Author: Gabriel Agbobli

  • How To Open An Account With Ghana Commercial Bank Online

    How To Open An Account With Ghana Commercial Bank Online

    Generally, private companies are known to be performing very well than most government and state-owned institutions especially banks. In Ghana, this is very evident as many people prefer to work for private companies than to work for government agencies (except the forces).

    But one state-owned institution that has been able to stand the test of time and gradually give private institutions in the banking sector is the Ghana Commercial Bank or GCB for short. Many people in Ghana prefer to keep their money at the Ghana Commercial Bank than some other private banks and financial institutions.

    This could be attributed to the trust they have in the bank as a state-owned institution thereby making it difficult for it to be closed. You will remember that several financial institutions were shut down some few years ago for failing to meet the minimum capital requirement and some of their customers have still not been paid their money.

    Because of the stress that we sometimes go through to open bank accounts, most people prefer to open bank accounts online. Unfortunately, at the moment the Ghana Commercial Bank does not provide its prospective customers with an option to open a bank account online.

    I know you might be wondering why then the heading says how to open an account online, that is because whenever there is an available option, we are going to be the first to inform you. Instead of opening an account online, this article is going to give you the information you need to open an account with the Ghana Commercial Bank so that, whenever you are ready you will have all the required information for your account to be created for you in just a short time.

    Requirements When Opening An Account With Ghana Commercial Bank

    When opening an account with Ghana Commercial Bank, there are some requirements you must meet. Without these, your account cannot be created for you and so they are mandatory and should be held or met by each prospective customer.

    • Two (2) recent passport-sized photograph
    • Valid national photo identity (Passport, Driver’s License, or Voter ID)
    • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
    • Proof of residence (Utility bill (water, electricity, or waste), tenancy agreement, employer’s reference letter)
    • Ghana Post GPS address
    • A minimum amount of GHS 80 as an initial deposit

    How To Open An Account With Ghana Commercial Bank

    1. Visit any of the Ghana Commercial Bank branches in all the 16 regions of Ghana
    2. Pick up an account opening form depending on the type of account you want to open (we will discuss this in the next paragraph)
    3. Fill in the forms with all the relevant information. These are usually your full name, next of kin, mobile phone number, email address (if any), occupation, etc
    4. Submit the forms together with the requirement listed above
    5. Wait for the teller to open the account for you
    6. Upon successful completion, an SMS will be sent to your phone (if you opted for it) and all the other information will be given to you by the teller or the person in charge.

    Types of Account At Ghana Commercial Bank

    There are different types of accounts that are classified under major headings and each type of account has its own forms. Basically, all these accounts fall under either current or savings accounts.

    Entities Account

    The entity account is primarily for companies and entities.

    • Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
    • Foreign Companies and Subsidiaries
    • Partnership
    • Sole Proprietor
    • Non-Government Organisations (NGOs)
    • Societies / Clubs / Associations / Trustees
    • Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Authorities
    • Schools / Institutions

    Individual Account

    Just as the name suggests, this type of account is meant for an individual who wants to open an account and manage it himself or herself.

    • Individual account
    • Joint account
    • Trust account
    • Kidistar account
    • Executors account
    • Administrators account
    • Client account

    Link 2 Home

    This type of account is for people who live outside the shores of Ghana but like to keep money in their Ghanaian bank account. Anyone who is a Ghanaian but lives outside Ghana can go in for this type of account since it has several features which make it possible for you to manage while outside Ghana.

    Conclusion

    Although it is not possible to open an account with the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) online at the moment, this article has given you everything you need to know about the account opening process and the requirements you must meet before an account can be created for you.

    Ghana Commercial Bank has been in existence for over 68 years now and as such can be trusted as a haven to keep your money. In terms of accessibility, there is a Ghana Commercial Bank branch in almost every major town in all the 16 regions of Ghana. Therefore, if you have considered opening an account with Ghana Commercial Bank, I hope this article helps you decide on whether to move forward or not.

    Do you have any questions or contributions? Please feel free to leave it down in the comments section below and I will be glad to assist you.

    Can I open a bank account online?

    Yes, several banks such as Standard Chartered Bank and United Bank of Africa (UBA) allow you to create an account online for free with no initial deposit required.

    How can I create a GCB account online?

    Currently, there is no way you can open an account with GCB online. The only way you can open an account is by visiting any of the nearest branches nationwide.

  • Short Code To Check Vehicle Registration and Insurance Details in Ghana

    Short Code To Check Vehicle Registration and Insurance Details in Ghana

    The dream of every person in this world is to own a house, have a family, and buy a car (please note that the order is different for each person). Owning a car is seen as an achievement by many people in Ghana because once you buy a car it is assumed that you have money.

