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.

notice
technology|

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Addresses Technical Outage of Ghana's Online Passport Application Portal

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially notified the public of a significant technical disruption affecting the national online passport application system. The portal, located at passport.mfa.gov.gh, is currently inaccessible, preventing citizens from initiating new applications, booking biometric appointments, or making necessary payments. This outage comes at a time when digital services are central to the government’s efforts to streamline administrative processes and reduce physical congestion at passport application centers across the country. In a statement addressing the service interruption, the Ministry confirmed that its internal technical team is working urgently to restore the platform's functionality. Notably, the Ministry is collaborating with the National Signals Bureau (NSB) to diagnose and rectify the underlying fault. The involvement of the NSB, a key state intelligence and cybersecurity agency, underscores the technical complexity of the issue, though the government has not specified whether the disruption was caused by hardware failure, software glitches, or external security factors. The Ministry has expressed regret for any inconvenience the downtime has caused to applicants both within Ghana and in the diaspora. While a specific timeline for the full restoration of services has not yet been provided, the public is encouraged to remain patient as updates are expected to be issued once the portal is back online. For now, the suspension of the online portal serves as a reminder of the critical reliance on digital infrastructure for essential state services and the ongoing need for robust maintenance and security protocols.

technology|

Cyber Security Authority Warns Journalists Against Prematurely Exposing Cyber Vulnerabilities

The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a stern caution to media practitioners across Ghana, advising against the publication of unverified claims and the premature exposure of digital vulnerabilities. Speaking at a specialized training session for journalists, Alex Awere-Kyere, a Senior Manager at the CSA, highlighted the delicate balance between public interest and national security. He warned that while the media plays an indispensable role in informing the public about cyber threats, the dissemination of sensitive technical flaws before they are addressed can inadvertently provide a roadmap for cybercriminals to exploit. The training session, organized under the auspices of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project, was designed to equip media professionals with a deeper understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. Mr. Awere-Kyere emphasized that the premature disclosure of specific vulnerabilities often complicates ongoing investigations by law enforcement and regulatory bodies. By rushing to publish details that have not been fully verified or mitigated, news outlets risk compromising the integrity of digital infrastructure and hindering the efforts of technical teams working to secure compromised systems. Beyond the immediate risks of aiding criminal actors, the CSA official noted that inaccurate or sensationalized reporting can cause unnecessary panic among the public and stakeholders. Journalists were encouraged to prioritize factual accuracy over the speed of breaking news when dealing with complex cyber incidents. The initiative aims to foster a more collaborative relationship between the media and cybersecurity experts, ensuring that the public receives timely and accurate information without undermining the country's defensive posture. As Ghana continues to expand its digital economy, the role of the media in cybersecurity advocacy becomes increasingly critical. This capacity-building project represents a significant step toward creating a cyber-aware press corps capable of reporting on sophisticated digital crimes with the necessary nuance. Moving forward, the CSA intends to continue its engagement with community and national media outlets to ensure that reporting on cybercrime serves as a tool for public education and deterrence rather than a liability to national security.

technology|

Meta Negotiates Settlement with US States Over Alleged Teen Social Media Addiction and Privacy Violations

Meta Platforms is currently engaged in high-stakes settlement discussions with state attorneys general across the United States to resolve a landmark lawsuit alleging the company’s social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, were designed to be addictive to young users. The legal challenge, spearheaded by 29 states, represents one of the most significant efforts to hold Big Tech companies accountable for the perceived mental health crisis among teenagers. These negotiations are occurring mid-trial, signaling a potential shift in legal strategy as both sides weigh the risks of a protracted federal court battle and the possibility of a court-mandated judgment. The core of the lawsuit focuses on claims that Meta purposefully engineered its platforms to exploit the psychological tendencies of children and adolescents, fostering compulsive engagement that can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Prosecutors argue that the company prioritized user retention and engagement metrics over the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable demographic. In addition to the addiction claims, the states have raised serious concerns regarding violations of state and federal privacy laws, alleging that Meta failed to adequately protect the data of minors or secure informed consent from their legal guardians. In its defense, Meta has remained steadfast in denying the allegations, asserting that it has implemented over 30 tools to support teens and their families. The company maintains that its platforms provide valuable spaces for connection and that it has consistently worked to develop age-appropriate experiences. Despite this public stance, the move toward a settlement suggests that Meta may be looking to avoid a definitive court ruling that could mandate fundamental changes to its algorithmic business model or result in unprecedented financial damages and penalties. The final resolution of this case will likely have far-reaching implications for the global technology industry, including in markets like Ghana, where the influence of social media on youth continues to expand. If a settlement is reached, it may include requirements for greater transparency in algorithmic design and more robust age-verification systems that could become industry standards. Regardless of the immediate legal outcome, the proceedings highlight a growing international consensus that social media platforms must be held to higher standards of care concerning the mental health and privacy of young people.

