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.

Alex Bram commits Hubtel to support Ghana's national AI fund
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Alex Bram commits Hubtel to support Ghana's national AI fund

Alex Bram, the Chief Executive Officer of Hubtel, has announced the company's commitment to contribute to Ghana's proposed national Artificial Intelligence (AI) fund. This initiative is a central component of the government's broader strategy to establish a robust digital ecosystem, which includes a total projected investment of US$270 million. The fund is designed to finance the development of critical digital infrastructure and foster innovation within the technology sector, positioning Ghana as a regional leader in AI adoption. According to Mr. Bram, the success of the national AI strategy depends on a strong partnership between the government and the private sector. While the government has committed to funding a national compute center and the AI fund itself, private entities like Hubtel, alongside banks, fintech firms, and telecommunications companies, are expected to play a vital role. Bram suggested that the government could provide specific incentives to encourage more private investment in AI capabilities, ensuring that the financial burden is shared across the industry to build a more resilient infrastructure. Beyond financial investment, the Hubtel CEO identified significant hurdles that must be addressed to ensure the strategy's success. He highlighted the current scarcity of qualified AI personnel and the difficulties in accessing high-quality data in the local market. Bram urged the government to prioritize skill development and data availability alongside physical infrastructure. He emphasized that without a workforce capable of managing and innovating with AI tools, the infrastructure alone would not be enough to drive the desired economic growth. These remarks come ahead of the Digital Economy Forum, where key stakeholders will gather to discuss the opportunities and potential disruptions posed by AI in Ghana. The discussions aim to refine the national strategy and identify how various sectors can leverage AI to improve efficiency and service delivery. By aligning financial commitments with educational and regulatory reforms, the government and private sector leaders hope to create a sustainable framework for technological advancement that benefits the entire Ghanaian economy.

Penplusbytes launches KasaGadi AI platform to fight misinformation
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Penplusbytes launches KasaGadi AI platform to fight misinformation

Penplusbytes has officially launched KasaGadi, a pioneering AI-powered platform designed to identify and verify misinformation in local Ghanaian languages. As part of the broader Ghana Anti-Disinformation Coalition project, this initiative aims to create locally trained artificial intelligence tools that can process the specific linguistic nuances and cultural contexts found within Ghana's diverse verbal landscape. The tool is expected to significantly bolster the country's capacity to handle the spread of false narratives. During the launch event, Executive Director Jerry Sam highlighted the critical need for AI systems that go beyond English to support information integrity. He explained that current global AI models often struggle with the intricacies of local languages, which can be exploited by those spreading false information. KasaGadi is specifically engineered to bridge this gap, enhancing the speed and accuracy of misinformation detection in vernacular speech and text to ensure that non-English speakers are protected from digital manipulation. The rollout is structured as a three-year project that prioritizes a collaborative approach among key national stakeholders. By bringing together the government, civil society organisations, and academia, Penplusbytes intends to foster a robust ecosystem for data sharing and technical development. This partnership is designed to ensure that while the platform effectively targets false narratives, it also remains committed to upholding fundamental human rights and the freedom of expression. This initiative reflects a growing trend in Ghana to harness indigenous technology to solve local challenges. By training AI on local datasets, the project seeks to empower citizens and media practitioners with reliable verification tools that are relevant to their daily lives. In the long term, the Ghana Anti-Disinformation Coalition hopes KasaGadi will serve as a blueprint for other African nations seeking to protect their information environments through culturally relevant technological solutions.

Samuel Nartey George inspects rural telephony sites in Volta Region
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Samuel Nartey George inspects rural telephony sites in Volta Region

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has commenced a two-day inspection tour of rural telephony project sites and digital learning facilities in the Volta Region. The working visit, which began on October 15, 2026, is designed to evaluate the progress of infrastructure projects aimed at bridging the digital divide in underserved communities. By assessing these sites firsthand, the Minister intends to ensure that the technological investments are meeting their intended goals and are ready to serve the public. During the first day of the tour, the Minister visited several key locations, including the Ho Community Information Centre and new sites under the Rural Telephony Project in the Ho Central and Agotime-Ziope constituencies. These inspections allow the Ministry to identify specific operational challenges and gauge the pace of completion for critical connectivity infrastructure. The focus on these areas underscores the government's commitment to expanding digital access beyond urban centers, facilitating better communication and information flow for rural residents. The inspection tour is set to continue with visits to additional sites to further evaluate the operational conditions and completion status of ongoing projects. These findings will play a crucial role in guiding future policy decisions and actions regarding digital infrastructure delivery across the country. By ensuring these facilities are fully functional, the Ministry aims to enhance digital literacy and provide the necessary tools for economic growth in the Volta Region, ultimately supporting the national agenda for a digitally inclusive Ghana.