    Whether or not this is true or not, that is a discussion for another time, but one thing that we can all agree on is that when you buy a car, you must register it and then purchase an insurance policy for it. This way, whenever you are involved in an accident or your car gets stolen, you have money somewhere to buy a new one.

    In Ghana, the main agency in charge of vehicle registration is the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) which has its headquarters in Accra. Also, the authorized agency for vehicle insurance is the National Insurance Commission (NIC) whose headquarters is also located in Accra.

    According to the laws and constitution of Ghana, these are the two (2) main agencies in charge of vehicle registration and insurance respectively. But that does not mean you will not be allowed to buy a private insurance policy for your car.

    Apart from the insurance package from the National Insurance Commission, you can also purchase personal insurance from any of the insurance companies in Ghana for your vehicle. This article is going to show you the shortcode you can use to check your vehicle registration and insurance details in Ghana.

    Short Code To Check Vehicle Registration and Insurance Details in Ghana

    In our everyday lives, one thing we do very often is board a car or motor. Whether it is an Uber, Bolt, trotro, Taxi, Yango, Shaxi, VVIP, VIP, OA, STC, boarding such buses always comes with a risk.

    One risk most people do not seem to be concerned about more is their security and safety. It is assumed that once the driver is able to drive on the road, your security and safety are assured. Even people who are more educated are often blind-sighted by fake insurance stickers in front of vehicles and some don’t even check at all.

    To combat this risk of impostor drivers and unauthorized vehicles using the road, the National Insurance Commission (NIC) launched a comprehensive electronic database. This was done by introducing a shortcode you can use to check the vehicle registration and insurance details on your phone (either feature “yam” or smartphone) in Ghana.

    The shortcode for checking vehicle registration and insurance details in Ghana is *920*57#. To use this shortcode to check the vehicle registration and insurance details on any vehicle in Ghana, follow the steps below.

    1. Dial *920*57# on your feature “yam” phone or smartphone
    2. Enter the vehicle registration (this is simply whatever you see on the number plate of the vehicle). For example, GE-3454-21.
    3. If the insurance is active, you will see ACTIVE POLICY next to the vehicle registration
    4. The make and colour of the car, period the insurance is valid for, the insurer, and then from which is usually NIC will all be listed for you.
    5. Cross-check these details with the car and if they match, then the vehicle has been duly registered with the DVLA and has an active insurance policy. Otherwise, the vehicle is not worthy to be on the road.

    Conclusion

    The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Insurance Commission (NIC) with the introduction of this system have helped many people to be vigilant when it comes to picking cars. Not only has it helped civilians, but it has also helped law enforcement officers like policemen to catch people who use unregistered and uninsured vehicles on our roads.

    This article has clearly explained everything you need to know about the shortcode and how to check vehicle registration and insurance details in Ghana. The steps are straightforward, but they can be difficult for some people.

    If you find this difficult, you ask for assistance from any young person around you or you can equally write it in the comments section below and I will be glad to help you out. Lastly, share this article with your friends and loved ones as you might be helping someone in need.

    How can I check if my car is insured in Ghana?

    Dial *920*57# on your phone and then enter the vehicle registration of your car (your number plate details). If your car is insured, the details about your car and the insurance will be shown.

    How can I check if my car insurance is still valid?

    Dial *920*57# on your phone and then enter the vehicle registration of your car (your number plate details). If your car insurance is still valid, ACTIVE POLICY will be displayed next to your vehicle registration and you can also find the period of validity.

    What do we mean by insurance?

    Insurance is an agreement, which is represented by a policy, in which an individual or an entity receives financial protection or reimbursement against losses from an insurance company.

  • MTN Pocket MiFi: Price, Discount, How To Buy Data, Check Balance, and More

    MTN Pocket MiFi: Price, Discount, How To Buy Data, Check Balance, and More

    The MTN Pocket MiFi is a portable internet device that allows you to connect a maximum of ten (10) devices at a time. There are no limitations on the type of device you can connect to your MTN pocket MiFi, whether it is your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, game console, Smart TV, etc.

    Unlike fibre broadband and other Wi-Fi devices, the MTN Pocket MiFi just as the name sounds is meant for the pocket and can be placed in your pocket and taken everywhere. Also, you don’t need a power supply to be able to use your MTN pocket MiFi, once you charge your battery to its maximum capacity, your MiFi can serve you for some time.

    Apart from the advantages the MiFi has over WiFi that has been explained above, the MTN Pocket MiFi is also relatively cheaper than the normal WiFi and fixed broadbands offered by MTN. Thus, making it a good option for people with a small budget plan like students and small companies.

    In this article, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about the MTN pocket MiFi; from the price, discount packages, how to buy data, how to check your internet balance, and many more.