Telecel Ghana Partners with Whalebone to Launch SecureNet Cybersecurity Protection for Mobile Users
technology|

Telecel Ghana Partners with Whalebone to Launch SecureNet Cybersecurity Protection for Mobile Users

Telecel Ghana has officially launched SecureNet, a network-level cybersecurity service designed to protect mobile customers from the rising tide of online threats. Developed in partnership with the global cybersecurity firm Whalebone, the service provides real-time defense against phishing, malicious content, and various digital scams. As Ghana's digital ecosystem continues to expand, this initiative marks a significant step in providing seamless security for mobile users across the country. One of the defining features of SecureNet is its network-level integration, which eliminates the need for customers to download or install additional software. The service works by automatically blocking harmful websites and scam links directly at the network stage before they reach the user's device. This frictionless approach ensures that even users with limited technical knowledge can benefit from high-level protection against increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals who target personal and financial information. Aneth Muga, Telecel Ghana's Director of Consumer Business, emphasized that the introduction of SecureNet is a direct response to the vulnerabilities created by increased digital connectivity. According to Muga, while the growth of the digital economy offers immense opportunities, it also exposes consumers to greater risks. SecureNet is intended to bridge this security gap, fostering a safer online environment and enhancing overall consumer confidence in mobile and digital services. Currently available through various subscription options, SecureNet allows Telecel customers to choose plans that best fit their usage needs and budgets. By integrating security directly into its core network infrastructure, Telecel Ghana is positioning itself as a proactive leader in the telecommunications sector, prioritizing the safety of its subscribers as mobile connectivity becomes more central to daily life and economic activity in Ghana.

technology|

Interior Ministry Launches TraffiTech-GH to Automate Traffic Enforcement and Penalties

The Ghana Interior Ministry has officially introduced "TraffiTech-GH," a sophisticated, technology-driven traffic enforcement system designed to modernize how road regulations are monitored and enforced across the country. Unveiled by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the initiative represents a significant shift toward digital governance in public safety. By leveraging advanced surveillance infrastructure, the system aims to automatically identify traffic violations, thereby reducing the reliance on physical police presence and improving overall road safety standards. At its core, TraffiTech-GH utilizes a network of high-resolution surveillance cameras and specialized monitoring devices strategically installed on major roads and intersections. These devices are programmed to capture real-time evidence of traffic infractions, which are then transmitted to a centralized control room for verification. Once an offence is confirmed, the system generates an electronic notification that is sent directly to the offender's mobile phone, detailing the nature of the violation and the corresponding penalty. This automated workflow is designed to ensure that enforcement is both swift and transparent. The system is comprehensive in its reach, capable of detecting and documenting over 47 distinct traffic offences. By automating the ticketing process, the Interior Ministry intends to minimize direct interactions between motorists and police officers, a move that is expected to reduce opportunities for roadside corruption and streamline the administration of justice. Furthermore, the persistent monitoring provided by TraffiTech-GH is anticipated to foster a culture of compliance among drivers, ultimately leading to a decrease in road accidents and fatalities on Ghana's increasingly busy transport networks. The rollout of TraffiTech-GH marks a pivotal step in the government's broader digital transformation agenda under the administration of President John Mahama. As the system becomes fully operational on major thoroughfares, it is expected to provide the Ghana Police Service with more accurate data for traffic management and infrastructure planning. The Ministry has indicated that the success of this initiative will pave the way for further technological integrations within the security sector, ensuring that Ghanaian roads become safer and more efficient for all users through the power of automation.