Sam George warns AI could deepen rural-urban inequality in Ghana
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Sam George warns AI could deepen rural-urban inequality in Ghana

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, has sounded a cautionary note regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that it could significantly widen the developmental gap between rural and urban Ghana. Speaking on the integration of emerging technologies, the Minister stressed that the transformative power of AI would only benefit the entire nation if it is anchored by robust and equitable digital connectivity. He warned that without deliberate intervention, the digital divide could become an insurmountable barrier for underserved populations. To mitigate these risks, George is advocating for a proactive overhaul of Ghana’s telecommunications landscape. He specifically called for upgrading existing rural infrastructure to support high-speed internet, emphasizing the necessity of 4G and 5G technologies. According to the Minister, reliable internet access is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for participating in a modern, AI-driven economy. He noted that while urban centers are increasingly well-served, rural communities face the prospect of economic exclusion if their connectivity remains stagnant while the rest of the world pivots toward automation and intelligent data processing. The Minister drew parallels to the challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing it as a stark example of how technological disparities can cripple essential services. He reminded stakeholders that when schools transitioned to online learning, students in communities with poor connectivity were severely disadvantaged compared to their urban counterparts. This historical precedent, he argued, serves as a vital lesson for the current AI transition. These issues are set to be a focal point at the upcoming Digital Economy Forum, where policymakers will evaluate strategies to ensure that AI serves as a tool for inclusive growth rather than a driver of further socio-economic disparity.

Alex Bram urges professionals to adapt business models for AI era
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Alex Bram urges professionals to adapt business models for AI era

Hubtel Chief Executive Officer Alex Bram has called on professionals, including lawyers, doctors, and accountants, to evolve their service delivery models as artificial intelligence (AI) democratizes access to specialized knowledge. Speaking on the impact of emerging technologies, Bram emphasized that the rise of AI tools is fundamentally reshaping client expectations and the traditional value propositions of highly skilled industries. He argued that professionals must now pivot toward the specific value and outcomes they provide to clients rather than the routine tasks that AI can now perform. Bram suggested that instead of viewing AI as a threat that eliminates professions, practitioners should see it as a catalyst for innovation and a tool to enhance productivity. For instance, he noted that legal professionals might transition from drafting basic documents to providing high-level strategic reviews, while medical practitioners should focus more on improving patient outcomes as health information becomes more readily available to the public through AI platforms. This shift requires a fundamental rethinking of how expertise is packaged and sold in a competitive market. Demonstrating this transition in practice, Hubtel has already integrated AI into its own corporate structure. The company has established a dedicated AI laboratory and restructured its internal operations to improve efficiency and service delivery. Bram highlighted these internal changes as a necessary response to the shifting technological landscape, urging other Ghanaian business leaders and professional bodies to proactively adopt similar innovations to maintain their relevance. Ultimately, the Hubtel CEO expressed optimism about the future, noting that the disruption caused by AI presents significant opportunities for growth for those willing to adapt. By focusing on the unique human elements of professional service—such as nuanced judgment, empathy, and complex problem-solving—professionals can increase their overall service value. He concluded that embracing these changes is essential for ensuring that specialized industries remain competitive as AI becomes more deeply integrated into the global economy.

A photograph of a modern glass office building featuring the prominent 'Meta' wordmark and its blue infinity logo on the facade. The image represents the corporate identity of the technology company under a clear sky.
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Meta removes 3.7 million accounts in West African scam crackdown

Meta has disabled more than 3.7 million accounts across its Facebook and Instagram platforms as part of a major international operation targeting fraudulent networks originating in West Africa. This coordinated effort involved a coalition of 14 technology companies and law enforcement agencies across 10 countries, focusing on dismantling sophisticated cyber-enabled financial crime rings. In Ghana, the operation led to the discovery of 30 suspected scam hubs, resulting in the arrest of 28 individuals and the rescue of 117 individuals identified as victims of human trafficking who were likely being coerced into operating the fraudulent schemes. Investigators seized a substantial cache of electronic devices and identified approximately $11 million in potential scam funds, highlighting the massive scale of the financial threat posed by these networks. The fraudsters reportedly utilized diverse and sophisticated tactics to deceive their targets, including complex cryptocurrency-related scams and the impersonation of high-ranking government officials. While the scam networks were based in West Africa, their victims were located globally, with a significant number of targets identified in the United Kingdom and the United States. This joint initiative underscores the growing necessity for private-sector technology firms to collaborate closely with public law enforcement to combat transnational cybercrime. The rescue of over 100 trafficking victims highlights the dark intersection between digital financial fraud and physical human rights abuses, as criminal syndicates increasingly use forced labor to staff their digital operations. Ghanaian authorities have emphasized that such robust international cooperation is critical for safeguarding the nation's digital economy and maintaining its integrity within the global financial system.

