EMIs Chamber of Ghana outdoors its leadership
The EMIs Chamber of Ghana has announced the election of Philip Amoateng, Director of Telecel Cash, as its new Chairman, and Ebo Richardson, Managing Director of G-Money, as its Vice Chairman. This leadership election marks a significant milestone in the new Chamber’s history as it commits to driving innovation and collaboration within the digital finance sector in Ghana.
The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman will serve until the end of 2024, when new elections will be held to determine the new leaders of the EMIs Chamber of Ghana for 2025.
The Chamber was officially registered on March 26, 2024, with a vision to become the leading catalyst for inclusive and innovative digital finance in Ghana. The Chamber’s mission meanwhile, is to foster innovation, enhance regulatory collaboration, and support the growth and sustainability of the digital finance sector.
By representing the unified voice of Ghana’s digital finance ecosystem, the Chamber aims to create a thriving and inclusive financial landscape that benefits all Ghanaians.
Membership
The EMIs Chamber of Ghana proudly represents leading digital finance entities, including AT Money, G-Money, Mobile Money Limited, Telecel Cash, and Zeepay Mobile Money.
Goals and Objectives
The EMIs Chamber aims to:
- Foster Innovation: By encouraging the development and adoption of new technologies and solutions that enhance the efficiency and reach of digital finance services.
- Enhance Regulatory Collaboration: Working closely with government agencies, regulators, and other stakeholders to create a favorable operating environment for digital finance operators.
- Support Growth and Sustainability: Advocating for policies and practices that ensure the long-term success and stability of the digital finance sector.
- Promote Financial Inclusion: Facilitating partnerships and collaborations among different mobile money operators to extend financial services to underserved and unbanked populations in Ghana.
Looking Ahead
Under the leadership of Philip Amoateng and Ebo Richardson, the EMIs Chamber is poised to make significant strides in advancing the digital finance landscape in Ghana. The Chamber remains dedicated to its mission of creating a dynamic and inclusive financial ecosystem that benefits all citizens.
About EMIs Chamber of Ghana
The EMIs Chamber is the unified voice for Ghana’s digital finance ecosystem, representing leading entities such as AT Money, G-Money, Mobile Money Limited, Telecel Cash, and Zeepay Mobile Money. The Chamber is committed to fostering innovation, enhancing regulatory collaboration, and supporting the growth and sustainability of the digital finance sector in Ghana.
Source: Chamber News Desk
Telecel Ghana Foundation is shaping the future of girls in STEM
Growing up, Delali was always fascinated by how devices functioned. She sometimes opened the housing of her guardian’s radio set and torchlight to figure out how they worked and reassembled them. The 12-year-old’s curiosity about the design and function of electronics has evolved into a dream to pursue creative design thinking as a career.
“I really love electronic appliances and enjoy looking deeper into what’s inside gadgets like watches and other appliances. I’m a creative person. I really like doing creative stuff and I’m interested in electronics,” the second-year junior high student of Nungua Methodist 1 Basic School, added.
Delali is one of 50 participants from the New Life Orphanage, Nungua and Osu Children’s Home who received practical Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) training that exposed them to experiments in robotics, programming, web design and arts, as part of Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Grow Girls in STEM initiative.
Brighter future
Hosted at the state-of-the-art STEAM Centre on the premises of the Accra Senior High School in collaboration with Asutem Robotics, the Telecel Ghana Foundation’s Grow Girls in STEM project is aimed at empowering and training young girls to explore and excel in STEM fields to compete in a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation. Since its inception in August 2023, over 150 young girls have received STEM empowerment and training in Accra and Takoradi.
After interacting with the young participants who were in different breakout sessions, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, said, “We believe the future of STEM is brighter with a diverse range of brilliant minds. That’s why we’re proud that our Grow Girls in STEM initiative is empowering young girls to explore their passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and math, a critical step to becoming the next generation of innovators who will create solutions.”
Two heads are better than one
In the STEM workshop, Delali and her teammates are busy creating their own visual story using Scratch, a simple programming software for producing interactive stories, games, and animations. She calls out to the programming instructor to help with any difficulties that arise as they use the software.
“I found it easy and fun to move the sprites from left to right. It is a very educative and important skill. I also learnt about teamwork because two heads are better than one. It’s better that a group of people come together to learn because it’s much easier than when only you are doing it.”
Source: Telecel
Ghanaians need to protect telecommunications fibre – John Mahama urges
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), H.E John Dramani Mahama has called on road contractors and all Ghanaians to protect the fibre of telecommunication companies across the country.
