The National Identity Authority to Support Government in Unmasking Payroll Ghosts in Ghana.
Ghana's digital ecosystem week in review: Digital audio broadcasting piloted, MTN to reduce Momo charges, Freedom bank account outdoored, 20 women graduate from stanchart incubator, AcademicCity is 5
Accra Digital Digest No. #011101
Date: August 21 - 27, 2023
Dear friends,
As we wrap up the month of August, here are the most significant news, op-eds, in-depth analysis, and insights were curated to help you stay well-informed about Ghana's digital economy.
Digital governance
News updates
Ghana Revenue Authority Receives GHC 440 Million From Taxation Of E-Commerce Activities
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has stated that it has collected about GHC 440 million from e-commerce businesses in the country since the introduction of taxes on their services in the latter part of 2022.
Digital infrastructure & platforms
News updates
NCA launches West Africa’s first digital audio broadcasting
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially launched the trial phase of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) in the country.
Ghana Government To Automate Collection Of Revenue At Its Tourist Sites In 2024
The Tourism Ministry of Ghana plans to install automated revenue collection systems at key tourism sites and attractions within the sector in 2024.
Ghana’s Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has stated that the government has approved the establishment of a neutral shared infrastructure company to deliver nationwide 4G and 5G services.
Vodafone unveils community shops nationwide
Vodafone Ghana is expanding its retail presence nationwide with the ‘Vodafone Community Shops’ project. The telecom giant has set its sights on launching over 100 Vodafone Community Shops by March 31, 2024.
Ghost Names: NIA to help government clean payroll
The National Identification Authority (NIA) is set to help government rid its payroll of ghost names with the mandatory Ghana Card registration for all public sector workers beginning August 28, 2023.
Op-ed
Is The Ghana Police Service Properly Equipped With Technology to Fight Crime?
This article explores some of these technologies that the GPS is currently employing in its operations
Digital finance
News updates
Reduce E-Levy rate further – Fintech to government
Stakeholders within the financial technology space are calling on the government for a further reduction in the Electronic Transaction Levy to help expand the usage of digital payment in Ghana. The fintech players say based on their research, the e-levy charges are discouraging a number of Ghanaians from paying for goods and services through electronic transfer.
MTN plans to reduce Mobile Money charges to promote digital payment adoption
Mobile telecommunications network MTN says it has considered reducing its prices paid as charges within the mobile Money space to attract more users and promote digital payment options in Ghana.
“Freedom Bank Account”: A New digital banking platform launched
A new digital banking platform to enable Ghanaians to receive and send money to the United Kingdom (UK) and over 90 countries across the world has been launched in Accra. The platform, known as Freedom Bank Account, is the initiative of Tranzfar, a financial technology company based in the UK, to create a safe and secured facility for money transfers
Digital entrepreneurship
News updates
UNDP partners MasterCard Foundation on young Africa innovate (YAI) program
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is partnering with MasterCard Foundation to establish and implement a young Africa innovate (YAI) program in Ghana and Nigeria over the next two and a half years. The strategic partnership aims to Foster inclusive innovation among diverse youth populations to address development challenges.
Developing changemakers: StanChart reinforces commitment to support women-owned businesses
Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC has celebrated the graduation of 20 entrepreneurs of its Women in Technology Incubator programme. The women entrepreneurs who make up the 3rd cohort participated in the 4-month long incubator aimed at empowering women-led start-ups and providing them with the resources and support to thrive.
Digital talents
News updates
Academic City celebrates five years of academic excellence
Academic City University College, the premium STEAM and Entrepreneurial institution, has announced its significant 5th anniversary. Over the past five years, the university has become a top tertiary education institution for learning in Ghana and across Africa.
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