    Types/Models of MTN Pocket MiFi

    In Ghana, there are two main types/models of the MTN pocket MiFi. These are the:

    • 3G Pocket MiFi
    • 4G Pocket MiFi

    Each of these two devices can connect a maximum of ten (10) devices to the internet at a time. In this COVID-19 era where many people are either schooling or working from home, the MTN pocket MiFi will be a good investment to make.

    MTN Pocket MiFi Price and Which One To Buy

    The 4G MTN pocket MiFi costs GHS 350 and the 3G pocket MiFi sells at GHS 130. Each of them comes with free data for either a month or three (3) months depending on when you buy it.

    Ideally, you should buy the 4G MTN pocket MiFi instead of the 3G MTN pocket MiFi if you can afford it. Besides, the price difference between the two is not that big. The reason why I prefer the 4G MiFi to the 3G MiFi is that it is faster and therefore connects to the internet faster. One annoying thing is when the internet on your device is very slow.

    When having meetings on Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams faster internet will result in faster connection and clear audio and video throughout your meeting.

    MTN Pocket MiFi Discount and Promotions and Where To Buy From

    On special occasions, MTN Ghana offers promotions to their customers. During such occasions, you will be able to get the pocket MiFi at a cheaper price than the original.

    Also, you can always check Jumia Ghana to see if there is a discount on the MTN pocket MiFi and then buy from them.

    You can buy the MTN pocket MiFi from any of the MTN Ghana offices located across the country. You can also purchase it from any of the MTN accredited distributors in the country at the same price as the one sold at the office.

    How To Buy Data on Your MTN Pocket MiFi

    You can buy data on your MTN pocket MiFi using either airtime or mobile money.

    How To Buy Data On Your MTN Pocket MiFi Using Airtime

    1. Dial *138#
    2. Select option 1 (Buy Data Bundle)
    3. Choose option 2 (Buy for others)
    4. Enter the number of the SIM in your MTN pocket MiFi
    5. Repeat the number to confirm
    6. Select the data bundle you wish to purchase
    7. Enter the amount
    8. Press 1 to confirm your transaction

    How To Buy Data On Your MTN Pocket MiFi Using Mobile Money

    1. Dial *170#
    2. Select Buy Airtime and Data Bundle and select Buy for others
    3. Select the type of data bundle
    4. Enter the number of the SIM in your MTN pocket MiFi
    5. Enter your MTN Mobile Money PIN
    6. Press 1 to confirm your payment

    How To Check The Data Balance on Your MTN Pocket MiFi

    1. Remove the SIM from the MiFi and insert it into a mobile phone
    2. Dial *124# and the remaining internet bundle will be shown

    Similarly, you can download the MyMTN app and connect your phone number to it. This way, you will be able to see the data balance you have left without removing the SIM card from the MiFi.

    Conclusion

    MTN Ghana is known by many as the biggest telecommunications network in Ghana due to the availability of network poles in almost every part of the country. The pocket MiFi is a great addition to the products and services offered by MTN Ghana to their customers.

    Instead of wasting time buying data for the two (2) or more devices you have at home, you can easily use the MTN pocket MiFi to connect all of them at the same time to the internet. This article has explained everything you need to know about the MTN pocket MiFi, make sure to read and understand it well.

    How do I check my bundle on MTN MiFi?

    Remove the SIM from the MiFi and insert it into a mobile phone. Next, dial *124#, and the remaining internet bundle will be shown. Similarly, you can download the MyMTN app and connect your phone number to it. This way, you will be able to see the data balance you have left without removing the SIM card from the MiFi.

    Is MiFi faster than Wi-Fi?

    The answer to this question is both no and yes. Some MiFi is very fast as compared to some Wi-Fi. Likewise, some MiFi is very slow as compared to some Wi-Fi devices.

    What is MiFi in full?

    There is no accepted full meaning for MiFi, but the most common name most people use is Mobile Wi-Fi.

    How do I save my MiFi data?

    There are several ways you can save the data on your MiFi. Always put your MiFi off when it’s not in use, change your password frequently to prevent other people from using it, disable automatic download on all your devices, avoid streaming HD videos and downloading large files. Once you do this, your MiFi data will be preserved for you.

  • TCL Soundbars in Ghana: Models, Prices, Specifications and More

    TCL Soundbars in Ghana: Models, Prices, Specifications and More

    Are you in need of quality soundbars for your home or office in Ghana? Why don’t you try TCL soundbars? By the time you are done reading this article, I am going to show you everything you need to know about TCL soundbars in Ghana: models, prices, specifications, and many more.

    TCL Ghana has become a household name in Ghana when it comes to home appliances in recent times. Their smartphones, air conditioners, televisions, fridges and freezers, washing machines, tablets, and more importantly their soundbars are one of a kind in Ghana.

