December 2024

NIC launches committee to spearhead implementation of inclusive insurance in Ghana

The Commissioner of Insurance (ag.), Mr Michael Kofi Andoh has urged a 12-member steering committee to develop the transformative potential of inclusive insurance with the view to reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.

Speaking at the launch and inauguration of the Committee whose task it is to spearhead the implementation of inclusive insurance in Ghana, Mr Andoh urged the committee to prioritize financial inclusion, particularly in under-served communities.

“It is crucial to fight poverty and create the necessary ingredients for financial inclusion. Inclusive insurance can provide access to essential payment services,” Mr Andoh said.

He highlighted the untapped potential within Ghana’s informal sector.

He also stressed the need to expand agricultural insurance and implement parametric insurance solutions to address the country’s vulnerabilities.

The committee, chaired by Mrs. Stella Jonah, Head of Supervision at the NIC, includes representatives from key institutions. Mr Abdul-Rashid Rahman is the Secretary to the Committee.

Other members include Mohammed Hafiz Issahaku, Head of Innovation at NIC, Kyeame Ghansah, Head of Research at NIC; Mrs Patience Arku-Boham, Head of the Pensions and Insurance Unit at the Ministry of Finance; and Nicholas Nyagblornu, Head of the Intersectoral Collaborations Unit at the Ministry of Health.

The team also features Mr Emmanuel Kofi Asare Abrokwa, Manager of Standards and Compliance at the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA); Dr Yaw Opoku Boateng, Director of Quality Assurance at the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA); and Dr. Kingsley Kwabahson, CEO of the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA).

Other members are Leona Lillian Abban, Manager of TURACO Inclusive; Mr. Kofi Akoto Okoampah of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ghana (IBAG); and Ernestina Amankra of the Insurance Awareness Coordinators’ Group (IACG).

The committee is further supported by Mrs. Magdalene Afriyie, Registrar of the Ghana Insurance College (GIC); Yaw Boamah Baafi of the National Communications Authority (NCA); and Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.

Dr Amina Sammo, Coordinator of the Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), described the inauguration as a pivotal moment in advancing inclusivity.

“This marks a significant step in empowering people in inner-city and low-income communities across the country,” Dr. Sammo stated.

She commended the partnership between the NIC and UNDP, which has achieved milestones since the promulgation of the Insurance Act, 2021 (Act 1061).

She encouraged committee members to maintain their momentum and ensure that inclusive insurance in Ghana aligns with international standards.

The steering committee was tasked with developing strategies to extend insurance coverage to underserved populations, particularly in the informal sector.

Members are also expected to promote awareness and adoption of inclusive insurance products, contributing to the broader goal of financial empowerment for all Ghanaians.

With this initiative, the NIC aims to address critical gaps in Ghana’s insurance sector while fostering resilience and economic growth.

Source: Myjoyonline

Telecel Ghana Foundation’s DigiTech Academy concludes pilot term in Ho

Telecel Ghana Foundation has successfully concluded the first term of its DigiTech Academy for selected pupils at Ho’s St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Volta Region.

As the pilot term for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative, DigiTech Academy equipped young pupils with essential and foundational digital skills including web development, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and programming with Scratch with emphasis on a hands-on practical approach.

After two months of practical bi-weekly sessions with cutting-edge technology and expert instruction, the programme has seen promising results and is set to expand to more schools across the country.

At the closing ceremony, young learners of the Digitech Academy showcased both their physical and digital projects that just months ago seemed impossible.

They displayed projects, many challenging traditional thinking, including miniature cranes, obstacle-avoiding vehicles, smart home models and intelligent bins.

Emmanuella Adzomah’s dream is to become a lawyer. Through the Digitech Academy, she has discovered an unexpected passion for technology, which has helped improve her ability to create, design, and solve problems. Her project involved the design and development of a website for car rental services.

“These bi-weekly skills training have prepared me for a tech-focused future. I can be a technology-specialised lawyer since I now love digital and tech solutions” she said, with her confident speech attesting to the programme’s soft skills development.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the pilot run, Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana said DigiTech Academy has been met with enthusiasm from both students and teachers.

“The Telecel DigiTech Academy is committed to ensuring Ghana has its fair share of digital innovators and it is essential that training starts at a younger age.

This initiative is not only teaching students digital skills but also inspiring them to think critically about how they can use technology to address challenges in their communities”.