Amazon and Twitch Face Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Unauthorized AI Training on Streamer Content
technology|

Amazon and Twitch Face Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Unauthorized AI Training on Streamer Content

Amazon and its subsidiary, Twitch, are the subjects of a significant class action lawsuit alleging the companies used millions of hours of livestreamed video to train artificial intelligence (AI) models without obtaining consent or providing compensation. The lawsuit was initiated by Connecticut-based streamer Warren Pandiscia on behalf of millions of Twitch users. The legal action contends that Amazon improperly harvested creator content to develop its generative AI technologies, highlighting a growing conflict between the rapid expansion of AI and the intellectual property rights of digital content creators. Central to the litigation are concerns regarding the transparency and control offered to streamers over their personal and professional data. Although Twitch introduced a feature in August allowing users to opt out of data usage for AI training, the lawsuit claims that content could still be utilized in certain scenarios despite these settings. Adding to the controversy, Twitch's chief product officer has reportedly acknowledged uncertainty regarding the specific dates when data collection for AI training began, raising questions about how much archived content was used before creators were given any means of refusal. The lawsuit seeks both monetary damages for the affected class of streamers and a formal injunction to prevent Amazon from continuing its current data-harvesting practices. In the interim, Twitch has issued guidance to its community on how to navigate account settings to disable AI training features. This case represents a pivotal moment in the legal landscape of the AI era, as it joins a series of high-profile challenges aimed at determining whether the massive datasets required for modern machine learning can legally incorporate copyrighted works without explicit licensing or remuneration.

mNotify Selects 14 Ghanaian SMEs for Three-Month AI-Driven Digital Transformation Drive
technology|

mNotify Selects 14 Ghanaian SMEs for Three-Month AI-Driven Digital Transformation Drive

Ghanaian technology firm mNotify has officially launched its Digital Transformation Drive, selecting 14 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undergo a specialized three-month program. The initiative, announced as part of the company's 14th-anniversary celebrations, aims to empower local businesses by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and modern digital tools into their core operations. By focusing on enhancing productivity, customer engagement, and revenue streams, mNotify seeks to demonstrate the practical benefits of digital adoption for Ghana's vital SME sector. The selected 14 businesses were chosen from a competitive pool of over 100 applicants across various industries. During the launch, mNotify CEO Ronald Tagoe emphasized that successful digital transformation requires a strategic rather than a trend-based approach. He urged business owners to first identify specific operational challenges and consolidate their internal data before attempting to transition to digital solutions. This tailored methodology ensures that technology serves as a solution to existing bottlenecks rather than an added layer of complexity for the participating firms. Participants in the program will gain access to mNotify’s Omni platform and receive technical support in implementing AI and cloud-based technologies. A significant portion of the initiative focuses on addressing common obstacles faced by Ghanaian SMEs, such as poor record-keeping and inefficient data management. By providing the tools and expertise to clean and organize business data, mNotify hopes to create a foundation for more sophisticated automation and improved customer relationship management. Beyond technical implementation, the program will closely monitor its impact on key performance indicators, including revenue growth, customer acquisition, and employment levels. Addressing concerns regarding automation, Tagoe expressed an optimistic view, suggesting that AI is intended to augment human labor and improve efficiency rather than replace jobs. The findings and outcomes from this inaugural cohort are expected to shape future iterations of the initiative as mNotify continues to champion digital literacy and transformation across the Ghanaian business landscape.

notice
technology|

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Addresses Technical Failure of Ghana’s Online Passport Application System