    Soundbars are very useful especially for people who love enjoying their music in crisp and nice sound either in their offices or at home. Not only are soundbars ideal for music but they are also good for watching movies with a cinema-like sound experience.  Even in schools and other smaller institutions, soundbars could be an alternative for other complicated sound system setups.

    Unlike the traditional sound systems that we know of, TCL soundbars are very sleek and come with simple setups making it easy for everyone to set it up in their homes or offices. There is no need for long wires which in the end may “shock” you. Therefore, this is ideal for females who are afraid of electricity.

    TCL Soundbar Models in Ghana and Their Prices

    Currently, in Ghana, there are three (3) main models of TCL soundbars. These are:

    • TCL Alto 6 Soundbar
    • TCL Alto 7 Soundbar
    • TCL Alto 9 Soundbar

    The price range for these soundbars is GHS 900 – 3000. On special promotion periods, the prices of the TCL soundbars can drop massively. Therefore, be on the lookout for when they have such promos.

    TCL Soundbar ModelPrice
    TCL Alto 6 SoundbarGHS 999
    TCL Alto 7 SoundbarGHS 1050
    TCL Alto 9 SoundbarGHS 2599
    TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel SoundbarGHS 999
    TCL Soundbar With SubwooferGHS 2100
    TCL Soundbar With Subwoofer – FlyboyGHS 580
    TCL 2.1 inch Wireless Soundbar 240 wattsGHS 1100

    TCL Soundbars Specifications

    TCL SoundbarAlto 6 SoundbarAlto 7 SoundbarAlto 9 Soundbar
    Soundbar length31.5”36.1”41.3”
    Description32” 2.1 CH soundbar2.0 CH soundbar with built-in subwoofer performance41.3” 3.1 CH Dolby Atmos soundbar with TCL’s RAY-DANZ technology
    Channels2.1 CH2.0 CH3.1 CH
    LED Indicator5 Character Display LED indicator1 multi-colour LED indicator5 Character Display LED indicator
    Keypad5 touch keys: On/off, Bluetooth, Inputs, Vol+, Vol-5 touch keys: On/off, Bluetooth, Inputs, Vol+, Vol-5 touch keys: On/off, Bluetooth, Inputs, Vol+, Vol-
    IR pass-throughNoYes, with IRS pass-through cableNo
    Dolby ProcessingDolby DigitalDolby DigitalDolby Digital/Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby Atmos
    EQ SettingsMusic/TV/MovieMusic/News/MovieTreble/Bass Settings
    HDMI ARCYesYesYes
    BluetoothYes (Version 5.0)Yes (Version 5.0)Yes (Version 5.0)
    OpticalYesYesYes
    USB PlaybackYesYesYes
    3.55mm AUX Line-inYesYesYes
    USB Audio format supportMP3, FLACMP3, WAV, FLACMP3, FLAC, WAV
    Software UpgradeYes, via USBYes, via USBYes, via USB
    Extra features  Works with Hey Google, Amazon Alexa, Apple Airplay 2

    Where To Buy TCL Soundbars in Ghana

    You can get the TCL soundbars in all the TCL showrooms and accredited dealers in Ghana. Additionally, you can shop for the TCL soundbars on the store.tclghana website and get it delivered to you by TCL Ghana. The TCL shops in Ghana are located at Darkuman, North Industrial Area, Lapaz, Tema Community 1, Kumasi, Tamale, Sunyani, Takoradi, Ho, and Accra Central.

    Conclusion

    Since there are three (3) models of TCL soundbars in Ghana, the decision on which one to buy can sometimes be a bit difficult. You can use this article as a guide when you go to the market to buy your TCL soundbar.

    If you have the money, then I will prefer that you buy the latest model instead of the previous models. But if you cannot afford it then you can use the previous models in the meantime, once you get the money then you can upgrade to the latest models.

    Are TCL soundbars good?

    Yes. There are three (3) main TCL soundbar models in Ghana and each of them comes with amazing specs which makes them good for use in Ghana.

    Is TCL soundbar Bluetooth enabled?

    Yes. All three (3) TCL soundbar models in Ghana come with Bluetooth 5.0 featured in them. Therefore, you can connect Bluetooth and enjoy your music or movie on the TCL soundbar.

    Can I buy a subwoofer for my TCL soundbar?

    Currently, you cannot add a separate or pair another subwoofer to any of the TCL soundbar models. Unless the subwoofer came with the soundbar when you bought it.

  • How To Make Money Online As A Teenager in Ghana

    How To Make Money Online As A Teenager in Ghana

    A phrase that is on the lips of every Ghanaian teenager is “I’m broke”, no matter where the person lives, he or she can never do away with these words. The truth is that the phrase is actually true and that most of the teenagers in Ghana are broke, not because they are lazy or not willing to work but they lack information.