The event, attended by key stakeholders from the National STEM Centre, Ghana Education Service (GES) and teachers, also saw several students receive awards for their outstanding performance.

Beyond technical skills, the programme is awakening the students’ engagement levels as teachers observed a profound shift in confidence, creativity and enthusiasm – spillover effects of the interactive DigiTech Academy sessions at the school.

Dr Esther Yeboah-Adzimah, the GES Ho Municipal Director of Education, said the school has observed remarkable improvement in the pupils since the start of the term.

“DigiTech Academy has had a profound impact on our students as we’ve seen a boost in their digital literacy and problem-solving skills. We’re excited to see how they will shape the future of technology in the region and country.”

Young final-year pupil, John Isaac Tei now dreams of becoming a robotics engineer, after his recent exposure to gears and circuits.

“This hands-on experience has given me a good start and I will continue building robots that solve problems,” he said, as he demonstrated his miniature crane controlled remotely via light sensors.

The DigiTech Academy is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and entrenching STEM-based learning in Ghana.

The corporate responsibility arm of telecommunications giant, Telecel Ghana plans to expand the programme to more schools in the coming years, ensuring that a wider range of young people have the opportunity to benefit from digital skills training in schools.

Source: Telecel Ghana ( My JoyOnline)

Ultimate FM’s Ivan Heathcote-Fumador Tops Winners Of Inaugural TIMEA Awards Initiative

Ultimate FM’s Ivan Heathcote-Fumador Tops Winners Of Inaugural TIMEA Awards Initiative

Ivan Heathcote-Fumador, a rising journalist with Ultimate FM of the EIB network, has emerged the overall winner at the inaugural Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards (TIMEA) event held in Accra.

The awards ceremony, established by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, seeks to recognize and reward journalists telling industry-related news stories that highlight key industry issues, technological deployment, ICT investment, as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) undertakings, among others.

Mr. Heathcote-Fumador was adjudged winner in the Broadcast sub-category under the EMIs category of the awards. He was joined by Suleiman Mustapha of the Graphic Communications Group Limited who took home the honors for the Print and Online sub-category under the MNOs and OEMs category of the awards. Rosemond Akuorkor Adjetey from the EIB Network, rounded up the three winners on the night, taking home the award for the Print and Online sub-category under the EMIs category of the awards.

All three winners received a brand new laptop, each, along with a citation certificate congratulating them for their achievement.

Held on Friday, December 13^th, 2024, the new awards initiative was attended by leadership from across the membership of both the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, editors and senior journalists from the leading media houses in Ghana as well as friends and family of the awardees.

The Winners

Ivan Heathcote – Fumador

Ivan is a solutions and impact driven journalist with over a decade experience. His interest cuts across disability and gender equality; politics and governance; climate change and sustainable development; the green and digital economy as well as business and finance reporting with a priority for young start ups. He works with Ultimate FM of the EIB Network. He is visually impaired but certainly not vision impaired.

Suleiman Mustapha

Suleiman is the Special Correspondent at the Graphic Communications Group Limited. He has won several awards in his career as a journalist including the 2018 GJA Business and Financial Journalist of year.

He is an investigative journalist with special focus on Economics, Business and Finance. He is the President of the Journalists For Business Advocacy (JBA)

Rosemond Akuorkor Adjetey

Rosemond is a business journalist driven by the pursuit of truth. She is dedicated to uncovering stories that challenge power and amplify marginalized voices. With a deep passion for agriculture, economics, fintech, and energy reporting, she navigates complex issues to bring clarity and context to her audience. Her work aims to inform, inspire change, and hold the powerful accountable.

About the Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards

The Technology Industry Media Excellence Awards (TIMEA) was established by the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana to encourage greater media interest in the telecommunications and digital finance industries. The awards aim to recognize and reward journalists who contribute to the development of these sectors through insightful stories and reports. This initiative highlights the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of industry trends, innovations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Award Categories

The awards cover multiple segments, including:

MNOs & OEMs
- Broadcast (TV & Radio)
- Print and Online
Infrastructure Companies & Tower Companies
- Broadcast (TV & Radio)
- Print and Online
EMIs
- Broadcast (TV & Radio)
- Print and Online

Each category focuses on recognizing excellence in industry-related reporting across various media platforms.

Eligibility

Open to journalists affiliated with recognized media houses.
Recognized independent journalists are also eligible to participate.

Awards Ceremony

The TIMEA awards will be held annually, with the condition that awards will only be presented if suitable candidates meet the criteria for excellence. This ensures the integrity and credibility of the award process.