He made the strong appeal during a recent media engagement in Accra. In response to a question on what his administration will do to ensure internet stability, following the events of March 14, 2024, the former president, called for extra care to protect the fibre that is laid underground and on poles across the country by telecommunication companies.
“We even have domestic fibre cuts. When they are doing road construction, they cuts the fibre links. And so we also must be careful how we protect the fibre that we have.”
His remarks come on the back of a recent engagement with the leadership of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and its sister outfit the EMIs Chamber of Ghana. During that meeting, the two Chambers called for increased attention and support for the telecommunications industry as well as the digital payments ecosystem.
Industry loses over GHS 80 million due to fibre cuts
A look at the alarming statistics in relation to fibre optic cable cuts in 2023, show that 6,232 cuts were recorded during the year under review, resulting in substantial financial losses.
The cost of repairs amounted to USD 6,443,115.18, or GHS 84,087,990.44, with an average repair cost of USD 29,276.42 or GHS 382,492.61.
Several factors were identified as major causes of cable cuts in Ghana in 2023. These were road construction, theft, vandalism, drainage construction, private developer activities, and natural disasters. Additionally, operational works by other utility companies, such as Ghana Water and the Electricity Company of Ghana, were identified as key contributors to fibre cuts across the country.
Telecommunications and EMIs Chamber’s engage NDC flagbearer on the Telecoms Manifesto
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and its sister outfit the EMIs Chamber of Ghana have called for increased attention and support for the telecommunications industry as well as the digital payments ecosystem.
The calls were made during an engagement session between leadership of the two Chambers and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and his team on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Accra, at the secretariat of the two Chambers. The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications was led by its Chairman, the CEO of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, Acting CEO of AT, Leo Skarlatos, , CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, the Managing Director at Helios Towers Ghana, Angelo Govina and Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey the CEO of both Chambers.
The EMIs Chamber of Ghana was on the other hand led by founding chairman of the Chamber, Philip Amoateng, the Director for Telecel Cash, the Acting Managing Director of AT Money, Mohammed Alhassan, CEO of Mobile Money Limited, Shaibu Haruna, Edem Kpodo, the Operations Lead at G-Money and other representatives.
On the NDC side, Former President and flagbearer for the NDC, H.E John Dramani Mahama joined the two Chamber’s with the Honourable Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George and other team members.
The meeting which lasted about 2 hours, touched on key issues and challenges affecting members of both the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana.
For the GCT, the following key issues were discussed;
- A conducive and supportive policy and regulatory environment
- An enabling tax regime
- Protection for industry infrastructure
- Cost of doing business and ease of doing business
- Indebtedness to industry
- Sustainable promotion of local content among others
Issues discussed for the EMIs Chamber meanwhile included;
- Repeal of the E-Levy law
- Facilitating cross-border payments
- Driving digital payments for People to Government as well as merchant payments
- Enabling policy and regulatory environment
- Cost and ease of access to the Ghana card database among others
The meeting forms part of efforts of the two Chambers, to share their key issues with all parties ahead of the December 7 elections, with the hope that the issues are captured in their respective manifestos and implemented once they come into power.
The Flagbearer, H.E John Dramani Mahama gave his vision for the sector which he had played active roles in over the past 3 decades as Deputy Minister, Minister and even as Vice President and President. He assured members that all the issues raised in the Telecoms Manifesto and at the meeting would be dealt with, working in close collaboration with members of both Chambers.
Source: Chamber News Desk
Over 200 Students and 50 Teachers From Shai Osudoku Receive Training in Coding, 3D Printing & IoT
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, in partnership with the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana, has successfully trained a total of 200 students and 50 teachers in the Shai Osudoku District of Greater Accra in Coding, 3D Printing and the Internet of Things (IoT) as part of its “Coding Caravan” initiative funded by the Chamber. The students were selected from 21 schools in the district, while the teachers were selected from 50 separate schools in the district.
In an interview on the sidelines of the training workshop, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, expressed hope of witnessing innovative solutions being birthed by the participants to tackle societal issues across the country in the short to medium term.
“We want to get to a stage where a child that we are training today can come up with a solution to deal with a challenge that surrounds them. We have been focused on doing this in the communities and environments where, as a Chamber and our partners, we can return because we want to spend the majority of our money not on our boarding and lodging but rather on teaching the kids.”