    In the other part of the world, i.e., the western countries, most people get their first jobs when they are teenagers. Some of the places they work include coffee shops, diner and breakfast joints, libraries, thrift shops, and supermarkets. All these jobs though they don’t much very much, are able to provide a teenager with some of his/her basic needs apart from what is provided by his/her parents.

    That is not the case on our part of the world. The number of unemployed graduates in Ghana will not even make it possible for teenagers to find a job in some of the above-mentioned shops and areas. As a result, the only means teenagers can make money in Ghana is by taking advantage of the internet.

    To help teenagers in Ghana make money online this article was written. In this article, we are going to expose you to all the effective but legal ways you can make money online as a teenager in Ghana.

    NOTE: ALL THE METHODS USED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE 100% LEGAL AND SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ILLEGAL MEANS TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE IN GHANA, THEN THIS IS NOT THE PLACE TO BE. WE VALUE OUR INTEGRITY AND WILL IN NO WAY PUT ILLEGAL CONTENT ON OUR SITE FOR CHERISHED READERS.

    How To Make Money Online As A Teenager in Ghana

    In our everyday lives, there are several ways you can make money as an individual. Similarly, there are many ways you can make money online as a teenager in Ghana. Some of the most effective and sustainable ways you can make money online as a teenager in Ghana are explained in the subsequent paragraphs.

    Learn A Digital Skill

    The demand for people with digital skills in the world is very high and only increases each day. As a teenager, one way you can make money online in Ghana is by learning a digital skill that will make you some cool money from the comfort of your home.

    Due to schoolwork and other responsibilities which come with being a teenager, learning a digital skill will help you to work for people based on your available time and your money. To begin with, some of the beneficial digital skills you can learn are digital marketing, video editing, audio editing, graphic design, etc.

    All these skills once you acquire them, you will be able to find a job on platforms like LinkedIn, Telegram, Google, WeWorkRomotely, and all the other job platforms in the world. Fun fact, most of these jobs do not care about your age, as long as you can get the job done, you are good to go.

    Learn How To Code and Develop Software

    There is one phrase that is used mostly in Ghana that all the “China” phones are made by young Chinese children and then sold to us in Ghana. Personally, I cannot verify or fail to verify whether that is true or not. But one thing I know for sure is that most children and teenagers in Asian countries know how to code and develop software.

    Do you know the number of software development jobs in 2021? That is research work for you. Software development jobs have been on the rise all over the world and the number increases by a very big percentage each year.

    To become a software developer, the only thing you need to do is to learn how to code in some of the various programming languages. Go, Rust, Dart, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP, SQL, C++, C#, MATLAB, COBOL, Erlang, and many others are some of the programming languages you can learn.

    To get started, you can learn HTML, and CSS and you will be able to find a job as a frontend developer. Interestingly, if you are a teenager and you know to code or develop software, most companies would like to work with you and train you for more jobs in the future, and you can do all this sitting in the comfort of your home and do it online.

    Become a Content Writer

    Content writers are people who write copy for websites, blogs, social media, whitepapers, ebooks, and many other platforms. To become a content writer, you must find a company or website which is interested in hiring writers and you also need to make sure that the company or website is in your interest.

    Teenagers in Ghana can make money online by writing content for websites and companies. Companies like Scooper News and Opera News Hub employ content writers all year long in their programs. Although they don’t pay huge amounts of money, the little you make from there will be sufficient for some basic stuff you may need as a teenager.

    Start A Blog

    Starting a blog in Ghana is very easy. But unlike some of the other methods explained above starting a blog involves a little investment. Therefore, as a teenager to begin with your blog, you can ask for your parent, guardian, or elder sibling’s help to get started with your blog.

    After the blog has been set up, you must keep updating it with quality content which people will find interesting to read. Because you are a teenager, you must read more if you want to be able to write quality content on your site. Once your blog builds authority in your niche, it will start fetching some stable income.

    Start a YouTube Channel

    The last but not least method of making money online in Ghana as a teenager is by starting a YouTube channel. Like starting a blog, you need to make some investments when getting started with your YouTube channel.

    Look for something that you love doing and make quality videos about them on your YouTube channel. You can watch similar people who have already built a presence on YouTube and learn from them how to grow your YouTube channel. And once the channel is grown, you will make a stable monthly income from YouTube while being a teenager.

    Conclusion

    Making money online is a gradual process that involves some investment (either time or money) and a hardworking mindset. Most teenagers like to get rich quickly but there is no legal way you can make money quickly online.

    Instead, by following the methods in this article and working towards achieving either of them, you will be able to get a stable stream of income and by the time you complete your high school or university education, you will have your own job and will not join the list of unemployed graduates at home.

    Can you really make money from Jumia Ghana?