Ghana Russia Centre signs ICT cooperation deal with Moscow university
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Ghana Russia Centre signs ICT cooperation deal with Moscow university

The Ghana Russia Centre for Commerce and Relations has formalised a strategic partnership with the Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics (MTUCI) to advance digital technology and education. Signed during the Global Digital Forum 2026, the cooperation agreement establishes a framework for merging Russian technological expertise with Ghana’s growing digital economy. The partnership is designed to facilitate a wide range of collaborative efforts, including academic exchanges, specialised skills training, and the development of joint technological projects. John Aggrey, CEO of the Ghana Russia Centre, emphasised the significance of the agreement, particularly its focus on high-level infrastructure such as satellite communications and space technology. By leveraging Russian advancements in these fields, Ghana aims to significantly enhance its domestic capabilities in critical sectors. Specifically, the integration of satellite data and space-based solutions is expected to provide transformative improvements in agricultural precision, national security monitoring, and climate change mitigation efforts. The collaboration also places a heavy emphasis on human capital development within the ICT sector. Through the partnership with MTUCI, Ghanaian students and professionals are expected to gain access to advanced technical training and academic programmes developed within the Russian educational system. This exchange is intended to bridge existing skills gaps in the local workforce and foster a new generation of Ghanaian tech experts capable of managing sophisticated digital infrastructure. Looking ahead, both parties have initiated discussions regarding the organisation of a dedicated Russia-Ghana ICT Forum scheduled for 2027. This upcoming event is intended to serve as a platform for showcasing Ghanaian digital innovations to an international audience while creating a venue for further investment opportunities. The forum aims to solidify the relationship between the two nations' technology sectors, ensuring that the current agreement serves as a foundation for long-term industrial and economic cooperation.

Sam George cautions ministers against unverified AI-generated speeches
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Sam George cautions ministers against unverified AI-generated speeches

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, has issued a formal caution to government ministers regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate official speeches. While acknowledging the technology's ability to streamline the writing process, George warned that relying on AI without rigorous fact-checking poses significant risks to the accuracy and credibility of government communications. The Minister explained that AI tools often pull information from a vast array of online data, which includes both verified and unverified sources. This indiscriminate aggregation can result in the inclusion of misinformation or contextually incorrect data in public addresses. George emphasized that background research remains a vital human responsibility, asserting that technology should complement rather than replace the critical oversight required for high-level governance. The discussion also extended to the evolving role of AI in the media sector. George highlighted the need for Ghana’s education systems to adapt to this technological shift by equipping student journalists with specialized verification skills. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, the ability to discern fact from machine-generated fiction is becoming a prerequisite for professional journalism and maintaining public trust. Looking ahead, these issues will be a primary focus at the Digital Economy Forum scheduled for October 21, 2026. The forum is expected to explore the broader impacts of AI on the Ghanaian economy and develop frameworks for responsible adoption across various sectors. George concluded by reinforcing the government's stance that human intelligence must remain at the center of the nation's digital transformation strategy to prevent the accidental spread of misinformation.

Mary Ama Bawa (3rd from right) from Capacity Building and Awareness Creation Department of CSA and CRCC participants in the event
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Ghana records GH‵209.7m cybercrime loss in first nine months of 2026

Ghana has recorded significant financial losses from cybersecurity incidents, totaling GH‵209.7 million between January and September 2026. This figure represents a sharp escalation from the GH‵22.5 million recorded for the entirety of 2025, highlighting the increasing financial impact of digital crimes on the national economy. The statistics, released by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), indicate that the cost of cybercrime is growing at a rate that significantly outpaces the increase in the number of reported cases. According to Mary Ama Bawa of the CSA, the total number of incidents reported during the first nine months of 2026 reached 4,938, compared to 4,604 cases for the whole of 2025. Online fraud remains the most pervasive threat, accounting for 48% of all reported activities. However, the data also reveals a concerning trend in cyberbullying, which saw its share of reports more than double, rising from 9% in 2025 to 19% in 2026. This shift suggests a diversifying threat profile where social and personal attacks are becoming as common as financial ones. To address these challenges, the CSA has intensified its regulatory and collaborative efforts, particularly with major social media platforms. These partnerships aim to identify and remove harmful content more efficiently, with a primary focus on protecting children from online grooming and exploitation. The authority also warned of sophisticated emerging threats, such as AI-generated deepfake scams, which are being used to deceive individuals and organizations with increasingly realistic fraudulent content. The CSA emphasized that the current figures might only represent a fraction of the total losses, as many victims remain hesitant to report incidents. Officials are urging citizens to use the authority's reporting channels to help create a more accurate picture of the cyber threat landscape in Ghana. As the country's digital infrastructure expands, the authority maintains that reporting is not just a personal safeguard but a vital contribution to national security and the development of more effective countermeasures.

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Anthropic seeks rehearing over Pentagon security risk branding

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

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

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

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Michael Gore unveils plant technology to signal nitrogen deficiency

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