He also called on corporations to support the Coding Caravan team to scale up the initiative: “Any corporate body that wants, we can show you the proof of concept. We can show you how it is done and its impact. You don’t need to give the money to us. You can decide to sponsor a community of your choice; we’ll bring the volunteers and partners, and we’ll come to your community and deliver this course.”
The participating students were introduced to Scratch, a free programming language that allows users to create interactive stories, games, and animations. They also explored 3D design, printing, and the IoT,
gaining hands-on experience in these crucial areas.
To ensure the long-term impact of the project, Dr. Ashigbey stressed the importance of also training teachers in the above-mentioned areas. This approach equips educators with the skills needed to continue the initiative’s goals independently as it expands to new schools. He noted the shift from theory-based to practical teaching methods, aiming to better prepare students for real-world challenges.
He urged citizens to support the initiative through various means, including providing transportation and internet access, as the project plans to extend from Accra to Paga.
Ms. Dorothy Klutse, Digital Skills Training Supervisor at the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), led sessions on “thinkatoys” and 3D printing within the IoT framework. She demonstrated practical applications of IoT, such as improving traffic light functionality through internet connectivity, among others.
According to Ms. Klutse, it is critical for the Ghanaian child to be introduced to world of IoT and 3D Printing among others. “The things we’ve thought today will significantly impact the children as the world continues to become a global village. I would like to highlight the importance of the children learning about the internet-of-things (IoT) as well as concepts like artificial intelligence. They would in the future use such platforms to develop innovative solutions to our problems.”
Addressing the students, Nana Yaa Amoah Bediako, Apagyahemaa of Asamankese, encouraged them to use ICT positively. She advised, “Instead of misusing ICT, use your access to computers and phones wisely. With data, you have a gateway to the global world, offering opportunities to learn new and beneficial things. Avoid wasting time on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram. Instead, you can learn new words, skills, or hobbies. For example, I learned how to make fula and granular online.”
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications remains committed to empowering the next generation through responsible and innovative use of ICT, fostering a brighter future for all.
The Coding Caravan Project has previously reached communities such as Tsiame, Nsawam, Akyem Oda, Agona Swedru, and Ofoase Ayirebi and trained about 1,500 pupils and 250 teachers across these areas.
| LIST OF SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS IN SHAI OSUDOKU | |||
| 1 | ASSUARE JUNCTION DA BASIC | 12 | DODOWA PREBY BASIC B |
| 2 | DEDENYA DA BASIC | 13 | DODOWA NEWTOWN BASIC A |
| 3 | DORYUMU METHODIST BASIC | 14 | DODOWA NEWTOWN BASIC B |
| 4 | DORYUMU D.A BASIC | 15 | DODOWA NEWTOWN BASIC C |
| 5 | DORYUMU D.A BASIC B | 16 | SHAI D.A JHS |
| 6 | Kordabe RC BASIC | 17 | DODOWA METHODIST BASIC A |
| 7 | MANYAJORPANYA D.A BASIC | 18 | DODOWA METHODIST BASIC B |
| 8 | ASEBI D.A BASIC | 19 | DODOWA NURU ISLAMIYA BASIC |
| 9 | AYIKUMA RC BASIC | 20 | ST AGNES RC JHS |
| 10 | AYIKUMA METHODIST BASIC | 21 | ST AGNES RC PRIMARY |
| 11 | DODOWA PREBY BASIC A | ||
Source: Chamber News Desk
CSquared Champions ICT Education with Sponsorship of Coding Caravan in Sogakope
CSquared, a leading technology company, committed to a digitally connected Africa, has joined hands with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana (IIPGH) and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana to organize coding training for some selected schools in the South Tongu District in the Volta Region of Ghana.
The program, which came off on June 28, 2024, featured activities designed to introduce 236 pupils, from upper primary to junior high school levels, and 50 of their teachers to the basics of coding and animations using the Scratch application software, 3D designs using Tinkertoys, and an introduction to IoT through hands-on experience with Arduino kits to build a traffic-light system.
In an interview with the media on the sidelines of the event, Stephen Gefli, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of CSquared, emphasized the company’s commitment to giving back to society through their C-Serve project, which focuses on societal upliftment. “We are proud to support the Coding Caravan initiative and collaborate with the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and IIPGH to ensure its success. Our goal is to extend our support to more communities, enabling students to develop essential digital skills,” Gefli stated.
Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, highlighted the critical need for ICT centres in districts and villages to provide continuous practice opportunities for students. “A one-day awareness programme is not sufficient to achieve our objectives. Establishing ICT facilities will enable pupils to practice regularly and develop their skills effectively,” he noted.