    Yes, if you are very serious with this and you have all the marketing techniques an affiliate needs, you could be making unlimited income from Jumia Ghana. This is an awesome platform that a lot of hard-working Ghanaians should take advantage of.

    What are the best ways to earn money online?

    You can start a blog, become a content writer, start a YouTube channel, be an affiliate marketer, be a brand ambassador, etc.

    How can a teenager make money online legally?

    As a teenager, you can make money online legally by following any of the methods I have explained in this article. That is, start a blog, become a content writer, start a YouTube channel, etc.

  • Top 10 Most Popular Smartphone Brands in Ghana

    Top 10 Most Popular Smartphone Brands in Ghana

    Do you remember the last time you didn’t see a smartphone in Ghana? There’s no way you would unless you live in the most rural area in the country and even that, I doubt that you’ve not seen a smartphone in a very long time.

    According to a study conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) in March 2020, out of a sample number of houses chosen at random from across the 16 regions of Ghana, over 46.1% were smartphone owners as compared to 12.8% of people using feature phones, a.k.a. “yam”. This shows that the number of people using smartphones in Ghana keeps increasing every year.

    One reason why most people use smartphones is their relatively cheaper price as compared to other technological gadgets on the market like tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Among these percentage of smartphone users, there are several brands that can be said to be the most popular smartphone brands in Ghana.

    Therefore, this article is going to show you the top 10 most popular smartphone brands in Ghana. These smartphones were selected based on their popularity on social media, and by observations, we have made on the average Ghanaian smartphone user, thus, you can trust that these are exactly the top smartphone brands in Ghana.

    Top 10 Most Popular Smartphone Brands in Ghana

    Smartphones have taken over the world in the past few years and as time progresses the number of users just keeps increasing. In Ghana also, the number of people using smartphones is many and each of them has specific brands they use. In no particular order, below are the top 10 most popular smartphone brands in Ghana.

    Samsung

    Samsung, although not established in Ghana, is one of the most popular smartphone brands in the country. We can never list popular smartphone brands in Ghana without mentioning Samsung after the devices they have made for us over the years.

    The series of Samsung phones that made them popular in Ghana was the Galaxy S Series. This series dominated and is dominating the smartphones market in almost every part of Ghana. Apart from the Galaxy S series, they also have the Galaxy A, Galaxy J, and Galaxy Note series.

    Among these series, the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, through to the Galaxy S6, and S7 Edges were among some of the popular brands. Now, the Samsung Z fold, Galaxy J, and Galaxy A series are also household names in Ghana.

    Apple iPhone

    On the global scale, Apple is one of (if not) the most popular smartphone brands in the world. Likewise, in Ghana Apple iPhones are one of the most popular smartphone brands not only in Accra but all the other parts of the country.

    Since the first release of the iPhone 3G some years back, Apple has constantly lived up to expectations in the delivery of nice smartphones for their clientele. This is what has kept the brand on the lips of Ghanaians and among the most popular smartphone brands in the country.

    The smartphones under this brand are the iPhone 3G, iPhone 4, iPhone 5, 5C, and 5S, iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, and 6Splus, iPhone 7 and 7Plus, iPhone 8 and 8Plus, iPhone X, XR, XS, and XSMax, iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max.

    Nokia

    If you ask 10 people in Ghana the first mobile phone (not a smartphone) they used, you will likely get more than 5 of them saying Nokia. Unlike some of the other smartphone brands on the list, Nokia started by manufacturing feature phones (“yam” phones) like the ever-famous Nokia 3310, Nokia X4, etc.

    Through that, they were able to build their customer base in Ghana and once they started manufacturing their smartphones, their customers already knew what they were going to spend their money on. Some of the smartphones they have manufactured are the Nokia Lumia series, Nokia G50, Nokia XR20, Nokia 8, and Nokia X100.

    TECNO

    TECNO Mobility is the official smartphone sponsor of English-based football club Manchester City and also one of the most popular smartphone brands in Ghana. Over the years, TECNO has kept on producing quality, affordable, and durable smartphones for Ghanaians and the world at large.

    Due to the price tag on their smartphones and what they provide their customers, it is not a surprise that they have a huge share of the Ghanaian smartphone market. The popular smartphones series produced by TECNO include the TECNO Phantom Series, TECNO Camon series, TECNO Spark series, and the TECNO Pop series.

    Infinix

    The name Infinix became popular on the Ghanaian market some few years ago after they began releasing affordable smartphones in Ghana. Owned by a Chinese company by the name Transsion Holdings, Infinix has been able to rise through the ranks to become one of the most popular smartphone brands in Ghana.

    The Infinix Hot series, Infinix S series, Infinix Zero series, and the Infinix Note series are some of the main flagships that are available on the Ghanaian market. All these smartphones are not only affordable but also provide users with value for their money.

    iTel

    Whenever we mention affordable smartphones in Ghana, the first brand that comes to mind is iTel. It looks as if they make their smartphones specifically for the average Ghanaian and as such are among one of the most popular smartphone brands in the country.

