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.

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.

A close-up photograph of a hand holding a smartphone in low light, displaying the Instagram app icon with a notification badge showing the number three. The background is illuminated with a stylized, colorful projection of the Instagram logo's camera outline and gradient.
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Instagram Launches AI Video Assistant for Creators to Provide Data-Driven Insights

Instagram has officially launched a new AI video assistant tool within its Edits app, designed to provide digital creators with personalized, data-driven feedback. Announced on September 30, 2026, the tool leverages artificial intelligence to analyze individual account metrics, such as follows, views, likes, and audience comments. Unlike generic advisory tools, this assistant focuses on delivering actionable insights by identifying specific performance patterns and aligning them with broader trending topics and audience interests. This launch follows a successful preview of the technology during a creator event held in June, marking a significant step in Meta’s commitment to supporting the creator economy. The development of the assistant, led by Brett Westervelt, was heavily influenced by direct feedback from the creator community. During the design phase, creators indicated a clear preference for an analytical tool rather than one that automates creative tasks. Consequently, the AI is programmed to handle the heavy lifting of data analysis while ensuring that final creative decisions remain entirely with the human creators. By combining performance data with real-time trends, the assistant helps creators understand the nuances of why specific content resonates, allowing them to refine their strategy without losing their unique voice. Meta’s approach with this tool highlights a growing distinction in the competitive landscape of social media platforms. While YouTube is reportedly developing a conversational video tool for release next year, that platform's focus appears to be on the hands-on editing process. In contrast, Instagram’s assistant prioritizes the strategic and analytical side of content creation. To manage the tool's resources, Instagram has implemented usage limits for the AI assistant; however, creators who require more frequent analysis have the option to extend these limits through a subscription to the Meta One service. Looking ahead, Meta plans to further integrate the Edits platform into creator workflows by developing a dedicated desktop application. This move aims to provide a more robust environment for creators who manage high volumes of content and require more sophisticated analysis than a mobile interface can provide. As AI continues to permeate the digital landscape, Instagram’s focus on actionable metrics over automated creativity suggests a future where social media platforms compete not just on reach, but on the depth of the business intelligence they provide to their users.

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director-General of Ghana's Cyber Security Authority (CSA), is pictured speaking at a podium during a cybersecurity event. The background features a large portrait of President John Dramani Mahama and text highlighting 'Cyber Resilience' and the month of October.
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CSA Director-General Divine Selase Agbeti Urges National Priority for Cybersecurity as Ghana Records 3,876 Incidents in 2026

During the launch of the 2026 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month on October 1, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, revealed that the country recorded 3,876 cybersecurity incidents between January and July 2026. Most notably, online fraud accounted for approximately 47% of these cases, underscoring the growing threats facing Ghana’s expanding digital financial ecosystem. The event, themed ‘Securing Ghana’s Digital Finance Ecosystem: Building Trust, Collaboration and Cyber Resilience,’ served as a platform for government and regulatory leaders to call for more robust protective measures as citizens increasingly rely on mobile money and digital banking services. Divine Selase Agbeti, the Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), emphasized that cybersecurity must now be treated as a matter of national security rather than a peripheral IT concern. He urged boards and senior management across all sectors to view cyber risk as a fundamental business risk that can compromise financial inclusion and economic stability. Agbeti noted that while technology offers unprecedented convenience, it also opens new avenues for cybercrime, particularly through the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that the erosion of public trust in digital platforms could have long-term negative impacts on Ghana’s digital transformation goals if not addressed proactively. A central pillar of the CSA’s strategy for 2026 is the demand for faster, actionable intelligence sharing among financial institutions, telecommunications companies, fintechs, and law enforcement. Agbeti highlighted that cybercriminals frequently exploit the information gaps between organizations, making a coordinated response essential to detect and disrupt attacks before they cause significant financial loss. By fostering a culture of transparency and shared intelligence, the CSA aims to bolster the overall resilience of the digital ecosystem, ensuring that organizations are better equipped to prevent and recover from sophisticated cyber threats. To complement these institutional efforts, the Ministry and the CSA are emphasizing the importance of the Cybersecurity Act, 2022, as the foundational framework for national digital safety. Deputy Minister Sukparu called for sustained public education and enhanced digital literacy to help citizens safeguard their credentials and adopt better financial practices. As the 2026 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month progresses, stakeholders remain focused on developing specialized cybersecurity skills and fostering a secure digital environment that supports national development and maintains public confidence in Ghana’s evolving economy.