David Gowu, Executive Director of IIPGH, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating: “This year, the Coding Caravan is back on the road, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. We aim to expand and enhance this programme by bringing more partners on board and increasing our impact. Our ultimate objective is to establish coding clubs in schools, enabling students to participate in coding competitions, foster innovation, and create solutions that benefit our country and Africa as a whole.”
Gowu also mentioned that resources and funding are limiting factors for the programme’s growth, but they are focusing on raising awareness through a comprehensive roadshow called Accra-to-Paga that will navigate major towns, cities, and villages across the country, culminating in the northernmost region. Additionally, training sessions for teachers who have access to government-supplied computers and school labs are planned to equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate coding into their teaching practices.
CSquared’s sponsorship of the Coding Caravan is a testament to their dedication to fostering digital skills and innovation among young people in Ghana, ensuring that students can benefit from continuous support and development in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
The event, which was hosted at the Comboni Technical Vocational Institute School and graced by the traditional leaders of the town, ended with the presentation of a brand new laptop to the school with the most active students during the days sessions, Sogakope D/A Basic School.
Source: Chamber News Desk
Telecommunications and EMIs Chamber’s engage NPP flagbearer on the Telecoms Manifesto
The Vice President and the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been urged to prioritize and resolve key challenges that continue to plague the fortunes of the telecommunications industry as well as the digital payments ecosystem in Ghana if he wins the 2024 elections. The calls were made by the leadership of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and the Electronic Money Issuers (EMIs) Chamber of Ghana.
In a scheduled engagement on June 7, 2024 at the secretariat of the two Chambers in Accra, the NPP’s flagbearer was taken through some of the key issues affecting players in the two industries.
For the GCT, the following key issues among others were discussed;
- A conducive and supportive policy and regulatory environment
- An enabling tax regime
- Protection for industry infrastructure
- Cost of doing business and ease of doing business
- Indebtedness to industry
- Development of the needed human capital for the industry
- Increasing smartphone penetration across Ghana
Issues discussed for the EMIs Chamber meanwhile included;
- Repeal of the E-Levy law
- Facilitation of cross-border payments
- Driving digital payments for People to Government as well as merchant payments
- Enabling policy and regulatory environment
- Cost and ease of access to the Ghana card database among others
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications was led by its Chairman, the CEO of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, Acting CEO of AT, Leo Skarlatos, CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, CFO of ATC Ghana, Bright Owusu Bempah; and Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey the CEO of both Chambers.
The EMIs Chamber of Ghana was, on the other hand, led by the founding chairman of the Chamber, Philip Amoateng, the Director for Telecel Cash, the Acting Managing Director of AT Money, Mohammed Alhassan and other representatives.
On the NPP side, Vice President and flagbearer for the NPP, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia joined the two Chambers with the Honourable Minister for Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, immediate past majority leader and Chairman of the NPP manifesto committee for election 2024 Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Prof Kwaku Appiah-Adu the Senior Policy Advisor, Vice President’s Secretariat, Dr. Augustine Blay, Executive Secretary to the Vice President among other team members.
The meeting forms part of the efforts of the two Chambers, to share their key issues with all parties ahead of the December 7 elections, with the hope that the issues are captured in their respective manifestos and implemented once they come into power.
The NPP Flagbearer, H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in his remarks to the room, highlighted his support for the sector especially spearheading the implementation of Mobile Money Interoperability in the country as Vice President. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that all the issues raised in the Telecoms Manifesto and at the meeting are worked on, working in close collaboration with members of both Chambers.
As part of both Chambers’ plans of meeting the flagbearers of the parties with representation in parliament, the two Chambers earlier in the week met with the NDC flagbearer H.E John Dramani Mahama on June 3, 2024. The Chamber had earlier shared the Telecoms Manifesto with all political parties. The next step for the Chamber would be to review the manifestos of all the political parties to find out how much of the Telecoms Manifesto has been incorporated into the political parties’ manifestos. Then in 2025 monitor and advocate for the implementation of plans and policies of the ruling party to ensure that the issues raised in the Telecoms Manifesto are implemented for the benefit of the country.
Source: Chamber News Desk
Communications Minister calls on corporate Ghana to support Accra-to-Paga Coding Caravan initiative
Accra-to-Paga Coding Caravan initiative
(Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful)
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has called on the private sector to support programs dedicated to the teaching of ICT skills to the Ghanaian child such as the Coding Caravan.
