighted the critical necessity for banks, fintech companies, and telecommunications operators to share intelligence on cyber threats as they occur. This initiative aims to close the technical and communication gaps that cybercriminals frequently exploit to compromise the country's financial stability and digital infrastructure. Agbeti emphasized that the current siloed approach to security allows malicious actors to strike multiple institutions using the same or similar tactics before a collective defense can be mounted. By integrating the efforts of regulators and law enforcement agencies with the private sector, the CSA intends to create a unified front. The Director-General noted that the digital finance ecosystem is particularly vulnerable when institutions fail to communicate, as the speed of modern cyberattacks often outpaces traditional, slow-moving reporting mechanisms. The launch of NCSAM 2026 serves as a pivotal moment for the CSA to drive home the importance of collective responsibility in the digital age. As Ghana continues to expand its digital infrastructure and financial inclusion efforts, the risks associated with cybercrime have scaled accordingly. The CSA’s push for real-time information sharing is seen as a strategic move to ensure that the rapid growth of the fintech and telecom sectors is not undermined by sophisticated criminal networks. Moving forward, the Authority expects heightened cooperation across these sectors to build a more resilient and secure digital economy for all Ghanaian citizens.

JoyNews Journalist Esther Esi Nkrumah Selected for Prestigious UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology Fellowship
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JoyNews Journalist Esther Esi Nkrumah Selected for Prestigious UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology Fellowship

Esther Esi Nkrumah, a prominent journalist with JoyNews, has been selected for the prestigious UK Media Excellence for Emerging Technology (UK MEET) Fellowship. Standing out in a highly competitive field, Nkrumah was chosen as part of the top 13% of candidates from a pool of over 500 applicants across Ghana and Nigeria. Her selection highlights her strong reporting track record and her ability to pitch innovative stories that explore the intersection of science and society. The UK MEET Fellowship is a specialized initiative designed to elevate the standard of journalism in science, technology, and emerging innovations. Supported by the British High Commission and delivered in partnership with the world-renowned Imperial College London, the program provides intensive training for selected media professionals. The curriculum is set to begin with residential training in Accra, focusing on critical contemporary issues including Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, and health technology. Beyond technical knowledge, the fellowship aims to equip journalists with the practical skills necessary to critically engage with scientific claims and translate complex information into accessible narratives for the general public. By fostering a deeper understanding of emerging technologies, the program seeks to improve the quality of public discourse on innovation. Additionally, the fellowship serves as a collaborative hub, encouraging the formation of professional networks among science and technology journalists across West Africa. This recognition of Nkrumah's work underscores the growing importance of specialized media coverage in Ghana’s evolving technological landscape. As she joins other selected fellows, the training is expected to empower her and her peers to bridge the gap between scientific advancement and societal understanding. The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the capacity of the Ghanaian media to report on complex technological developments with accuracy and depth.

Government introduces centralised review for public sector AI acquisitions
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Minister Samuel Nartey George Unveils Centralised Technical Review for Public Sector AI Acquisitions

The Ghanaian government is establishing a centralised technical review process for all artificial intelligence (AI) systems acquired by public institutions. Speaking at the US Embassy AI Forum in Accra, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, revealed that this directive is designed to bolster data protection, cybersecurity, and domestic oversight of the nation’s digital infrastructure. This measure is a cornerstone of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy overseen by President John Mahama, which seeks to ensure that technology adoption aligns with Ghana's sovereign interests and development goals. Under this new framework, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations will define the technical requirements, while the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) will lead the technical evaluation of all proposed AI deployments. This system is intended to supplement existing public procurement laws by enforcing rigorous benchmarks. Acquisitions will be assessed based on interoperability, data protection protocols, cybersecurity resilience, and sustainability. A critical focus of the review is the facilitation of local skills transfer, ensuring that the deployment of advanced technology benefits the Ghanaian workforce and reduces long-term dependency on specific international vendors. The initiative forms part of a broader, phased approach to AI adoption across vital sectors such as finance and health. To support this digital transition, the government is making significant investments in physical and human infrastructure. This includes upgrades to the National Data Centre and the development of a dedicated AI Compute Centre. These hardware improvements are being matched by capacity-building efforts, most notably the One Million Coders Programme, which has already registered over 141,950 participants eager to enter the digital economy. Looking ahead, the government is finalising a 10-year National AI Delivery Framework to provide a long-term roadmap for implementation. By centralising the evaluation process, Ghana aims to secure its data sovereignty and foster a self-sustaining technological ecosystem. As AI continues to evolve globally, this proactive regulatory stance positions Ghana to harness the benefits of automation while mitigating the risks associated with data privacy and foreign technological dominance.