The scheme underscores the media’s vital role in driving awareness and engagement within Ghana’s telecommunications and digital finance ecosystems.

Source: Chamber News Desk

Telecel Ghana launches innovative Phone Auction Service – Bid2Win

Telecommunications giant, Telecel Ghana has rolled out a new phone auction service – Bid2Win. As a first-of-its-kind service in Ghana, Bid2win is transacted via SMS, USSD platforms and Telecel Cash, with the aim of driving the purchase of discounted 4G smartphones on the Telecel network while offering customers an engaging and exciting way to acquire their desired phones.

The Bid2Win service officially kicks off on Wednesday, 11th December 2024 and will run as a regular service on the Telecel network.

In collaboration with Interactive Services Limited (ISL), Bid2Win will introduce an innovative approach to acquiring mobile devices, allowing customers to actively participate in a competitive bidding process to win and purchase their latest 4G smartphones.

“We believe Bid2Win will enhance our customers’ smartphone purchase experience and create a vibrant community of engaged customers who are excited about technology and innovation. This service will also let our customers have control over how much they spend on devices they want to buy,” said David Umoh, Director of Consumer Business at Telecel Ghana.

Customers can easily subscribe to Bid2Win by sending the keyword “1” to the shortcode 1020 or dialing *1020# using airtime to pay for a daily subscription fee of GHS 0.90, followed by an SMS confirmation. Customers can subscribe alternatively through Telecel Cash by dialing the short code *110# and selecting menu items in the following order, ‘4-Make Payments’, ‘3-Fun & Games’, ‘4-Bid2Win’, ‘1-Subscription’ and following the prompts to complete payment.

Once subscribed, participants will receive updates on available devices for auction daily. They can place bids via SMS and will receive confirmation or guidance during the bidding process.

At the end of each auction, the highest bidder will be declared the winner, notified via SMS, and provided with payment and pickup instructions. Non-winning participants will also receive updates regarding the auction results.

Auction winners will make payments for the phones through Telecel Cash by sending keyword ‘Pay’ to the short code 1020 or dial *110#, select ‘4-Make Payments’, ‘3-Fun & Games’, ‘4-Bid2Win’ and ‘2-Make Payments’ and follow the prompts.

“Telecel Ghana’s dedication to customer satisfaction and innovation is evident in the launch of Bid2Win as the auction service is designed to increase customer interaction, drive smartphone adoption, and provide an exceptional device payment experience”, concluded Philip Amoateng, Director of Digital Transformation & Mobile Financial Services.

Source: Citi Newsroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA, JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA

Accra, Ghana – December 10, 2024: On behalf of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications and the EMIs Chamber of Ghana, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on his election as President of the Republic of Ghana.

The re-election of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama signifies a pivotal moment for Ghana as the nation continues to strengthen its democratic institutions and advance its socio-economic development. As key stakeholders in Ghana’s telecommunications and electronic payments industries, we commend his steadfast commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and technological advancement. His leadership is crucial in our mission to drive digital transformation in Ghana. We anticipate working with your government on your manifesto initiatives, including those captured under Digital Economy, Communication, and Innovation.

We intensely appreciate your Excellency for honouring the invitation of our two Chambers to deliberate on our manifestos and explore ways to build our industries. Your commitment to our mission is deeply appreciated.

Let us also use this opportunity to commend the Vice President of Ghana, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for prioritizing the nation’s interests by graciously accepting the election results and congratulating the President-elect, reinforcing Ghana’s strong democratic values. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the people of Ghana for ensuring the elections were conducted peacefully and orderly.

To the President-elect, we are optimistic about the future of our collaboration with your administration to enhance further Ghana’s position as a leader in digital inclusion, financial technology, and connectivity across Africa. Together, we will work to ensure that our collective efforts foster economic growth, create opportunities for Ghanaians, and build a sustainable digital ecosystem for future generations.

Long Live Ghana! Long Live Innovation and Progress!

Signed

Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey

CEO – Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications

CEO – EMIs Chamber of Ghana

About the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications & EMIs Chamber of Ghana

The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications is the foremost industry association representing the interests of telecommunication operators and infrastructure companies in Ghana. The Chamber is deeply dedicated to promoting and advancing the growth of the telecommunications industry, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to consumers, and supporting the country’s socio-economic development.