She made the remarks at the start of the 3rd edition of the Coding Caravan at Dansoman ‘A’ Cluster of Schools in Accra, which came off on Wednesday 12th June, 2024. The program, which saw about 200 female students and 30 teachers, selected from 14 basic schools in the Ablekuma West Municipality, being trained in coding using the Scratch program, 3D designs and printing, as well as Internet of Things (IoT), was in commemoration of the 2024 International Girls-In-ICT Day.
In an interview with the media, on the sidelines of the program, Hon. Ursula mentioned that such important initiatives can only be sustained and scaled-up if they receive the active support and participation of corporate Ghana.
“This is such a laudable program and the benefits of it will be seen in the lives of these people and our country in the next 5 to 10 years. It is imperative that we sustain it, and it can only be sustained through sponsorship and funding support from the private sector.”
“So I would urge all those who haven’t yet contributed to it to support this program”, she added.
On his part, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, spoke of plans to extend the Coding Caravan program and its benefits to students across the rest of the country, including the Northern Belt, through the Accra-to-Paga edition of the initiative. He also mentioned that part of the objective of the Coding Caravan was to get the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to make Information Communication Technology (ICT) examinations “practical”.
“We want to use the training as a proof of concept that we can make ICT examinations for our children practical… Hopefully, out of this [training], we would be able to get some of the children to use these digital tools to solve problems around them,” he said.
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, who encouraged the girls to take advantage of the opportunity provided through the Coding Caravan initiative, stressed the immense benefit of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and encouraged the pupils to pursue careers in the area.
Mr Kafui Amanfo, Director of Operations, IIPGH, stressed the importance of digital literacy for young people.
He described the Coding Caravan as “an inclusive activity” which would be extended to hearing impaired pupils at Mampong in the Eastern Region.
“Leaving the underserved communities behind will not make the digital communication agenda conclusive. We need to bring everybody on board this development programme,” he stated.
In addition to Ablekuma West, the 2024 edition of the Coding Caravan is scheduled to make stops at Shai Osudoku, Sogakope and Mampong in the coming weeks.
(The organizers welcome volunteers and support in all kinds for the rest of the visits in 2024. Kindly contact the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications on 0302730500 or at info@telecomschamber.org)
Source: Chamber News Desk with contribution from GNA
Telecommunications and EMIs Chamber’s engage NDC flagbearer on the Telecoms Manifesto
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications (GCT) and its sister outfit, the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, have called for increased attention and support for the telecommunications industry as well as the digital payments ecosystem.
The calls were made during an engagement session between leadership of the two Chambers and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and his team on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Accra, at the secretariat of the two Chambers. The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications was led by its Chairman, the CEO of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, Acting CEO of AT, Leo Skarlatos, CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, the Managing Director at Helios Towers Ghana, Angelo Govina and Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of both Chambers.
The EMIs Chamber of Ghana was, on the other hand, led by the founding chairman of the Chamber, Philip Amoateng, the Director for Telecel Cash, the Acting Managing Director of AT Money, Mohammed Alhassan, CEO of Mobile Money Limited, Shaibu Haruna, Edem Kpodo, the Operations Lead at G-Money, and other representatives.
On the NDC side, Former President and flagbearer for the NDC, H.E John Dramani Mahama, joined the two chambers with the Honourable Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George and other team members.
The meeting, which lasted about 2 hours, touched on key issues and challenges affecting members of both the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana.
For the GCT, the following key issues were discussed:
- A conducive and supportive policy and regulatory environment
- An enabling tax regime
- Protection for industry infrastructure
- Cost of doing business and ease of doing business
- Indebtedness to industry
- Sustainable promotion of local content, among others
Issues discussed for the EMIs Chamber meanwhile included:
- Repeal of the E-Levy law
- Facilitating cross-border payments
- Driving digital payments for People to Government as well as merchant payments
- Enabling policy and regulatory environments
- Cost and ease of access to the Ghana card database, among others.
The meeting forms part of the efforts of the two chambers to share their key issues with all parties ahead of the December 7 elections, with the hope that the issues are captured in their respective manifestos and implemented once they come into power.
The flagbearer, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, gave his vision for the sector in which he had played active roles over the past 3 decades as Deputy Minister, Minister, and even Vice President and President. He assured members that all the issues raised in the Telecoms Manifesto and at the meeting would be dealt with, working in close collaboration with members of both chambers.
As part of both chambers plans to meet the flagbearers of the parties with representation in parliament, the two chambers are expected to meet with the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on June 7, 2024.
Source: Chamber News Desk.
Chamber Dialogue Series
Recorded video of the Chamber dialogue series