Reaching For The Stars : Ghana Launches National Space Policy
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review : BoG Suspends TapTap Send, Ghana Launches Credit Score Platform, Visa Invests in Ghanaian StartUp Oze, Unlicensed Loan Apps In Ghana, Tech, Arts & Soul.......
Image Credit : Yen News
Digital Digest No.#1010011
Date: November 4 - November 7 2024
Dear Friends,
Happy New Week!🎉
Here are the most important news, perspectives, analysis, and insights about the Ghanaian digital ecosystem from last week
Digital governance
News updates
Ghana Launches National Space Policy
Ghana has launched its first comprehensive space policy, aiming to oversee human capital development, infrastructure, and the sector’s growth. The Ghana Space Policy, approved by Cabinet in March 2022, intends to streamline and manage the use and advancements of space technology across various sectors like environmental monitoring, agriculture, navigation, weather forecasting, and disaster management.
Bank of Ghana Suspends TapTap Send One Month For Violating Remittance Laws
Beginning November 8, 2024., TapTap Send faces one month suspension by the Bank of Ghana for operating a “cedi remittance wallet” in violation of section 3(1) of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723), and paragraph 7(b, d and e) of the Updated Guidelines for Inward Remittance Services for Payment Service Providers.
Digital infrastructure and platforms
News updates
University of Ghana and Google Launch AI to Empower Non-Standard Speech in Ghana
Supported by a $40,000 Google grant and expertise from UCL’s GDI Hub, University of Ghana researchers will work with Google Research scientists to train speech models on “tɛkyerɛma pa” (“Good Tongue”) an AI project focused on enhancing speech recognition technology for five Ghanaian languages—Akan, Ewe, Ikposo, Dagbani, and Dagaare.
Is MTN Ghana Getting Involved In 5G Rollout Now?
During MTN Ghana’s recent Q3 earnings call on November 1, CEO Stephen Blewett discussing MTN’s outlook on 5G in Ghana, emphasized MTN’s alignment with Ghana’s digital ambitions stating “From an MTN perspective, we are in support of the national agenda for 5G,” he stated, adding that MTN remains in ongoing discussions regarding access to the Next Gen Infraco 5G infrastructure”.
Digital finance
News updates
Ghana Launches Credit Score Platform
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has launched MyCredit Score, a credit scoring platform, designed to improve access to credit and support financial inclusion. MyCredit Score aggregates data like repayment history, loan inquiries, and account balances from financial institutions and other sources to create a credit profile for users and generate a score, to help lenders effectively assess applicants.
Since its inception in 2009, MTN MoMo has transformed the financial services landscape in Ghana, providing millions with access to convenient, secure, and affordable mobile money services. The platform has millions of users and continues to be an essential tool for financial transactions. The platform has marked 15 years of its existence and impact honoring top-performing partners, agents, and merchants.
Op-ed
Proliferation Of Unlicensed Loan Apps In Ghana: Hidden Dangers, Impact And Solutions
There’s just one approved digital lending applications on the Bank of Ghana’s website: Fido Micro Credit Limited. However, a little foray into Google Playstore and one could count several unlicensed loan applications. What is driving the growth of unlicensed loan Apps?
This piece explores this proliferation, the Impact on users and what citizens should know
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
Visa Invests in Ghanaian StartUp Oze.
Visa has invested in Oze and 3 other African fintech startups from the first cohort of its Africa Fintech Accelerator Accelerator program. Oze equips small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with digital tools for record-keeping and embedded finance.
Hubtel Has Only Two Shareholders And ZERO Investor Funding – CEO
Since the Hubtel and ECG Ghana deal became a matter for public interest, there have been widespread speculations about the ownership of Hubtel stemming mainly from the fact that the company is involved in a number of ‘juicy’ state-related digital projects but Co-founder and CEO of Hubtel, Alex Bram has stated emphatically that, contrary to speculations about the company’s ownership, the fintech has always had and still has only two shareholders – himself and his partner, sharing their journey and responding to other issues in an interview with TechFocus.
Digital talents
News updates
NSMQ Semifinalist Receives Academic City’s Presidential Scholarship
Academic City, a premium STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and Entrepreneurial tertiary institution has awarded Anita Pokua-Denteh Rockson, a semi-finalist in this year’s National Science and Maths Quiz, a $40,000 scholarship. Ms. Rockson, a Wesley Girls Senior High School student, will pursue a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University College.
See also : VP Bawumia campaigns with digital skills training as strategy to reduce unemployment
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