The EMIs Chamber of Ghana is the unified voice for Ghana’s digital finance ecosystem. We proudly represent the leading digital finance entities AT Money, G-Money, Mobile Money Limited, Telecel Cash, and Zeepay Mobile Money. We are unwavering in our commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing regulatory collaboration, and supporting the growth and sustainability of the digital finance sector in Ghana. We aim to create a thriving and inclusive financial landscape that benefits all Ghanaians through advocacy and research.

Media Contact:

For the Chamber:

Louis Bobbie Osei

bobbie@telecomschamber.org

0302730500

6.6.1 Press Release – Congratulatory Message to the President Download

MTN Foundation expands STEM education to rural communities

The MTN Ghana Foundation is on a mission to make the practical study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics accessible to the remotest parts of the country.

This initiative, according to the MTN Foundation, aims to provide equal opportunities for all.

As part of this commitment, the foundation has refurbished an ICT laboratory at Wiamoase in the Sekyere South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The project, completed at a cost of GH₵746,425, has been inaugurated to benefit students, teachers and the general public.

Speaking at the facility’s opening, Head – MTN Ghana Foundation, Robert Kuzoe, described the STEM education as one of the foundation’s core initiatives. He noted that this project follows similar efforts at the Mamfe Robotics Centre, Akim Oda and the Dansoman Library.

“Today, we are at Wiamoase to do the same. We have equipped the centre with laptops, desktops and robotics tools so that the community can also benefit from innovation. This is the first of its kind in the Ashanti Region, and we look forward to extending this initiative to other parts of the country,” Mr. Kuzoe said.

He further emphasised the importance of making STEM education appealing to young learners.
“MTN is an engineering company, and we want to inspire the younger generation to explore STEM fields, fostering innovation for national growth and development. We are talking about AI, Robotics and STEM education because these are the key instruments that contribute to a nation’s development. This facility ensures that students here have the same opportunities as their peers in more privileged areas.”

Municipal Education Director, Prince Owusu-Ansah, expressed gratitude to MTN Ghana Foundation for its generous support, highlighting the potential impact of the facility on pupils, teachers and the community at large.

Chairman of Wiamoase citizens in the diaspora, Dr. Daniel Kwame Apau, commended the partnership, noting that it aligns with the group’s vision of bridging digital divides within the community.

“Whether you are a student enhancing your STEM education, a professional upgrading your skills or an aspiring entrepreneur, this centre serves as your launchpad. It will help reduce unemployment and stimulate economic growth,” Dr. Apau stated.

According to Dr. Apau, the newly refurbished ICT laboratory is expected to be a hub of innovation and learning, contributing to the educational and economic advancement of Wiamoase and its surrounding communities.

Source: Elizabeth Punsu ( B & FT Online)

NCA, Mobile operators partner to ensure uninterrupted telecom services on December 7

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has indicated that it will collaborate with the mobile network operators (MNOs) to deliver an uninterrupted flow of telecommunication services during and after the election period.

The NCA noted that it has set up a situation room at its monitoring center to monitor media and escalate all communication-related complaints to the mobile network operators.

The initiative comes just about before the country heads to the polls.

Speaking to the media, the Deputy Director-General in charge of Technical Operations at NCA, Prof. Ezer Osei Yeboah-Boateng stressed that it is poised to deliver seamless service from tomorrow and beyond.
Smartphone deals

“With respect to the election, we have set up a situation room for obvious reasons because telecommunications play a very critical role in communication and information dissemination during the electioneering period.

“So, as NCA we have set up a situation room and preparations are ongoing because we are starting the process tomorrow to Sunday.

“We will be working in collaboration with our stakeholders and the MNOs so that if there is any information we receive from the public we can relate it to the MNOs for necessary action also if we have any information or report from the MNOs then we can also take the necessary action to ensure that we have uninterrupted communication service during the period.”

Source: Daniel Oduro- Mensah ( CitiNewsroom)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Misconceptions About Telecom Companies Involvement During Elections

1.Q: Do telecom companies support political parties?

A: No, telecom companies do not support political parties.

2.Q: How involved are telecom companies in monitoring and collating election results?

A: Telecom companies are not involved in monitoring and collating election results.

3.Q: Do telecom companies sell our data?

A: Telecom companies are law-abiding and do not sell customer data as the Data Protection Act, 2012, Sections 88 and 89, prohibits the purchase and sale of personal data.

4.Q: Why am I receiving messages from political parties?

A: The political parties could be using their own generated database.