    It is fair to say that iTel smartphones are the most affordable smartphones in Ghana now. The iTel S17, P37, P37 Pro, A37, S16 Pro, A36, and a list of other devices are some of the smartphones that have been manufactured by iTel for their customers.

    Huawei

    Huawei is the largest Chinese mobile phone manufacturing company in the world. Not only do they operate in China, but Huawei also has a massive clientele in Ghana which makes it a popular smartphone brand here.

    They have over the years made some positive contributions to the Ghanaian mobile phone market by producing quality smartphones. Some of which include the Huawei Y5, Huawei Y6p, Huawei nova 7i, Huawei Y9a, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Y8p, etc.

    Xiaomi (Redmi)

    Xiaomi just as the name suggests is a Chinese mobile phone manufacturing company that started in 2010, making it one of the youngest smartphone brands in the world. Nevertheless, Xiaomi has been able to gain a name for itself as one of the most popular smartphone brands in Ghana.

    The Redmi Note 11 Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 10, Poco X3 Pro, Redmi Note 11T 5G, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ are some of the smartphones they have produced so far. All these devices have amazing features which are giving some of the big brands a competition.

    TCL

    TCL just like Infinix and Xiaomi is a Chinese company that produces smart devices for which smartphones are included. TCL despite having a massive market on the global scale is now finding its way in the Ghanaian market and makes it one of the popular smartphone brands in Ghana.

    They have the TCL 20A 5G, TCL X20 SE, 20Y, TCL 20L+, TCL Pro 5G smartphones under the brand. Their smartphones are affordable and have some cool specs which makes them a good choice to go for.

    LG

    LG is the last but not least popular smartphone brand in Ghana. LG has been there for over a decade now and has contributed its quota to the smartphone market in Ghana. Not only do they make smartphones, but they also provide laptops and other electronic gadgets.

    Some of the LG smartphones on the market are LG V60 ThinQ 5G, LG G8X ThinQ, LG Velvet, LG V50 ThinQ, etc. Similar to some of the brands mentioned earlier, LG smartphones are affordable and when taken care of can last for a long time.

    Conclusion

    There are several smartphone brands in Ghana and this article has shown you the top 10 brands in Ghana. Read through each of them and feel free to write your concerns and contributions in the comments section below and I will check them through.

    What is the most used phone in Ghana?

    According to the Mobile Vendor Market Share in Ghana, Apple is the most used phone in Ghana followed by Samsung and Tecno with 23.36%, 20.75%, 17.19% market shares respectively.

    Which phones have the best camera?

    Some of the phones classified as having good cameras are Google Pixel 6, Apple iPhone 13 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, etc. There are some other phones which are not included but some of the Tecno, Infinix, and Nokia phones also have very good cameras.

    What is the most expensive phone in the world?

    The most expensive smartphone in the world is the Vertu Signature Cobra which sells at an estimated price of $310,000.

  • How To Make Payments with GhQR Code

    How To Make Payments with GhQR Code

    Ghana is currently one of the leading countries driving the force for a cashless society in West Africa and the entire African continent at large. With the introduction of services like mobile money interoperability and the Ghana.GOV payment platforms, it is becoming obvious that we are gradually making a process in the quest to become a digitally cashless society.

    Also added to the list is the GhQR code payment system which is going to serve both businesses and their consumers in Ghana. Unlike the traditional method of payment where the consumer had to pay for goods and services with physical money, the ghQR code payment system allows users to pay for services by using their smartphones.

    The payment can be made using a bank account, mobile money wallet, or even debit or credit cards. In terms of security, all payments made using the GhQR code are safe and protected by the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPPS).

    GhIPPS is a subsidiary of the Bank of Ghana, and its core mandate is to implement and manage interoperable payment system infrastructures for banks and non-bank financial institutions in Ghana. Therefore, the GhQR code payment system was implemented by the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPPS).

    What is a QR Code Payment System and How Does it Work?

    A QR code payment system is a payment system where a unique code is given to merchant (company or individual providing a service) to allow for quick payments into their account without the consumer or buyer having to go through the long process of entering the details of the merchant when making the payment.

    Simply put, a QR code is given to the merchant and whenever someone wants to make a payment, all that the person has to do is to scan the code, and then he or she can make the payment in a few minutes.

    Unlike most other QR codes, the ghQR code comes with a unique feature for persons who are not using smartphones, i.e., “yam”. People like that can simply use a USSD code to pay for their services to the merchant.

    To use the GhQR code, customers do not have to possess a bank account, they can also do so using their mobile money wallet if they have one. Merchants on the other hand are able to receive the payments made using the myGH QR payment system directly and securely into their bank accounts.