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has officially confirmed that Ghana’s online passport application portal, a vital piece of the nation’s digital infrastructure, is currently suffering from a significant technical fault. The outage has rendered the official website, passport.mfa.gov.gh, completely inaccessible to the public, effectively halting the processing of new applications and renewals through the digital channel. This disruption has caused considerable concern among citizens and residents who rely on the platform to secure travel documentation, highlighting the vulnerabilities inherent in the digitalization of essential government services. In response to the crisis, the Ministry’s internal technical team has been deployed to diagnose and rectify the underlying issues. Notably, the MFA has announced a strategic collaboration with the National Signals Bureau to facilitate the recovery process. The involvement of the National Signals Bureau, an agency typically associated with national security and signals intelligence, suggests that the government is treating this outage with the highest level of urgency and technical scrutiny. While the Ministry has been transparent about the existence of the fault, they have not yet clarified the specific root cause—whether it is a routine server failure, a complex database error, or a potential security breach that required immediate suspension of services. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a public apology for the inconvenience the situation has caused, acknowledging the frustration of applicants who are now facing delays in their travel plans. This portal serves as the primary interface for Ghanaians both locally and in the diaspora, streamlining what was once a cumbersome manual process. The sudden loss of service serves as a stark reminder of the importance of redundancy and robust cybersecurity measures in the management of national identification systems. Officials have urged the public to exercise patience as they work to ensure the platform's long-term stability and security upon its return. As of the latest update, no specific timeline has been established for the restoration of the passport application services. The Ministry has committed to providing periodic updates to keep the public informed of their progress and any interim measures that may be put in place to handle urgent cases. This incident is expected to prompt further discussions regarding the resilience of Ghana’s e-government platforms and the need for continuous investment in digital maintenance and emergency response protocols. For now, applicants are advised to monitor official government communication channels for the announcement of the portal's return to functionality.

technology|

Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority Urges Journalists to Protect National Digital Safety Through Responsible Reporting

Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has issued a stern caution to media practitioners against the premature or unverified publication of cybercrime claims and digital vulnerabilities. Speaking at a specialized training session for journalists, Alex Awere-Kyere, Senior Manager at the CSA, emphasized that while reporting on digital threats is essential, doing so without proper verification or before authorities can address flaws can inadvertently provide a roadmap for cybercriminals. He noted that the responsibility of the media is paramount in maintaining national stability in an increasingly digital world. The training was organized as a pivotal component of the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project. This initiative aims to equip media professionals, particularly those in community-based outlets, with the technical knowledge and ethical framework required to cover the complex landscape of digital security. Awere-Kyere highlighted that the media's role is critical in public education; however, he warned that sensationalist or hasty reporting could compromise ongoing forensic investigations and leave sensitive infrastructure exposed to further exploitation by bad actors. As Ghana continues to expand its digital economy, the collaboration between the Cyber Security Authority and the media is viewed as a vital defense mechanism. By fostering a culture of responsible disclosure and rigorous fact-checking, the National Community Media Cyber Capacity Building Project seeks to ensure that journalists serve as a shield for the public rather than an unintended gateway for cyber threats. Moving forward, the CSA encourages a closer working relationship with newsrooms to verify technical details and ensure that the public is informed without being put at unnecessary risk.

technology|

Meta Explores Mid-Trial Settlement in Landmark US Lawsuit Over Youth Social Media Addiction

Meta Platforms is reportedly engaged in settlement discussions with 29 U.S. state attorneys general, potentially bringing an early end to a high-profile legal battle over the impact of Facebook and Instagram on young users. The negotiations occur while a federal trial is already underway, involving allegations that Meta’s platforms were engineered with addictive features that have directly contributed to a mental health crisis among children and teenagers. This litigation represents one of the most significant legal challenges to the social media industry to date, highlighting growing concerns over digital safety. The legal challenge centers on the assertion that Meta prioritized user engagement and corporate profit over the safety of its most vulnerable demographic. Beyond the addiction claims, the states have also accused the tech giant of violating various state and federal privacy laws related to the collection and handling of children's data. These allegations form part of a broader global scrutiny of Big Tech's influence on society, as prosecutors seek to hold the company accountable for the perceived harms generated by its proprietary algorithms. For its part, Meta has staunchly denied the claims throughout the litigation. The company maintains that it has invested heavily in safety features, citing more than 30 tools designed to assist parents in monitoring their children’s activities and setting limits on screen time. Meta argues that its platforms provide valuable connection and community for young people, and that the lawsuits misrepresent the company's long-standing commitment to safety and transparency. Despite these defenses, the pivot toward settlement talks suggests a desire to avoid the risks of a definitive court verdict. A settlement in this case could have far-reaching implications for the global tech industry, potentially forcing major changes to how social media applications are designed and marketed to minors. As the trial continues in federal court, industry analysts are watching closely to see if Meta will opt for a multi-million-dollar resolution or risk a court ruling that could set a binding legal precedent. Regardless of the outcome, the case underscores the growing momentum for stricter regulation of social media platforms worldwide, including in emerging digital markets.