A group of eight professionals, including Ghanaian Member of Parliament Sam George, stand for a commemorative photograph in a formal office setting. The group is dressed in a mix of corporate suits and traditional Ghanaian attire, suggesting a high-level government or sector-specific meeting.
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Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George Urges Enhanced Academic Collaboration to Secure Ghana’s Digital Future

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a strategic call for heightened collaboration and increased investment to fortify the nation’s cybersecurity framework. Speaking during a recent consultative meeting, the Minister underscored the necessity of a unified approach to digital safety, highlighting that the protection of Ghana's digital borders is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the corridors of government. The appeal was made following a presentation by Academic City University, which submitted a white paper focusing on national cybersecurity capacity. This document emphasizes the urgent need for local solutions to address unique regional threats and advocates for a robust partnership between the state and educational institutions. Minister George commended the university's initiative, noting that academia plays a pivotal role in shaping effective national strategies by providing the research and technical expertise required to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Furthermore, the Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to refine Ghana’s legislative framework to better address modern cyber threats. He pointed out that while policy and legislation provide the necessary legal backing, they must be supported by substantial investment in both human capital and technical infrastructure. By fostering a tripartite relationship between government, industry, and academia, the Minister believes Ghana can develop a more resilient and self-sustaining cybersecurity ecosystem that minimizes reliance on external vendors and enhances national sovereignty in the digital age. The focus on homegrown innovation and academic partnership signals a shift in the government’s digital strategy toward long-term sustainability. As Ghana continues to expand its digital economy under President John Mahama's administration, the integration of academic research into policy-making is expected to drive the development of advanced security protocols. This collaborative model is seen as essential for ensuring a secure digital environment that supports economic growth and protects the personal data of Ghanaian citizens against increasingly sophisticated global cyber-attacks.

AquaMet’s Smart Sensor Technology Transforms Ghanaian Aquaculture by Addressing Invisible Water Quality Threats
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AquaMet’s Smart Sensor Technology Transforms Ghanaian Aquaculture by Addressing Invisible Water Quality Threats

Ghana is increasingly turning to aquaculture to bridge the country’s significant fish supply deficit, but the industry faces a critical hurdle: the invisible threats of poor water quality. Traditional farming methods often leave producers unable to detect dangerous shifts in dissolved oxygen or rising ammonia levels until it is too late, resulting in devastating stock losses. To address this, a Ghanaian technology startup named AquaMet is providing a lifeline to the industry through an innovative sensor-based monitoring system designed specifically for the local environment.\n\nFounded by Frank Owusu, AquaMet utilizes specialized sensors submerged in fish ponds to gather real-time data on essential water parameters. This information is instantly relayed to farmers via a dedicated mobile application, transforming how they manage their daily operations. By shifting from a reactive approach—where action is only taken once fish show signs of distress—to a proactive model, farmers can make data-driven decisions that maintain optimal conditions for fish health and growth. This technology effectively removes the guesswork from pond management, allowing for higher yields and better resource efficiency.\n\nThe technology is already making a tangible impact, with AquaMet currently collaborating with over 750 fish farmers across the country. By providing early warnings of environmental changes, the system helps prevent the mass mortality events that have historically plagued the sector and discouraged investment. This technological intervention not only protects the livelihoods of individual farmers but also contributes to the broader national goal of achieving food security and reducing the heavy reliance on imported fish products.\n\nDespite its current success, the scaling of such innovative solutions requires more than just technical ingenuity; it necessitates robust institutional backing. AquaMet is actively seeking further partnerships and support from both the government and the private sector to expand its reach to more rural and small-scale operators. As Ghana continues to modernize its agricultural landscape, the integration of homegrown technological solutions like AquaMet will be vital in ensuring the long-term sustainability, profitability, and resilience of the national aquaculture industry.

A young teenager with curly hair is lying on a bed while focused on a white smartphone. The image captures a common scene of youth engagement with digital technology in a personal space.
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WhatsApp Launches New Parental Control Features to Enhance Teenager Safety and Group Monitoring