5.Q: Do telecom companies listen to customers’ phone conversations?

A: No. Telecom companies do not and are incapable of listening to customers’ conversations. Such a practice is unethical and would infringe on customer privacy.

6 Q: Can telecom companies interfere with or manipulate election results?

A: No. Telecom companies cannot access the voting systems or election data to manipulate election outcomes. Telecom companies act as independent bodies and are not party-affiliated. You can be assured of our neutrality.

7. Q: Are telecom companies involved in the election processes?

A: No, telecom companies are limited to ensuring stable connectivity throughout the election process.

8. Q: Can telecom companies intercept voting information?

A: No. Voting data is typically encrypted and transmitted securely by the Electoral Commission, and telecom companies cannot access those systems or databases. Telecom companies strictly adhere to data privacy principles in their operations.

9. Q: Can telecom companies block or throttle election-related content?

A: As ethical and responsible corporate entities, telecom companies remain politically neutral throughout the election process. We do not post or support political content and will take down any election-related content that would compromise our position or reputation. This does not affect the constitutional rights of Directors or staff to post any election-related content.

10. Q: Can telecom companies collude with governments or parties to manipulate elections?

A: No. This is highly unlikely due to our commitment to high ethical standards, regulatory oversight, legal frameworks, and adverse reputational risks.

11. Q: Have telecom companies been implicated in election interference in Ghana?

A: No telecom company in Ghana has ever been implicated in election interference.

12. Q: How are telecom companies demonstrating election integrity?

A: Through collaboration with all stakeholders within the electoral ecosystem. Telecom companies are committed to a culture of openness in the conduct of their business. In line with their Code of Ethics, telecom companies, directors, and employees are prohibited from engaging in any activity compromising the various companies’ political neutrality or public perception.

The telecom companies’ position does not diminish their respect for the constitutional rights of directors or employees to personal participation in the election process and rights to absolute privacy.

AT MTN Telecel Telecoms Chamber

Ericsson launches Ghana Graduate Program to nurture the technology leaders of tomorrow

Graduate Program aims to attract talented and innovative minds and nurture them as potential leaders with the latest advanced technologies
Ghanaian fresh graduates will have the chance to work with world-class Information Communication Technology (ICT) and technology professionals in areas such as Networking Engineering, Integration Engineering, and IT System operations

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) has announced the launch of a graduate program in Ghana to give young talent world-class learning and career development opportunities. The Ericsson Ghana Graduate Program is focused on nurturing Ghana’s technology leaders of tomorrow.

With experts from Ericsson training and supporting young Ghanaian talent, the Ericsson Ghana Graduate Program will provide on-the-job and project-based learning in ICT and advanced technologies to support the country’s goals for innovation.

Graduates who are recruited to the Ericsson Graduate Program will be hired to work and support on four main areas; Network Engineering, Sales Operations Management, Information Technology (IT) Systems Expertise, and Integration Engineering. Additionally, the graduates will gain valuable work experience, skills and knowledge that will assist them in advancing their career including the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies including 5G and Internet of Things (IoT).

The Ericsson Ghana Graduate Program is part of Ericsson’s plans in setting #AfricaInMotion in the country and nurturing African talent to unleash the potential and accelerate the development of the continent’s future.

Richard Kweku Arthur, Country Manager of Ericsson Ghana says: “By maximizing fresh, young skills nurtured at university, the Ericsson Ghana Graduate Program aims to build technology leaders that will take the nation forward in its goals for developing innovative solutions that address socio-economic challenges. Beyond that, the program is part of our plans to accelerate #AfricaInMotion and will enable Ghana’s goals to create a sustainable economic and social future. We are looking forward to cultivating the leaders for a very bright and technological future in the country.”

Young, curious, and innovative graduates will work alongside world-class industry expertise at Ericsson and support the development of projects that are changing the world of communication in Ghana and Africa.

Interested graduates can visit https://www.ericsson.com/en/careers/student-young-professionals to know more about future opportunities Ericsson offers young professionals.

Source: Ericsson

Ericsson

Digitalization as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth in Ghana

Mobile communications have had a significant impact across society in Ghana, leading to digital inclusion and, as a pioneering country in mobile financial services, also driving financial inclusion. This blog explores the path towards digitalization and how digitalization is a catalyst for sustainable growth.