Telecel Ghana Partners with Whalebone to Launch SecureNet Cybersecurity Protection for Mobile Users
technology|

Telecel Ghana Partners with Whalebone to Launch SecureNet Cybersecurity Protection for Mobile Users

Telecel Ghana has officially introduced SecureNet, a robust network-level cybersecurity service designed to safeguard its mobile customers from the rising tide of digital threats. Developed in strategic partnership with global cybersecurity firm Whalebone, the new service provides a seamless security layer that operates directly at the network level. This innovative approach ensures that users are protected from phishing attempts, malicious websites, and fraudulent links without the need for any additional software downloads or complex installations on individual devices. The initiative comes at a critical time as Ghana’s digital landscape continues to expand, bringing both opportunities and increased risks. According to Aneth Muga, Telecel Ghana's Director of Consumer Business, the surge in connectivity across the country has unfortunately made users more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats. SecureNet addresses this by offering real-time protection, automatically blocking access to harmful content and known scam sites before they can reach the end-user. This proactive defense mechanism is specifically tailored to mitigate the risks associated with the increasing prevalence of mobile-based scams and data breaches. To ensure widespread accessibility, Telecel Ghana has made SecureNet available through various flexible subscription models, allowing customers to choose plans that best fit their usage patterns. Beyond individual protection, the launch of SecureNet is expected to bolster overall consumer confidence within Ghana’s growing digital economy. By providing a safer online environment, Telecel aims to encourage more secure digital transactions and interactions, ultimately supporting the nation’s broader technological advancement and digital inclusion goals as the country adapts to the evolving digital age.

technology|

Interior Ministry Unveils TraffiTech-GH to Automate Traffic Enforcement and Penalize Road Violators

The Ministry of Interior has officially launched "TraffiTech-GH," an ambitious technology-driven enforcement system designed to modernize road safety and traffic management across Ghana. Announced by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the initiative leverages advanced surveillance cameras and automated monitoring devices to identify and penalize traffic violators without the need for constant physical police presence. This shift towards digital monitoring marks a significant step in the government's efforts to enhance road discipline and reduce the high rate of motor accidents on major highways and urban roads. Under the new system, high-definition surveillance cameras installed along major arterial roads and intersections will automatically capture and document various traffic infractions in real-time. These recorded violations are then transmitted to a centralized control room where officials verify the data for accuracy. Once a violation is confirmed, an electronic notification is sent directly to the offender’s mobile phone, providing comprehensive details of the specific offense, the location, and the associated penalty. This automated workflow is intended to streamline the enforcement process and ensure that penalties are issued promptly and transparently. TraffiTech-GH is programmed to detect over 47 specific traffic offenses, ranging from speeding and running red lights to illegal lane changes and driving without valid documentation. Beyond simple enforcement, a primary objective of the program is to minimize direct interactions between motorists and police officers on the road. By reducing face-to-face contact, the Ministry aims to curb opportunities for bribery and petty corruption while simultaneously increasing the efficiency of the Ghana Police Service, allowing personnel to focus on more complex security and investigative duties. This technological intervention comes as the administration of President John Mahama prioritizes digital infrastructure and public safety as part of its national development agenda. By creating a system where offenders are held accountable through inescapable digital evidence, the Ministry of Interior expects to see a marked improvement in driver behavior and overall compliance with road regulations. As the rollout progresses to cover more regions, TraffiTech-GH is poised to become a cornerstone of Ghana’s strategy to foster a safer and more disciplined transportation environment for all citizens.