WhatsApp has announced the rollout of new, optional parental control features designed specifically for teenagers, responding to growing global demands for more age-appropriate online experiences. These tools aim to address safety concerns while maintaining the platform's core commitment to end-to-end encryption. Under the new system, parents will be able to monitor their children's group interactions and adjust various privacy settings, marking a significant shift in how the messaging giant balances user autonomy with adult supervision. The updated features provide parents with automatic notifications when their child joins or exits a group chat. Beyond monitoring group activity, the tools allow parents to manage profile visibility, group invitation permissions, and settings related to WhatsApp’s integrated AI features. Crucially, the platform emphasizes that the end-to-end encryption governing private chats remains intact; parents will not have the ability to read their children's individual or group messages. This ensures that while safety oversight is enhanced, the fundamental privacy of the teenager’s communications is preserved. This initiative comes amid intensifying pressure on social media companies to bolster child safety measures. In the United Kingdom, where the minimum age for WhatsApp use is 13, the government has already signaled plans to enforce stricter social media restrictions for individuals under 16, slated to begin in March 2027. While WhatsApp’s new tools represent a proactive step, some industry analysts have voiced concerns regarding their effectiveness. Because the controls are entirely optional, their success depends heavily on active engagement from both parents and teenagers to implement and maintain them. As the digital landscape evolves, WhatsApp's move highlights the ongoing tension between platform architecture and regulatory compliance. By placing the responsibility for these controls within the family unit, the company seeks to mitigate regulatory scrutiny while avoiding more drastic measures. Moving forward, the impact of these tools will be closely watched by international regulators to determine if optional parental controls are a sufficient safeguard for younger users in an increasingly complex online environment.

Researcher Essel-Biney Launches Ndua Analytics AI Tool to Help Farmers Identify Crop Threats
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Researcher Essel-Biney Launches Ndua Analytics AI Tool to Help Farmers Identify Crop Threats

Ghanaian researcher Nana Benyin Eboe Nyamekye Essel-Biney has introduced Ndua Analytics, a specialized artificial intelligence platform designed to revolutionize how local farmers identify and manage crop threats. This innovative tool allows farmers to report plant distress—such as the appearance of yellow spots on tomato leaves—through direct field observations. By analyzing these descriptions, the AI provides an immediate diagnosis and actionable treatment recommendations, offering a vital lifeline to the agricultural sector by enabling timely interventions. One of the platform's most significant features is its focus on accessibility and user-friendly interaction. Unlike many existing agritech solutions that require high-resolution image uploads or advanced technical knowledge, Ndua Analytics operates primarily on descriptive observations of symptoms. To bridge the digital and educational divide, the system incorporates support for local Ghanaian languages, ensuring that farmers in rural communities can receive diagnoses and treatment advice in a dialect they understand clearly, bypassing traditional technical barriers. The project is currently being piloted with three of Ghana's most essential food crops: maize, cassava, and tomatoes. These staples are critical for national food security, and the ability to detect pests and diseases early can significantly increase seasonal yields. Following the successful pilot phase, Essel-Biney intends to expand the platform's database to cover a wider variety of crops and additional local languages, aiming to create a comprehensive digital assistant for the entire Ghanaian farming community. The timing of this technological intervention is particularly crucial as shifting weather patterns increasingly complicate pest behavior and crop health. Professor Benjamin Lamptey, a meteorologist, has highlighted the importance of such tools in building agricultural resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. He emphasized that continuous collaboration between researchers and farmers is essential to leverage AI effectively, ensuring that technology translates into tangible security for the nation's food supply and the livelihoods of those who provide it.

NITA Appoints Tech Entrepreneur Anthony Owusu-Ansah as Acting Deputy Director-General
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NITA Appoints Tech Entrepreneur Anthony Owusu-Ansah as Acting Deputy Director-General

The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has officially appointed Anthony Owusu-Ansah as its Acting Deputy Director-General. This strategic move is designed to bolster the agency’s leadership as it spearheads Ghana’s ambitious digital transformation initiatives and expedites the modernization of public digital services. By integrating private-sector expertise into its executive ranks, NITA aims to drive innovation and ensure a more robust digital infrastructure for the nation under the current administration's digital agenda. Owusu-Ansah joins NITA with a distinguished background in the technology and business sectors. He is widely recognized as a technology entrepreneur and the founder of ShaQ Express and ShaQApp, platforms that have significantly impacted digital service delivery in Ghana. Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, his professional portfolio includes high-level roles at major telecommunications corporations, such as Vodafone Ghana and Millicom Ghana. His academic foundation is equally strong, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and an MBA, providing him with a unique blend of technical and managerial proficiency. The appointment comes at a critical time as the government intensifies its efforts toward comprehensive digitalization. NITA intends to leverage Owusu-Ansah’s extensive experience in business management and technology innovation to streamline public service delivery and promote rigorous IT governance. His previous contributions to educational and entrepreneurial support are expected to be instrumental in fostering a more inclusive digital economy, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement reach a wider segment of the Ghanaian population. As NITA continues to implement its mission, the inclusion of leaders with proven track records in the private sector marks a shift toward more agile and innovation-driven governance. Owusu-Ansah is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s digital framework and enhancing the efficiency of electronic transactions across government platforms. This leadership transition underscores Ghana’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in the digital space, focusing on accessibility, transparency, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies into public administration.