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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Samuel Nartey George Urges Academic-Industry Collaboration to Secure Ghana’s Digital Future

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a strategic call for enhanced collaboration and increased investment to strengthen Ghana’s cybersecurity framework. Speaking at a formal meeting where Academic City University presented a pivotal white paper on national cybersecurity capacity, the Minister underlined the necessity of developing local solutions to address unique regional threats. The white paper serves as a blueprint for bridging the gap between academic research and national security needs, advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach to digital safety. During the discussions, Minister George emphasized that the role of academia is indispensable in the evolution of Ghana’s cybersecurity strategy. He acknowledged that while the government is actively pursuing legislative improvements to provide a legal foundation for digital security, these efforts must be complemented by the intellectual rigor and innovative capacity found within the country’s universities. By aligning academic curricula and research with the practical needs of the industry and government, Ghana can build a more resilient and self-sufficient digital ecosystem. The report from Academic City University specifically highlights the importance of creating a unified front among academia, the private sector, and government agencies. This collaborative model is intended to tackle emerging challenges such as data breaches, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and the growing sophistication of cyber threats. The Minister’s endorsement of this report indicates a shift toward a more integrated national policy, where continuous learning and technological adaptation are prioritized to safeguard the nation's digital landscape. As Ghana moves forward under the current administration, the focus will increasingly be on fostering an environment conducive to technological investment and innovation. The Ministry’s engagement with academic institutions like Academic City University marks a significant step toward achieving long-term digital sovereignty. By investing in local expertise and encouraging strategic partnerships, the government aims to ensure that Ghana’s digital transformation remains secure, providing a stable foundation for economic growth and national development.

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 Introduces New Optional Parental Controls to Enhance Teenage Safety

WhatsApp, the Meta-owned messaging giant, has officially rolled out a suite of optional parental control features designed to bolster safety for teenage users. These new tools are a direct response to the mounting global pressure on social media platforms to implement more robust safeguards for minors. By introducing these controls, WhatsApp seeks to offer a middle ground that empowers parents without compromising the fundamental privacy of its user base. The updated toolkit provides parents with the ability to monitor and manage several key aspects of their child’s experience on the app. Parents can now oversee group activity, manage who can invite their teenagers to groups, and adjust profile visibility settings to ensure a more private digital footprint. Additionally, the platform has included settings to manage interactions with artificial intelligence features. Despite these oversight capabilities, WhatsApp has reaffirmed its commitment to security; all messages remain private and unreadable by anyone—including parents or WhatsApp itself—due to the platform's standard end-to-end encryption. This initiative reflects a broader industry trend of shared responsibility between tech companies and families. It also serves as a strategic move to preempt more drastic regulatory actions. With some regions planning to implement total bans on social media for children under the age of 16 as early as 2027, WhatsApp’s proactive introduction of monitoring tools suggests a preference for managed access over outright exclusion. By placing these controls in the hands of guardians, the company aims to demonstrate that encrypted platforms can still offer a safer environment for younger audiences. Looking forward, the success of these features will likely depend on their adoption rate and how effectively they address the concerns of lawmakers. As the 2027 deadline for stricter age-based regulations approaches, other platforms are expected to follow suit with similar hybrid privacy-safety models. For now, WhatsApp’s latest update marks a significant step in the evolution of digital parenting, highlighting the ongoing tension between the right to private communication and the necessity of protecting vulnerable users in an increasingly complex online world.