Accelerated Digital Transformation driving societal development

In recent years, digitalization has happened at unprecedented speed, globally as well as in Ghana. The COVID-19 pandemic made remote collaboration and communication the norm. Remote or hybrid work and virtual events have expanded the possibilities of operation, and to some extent changed the way we live our lives, for instance by reversing the rural-urban migration trend in many countries.

Studies have shown that mobile technology has played a crucial role as a catalyst for innovation and socio-economic development. There is a clear link between mobile broadband penetration and GDP growth, with lower-income countries having the potential to leapfrog in economic development by investing in mobile broadband infrastructure.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), often referred to as the engine of growth, is also helping drive economic and sustainable development. By embracing digital technologies, SMEs have become more agile and profitable, creating jobs in a country where SMEs make up over 90% of all businesses and contribute over 70% of the GDP.

Furthermore, technology also has the potential to play a crucial role in preventing further climate change by enabling other industrial sectors to move towards a low-carbon economy. According to Ericsson research, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions can enable a reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 percent by 2030, while being responsible for only 1.4 percent of the global carbon footprint.

In Ghana, mobile connectivity and access to mobile broadband are experiencing strong growth, but there is still a large part of the population using 2G and 3G technologies. Growing 4G and smartphone adoption is crucial for driving digitalization, and giving access to advanced digital services and applications. With 5G on the horizon, the eventual establishment of these next-generation networks offers opportunities to deliver higher throughput at a lower cost and energy consumption.

One of the most important enablers to accelerate 4G adoption is smartphone affordability. By having the right strategies to make 4G devices more affordable, combined with the right digital services, mobile broadband uptake will accelerate.

Mobile Financial Services: Empowering Financial Inclusion

Ghana is a pioneer in mobile financial services. Initially targeted at providing banking services, from money transfer to micro-lending for the unbanked, mobile telecom operators have become the largest channel for financial services and the services offered are growing in sophistication. Mobile money generates financial resilience and facilitates higher savings for households. As Mobile money electronically records all transactions, improving the security of payments, it facilitates transparency and fosters the formalization of the economy. With over 18 million active mobile money accounts, Ghana has seen a remarkable reduction in the proportion of unbanked population from 60 percent in 2014 to 32 percent in 2021, as reported by the World Bank Findex.

According to the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the total value of mobile money transactions in the first three months of 2023 hit 411.5 billion GHS, which is an increase of almost 69.1% year-on-year. This demonstrates the strength that mobile money has in the country and the region. Contrary to expectations, the transactions continue to increase after implementation of the e-levy. Ericsson Wallet Platform is enabling the leading mobile money service in Ghana, driving financial inclusion and well-being.

Ghana’s Tech Hub Potential

With a young and vibrant population and a supportive government, Ghana has the potential to become a technology leader in the coming years. Ghana’s universities have great technology-oriented programs, equipping students with the skills needed for careers in technology. At Ericsson we are supporting this development through the graduate program that we launched in 2021, providing world-class learning and career development opportunities for tech talents of Ghana.

To fully realize the potential of future generations of the Ghanaian workforce it is crucial to bridge the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) related fields of career and education and at Ericsson we are working closely with local schools and universities to sensitize girls and women to the numerous STEAM-related careers that they can pursue. We also continue to work with universities to advance female careers in engineering through mentorship and by giving female engineering students internship and national service opportunities.

Enabling Digitalization

To enable digitalization, three foundational pillars are crucial: robust and reliable network infrastructure, a conducive government and regulatory regime, and the evolution and growth of ecosystems. Scalable and dynamic infrastructure investments ensure the resilience and security of digital systems. Governments can create favourable regulatory environments to encourage private sector investment and provide ample, cost-effective spectrum for innovation. Collaboration among policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders is vital in outlining the digitalization roadmap.

Ericsson is actively working with the mobile ecosystem in Ghana to facilitate an environment where digitalization can flourish. A recent example is a workshop that brought together mobile network operators, regulators, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, and other industry players, with the aim of promoting best practices in spectrum management to bridge Ghana’s digital divide. With the planned release of 5G spectrum and a strong commitment to secure spectrum neutrality, Ghana is on its way toward future digital growth.

Investing in modern and energy-efficient mobile broadband infrastructure is a catalyst for digital transformation and sustainable growth. As Ghana embraces connectivity and technological advancements, stakeholders from various sectors must collaborate to realize Ghana’s digital potential and the unprecedented opportunities it holds. By empowering individuals, fostering innovation, and creating an enabling environment, Ghana can continue to shape its future as a leading player in the digital era.