    How To Make Payment With GhQR Code

    There are two (2) ways you can make payments with the GhQR code. You can make your payments using the QR Code scanner or by using the mobile shortcode (USSD).

    How To Make Payment With GhQR Code Using The QR Code Scanner

    1. Download the myGH pay app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
    2. After the installation of the app, login or sign up with your details
    3. Open the camera and point it towards the QR code displayed by the merchant
    4. A notification will be shown once the scanner recognizes the code in its database
    5. Tap on where you are asked to tap and finish the payment
    6. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the payment with the required information
    7. Upon successful completion of the payment, both the customer and the merchant will receive a notification on their devices.

    How To Make Payment With ghQR Code Using The USSD

    1. Dial the appropriate USSD code displayed on the list by the merchant
    2. Follow the prompts to enter the required information
    3. Confirm the payment and enter your code to complete the transaction
    4. Upon successful completion of the payment, both the customer and the merchant will receive a notification on their devices.

    Conclusion

    Even in a world full of smartphones and devices, not everyone has access to some of these devices and the fact that they don’t doesn’t mean that they should be left out of the national cake. Therefore, since people with non-smart devices can also use the GhQR code payment system is very amazing.

    Depending on the amount you are paying and your mobile money service provider, some extra charges may apply. Therefore, make sure you have more than the exact amount in your wallet before you proceed to make the payment to prevent your transaction from failing.

    How does the GhQR work?

    Once you open the app and scan the QR code displayed by the merchant, you will be redirected to a page to complete the payment. Upon successful completion, both the buyer and the seller will receive a payment confirmation message.

    What is the meaning of GhQR?

    The Gh stands for Ghana and the QR also represents Quick Response. Therefore GhQR simply means Ghana Quick Response.

  • Top Sites to Watch and Download Twi Movies Online

    Top Sites to Watch and Download Twi Movies Online

    The Ghana movie industry popularly known by many as Ghallywood in the past provided us with some of the best movies. Apart from the main Ghallywood industry, the Kumasi-based Kumawood industry also contributed its quota to the development of the Ghana movie industry.

    For some reason, both the Ghana movie industry and the Kumawood industry have been inactive for a while now. Now, instead of the movies, most of the actors own their own YouTube channel where they make skits (short videos). Some of the actors who have been successful in this field include Dr. Likee (Ras Nene, Kwaku Manu, Lil Win, and a bunch of others).

    Even though new movies are not released frequently as they used to, that should not prevent you from enjoying some of the best Ghanaian Twi movies. Most TV stations show Ghanaian Twi movies on their channels, but they show movies of their preference. Sometimes, most of the channels repeat the same movies over and over again and this can sometimes be boring.

    To avoid having to watch the same Ghanaian Twi movies repeatedly, it is very useful to find sites where you can watch and download Twi Ghana movies online. Unlike the TV channels, you can watch movies of your choice and you can do so at the comfort of your home, in the car, or even at work on your smartphone or laptop.

    In this article, I am going to show some of the top sites to watch and download Twi movies.

    Top Sites to Watch And Download Twi Movies Online

    Tuga Media

    Tuga Media is one of the biggest sites where you can watch and download Ghanaian Twi movies online for free. To be able to access the movies on this site, all you need to do is to have a smartphone or laptop or any other device that can connect to the internet and an active internet connection.

    The site is regularly updated with new movies (both Ghanaian and Nigeria) as well as comedies, worship songs, twi cartoons, comedy movies, etc. To access the Twi movie catalog, click on the menu icon (the three (3) horizontal lines) and then select Twi films under Ghana Movies.

    Scroll through and click on the movie of your choice. Next, tap on the play icon on the video preview that appears below the thumbnail. You can access Tuga Media by visiting tugamedia.com on your device.

    Iroko TV

    Unlike Tuga Media and the other free sites in this article, Iroko TV is not free, i.e., you have to pay in order to be able to access the content on Iroko TV. Once you sign up and pay the subscription fee, you can watch all the latest Ghanaian and Nigerian movies.

    On the Iroko TV platform, you can choose either to download or stream the movies directly as long as you have an active internet connection. You can get the Iroko TV app on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store for free.

    YouTube

    As the biggest video streaming platform in the world and the second biggest search engine, you can get some of the latest and oldest Ghanaian Twi movies. Most of these channels provide you with the original movies and some of them even provide free English subtitles if you don’t really understand Twi.

    Some of the channels you can check out include Twi Movies Avenue, African Twi movies, Affine Max Movies, Latest Ghana Twi Movies, Gh Movie Freak, Latest Twi Magic, etc. Interestingly, all these movies are free of charge and can be watched on either smartphone, tablet, or computer as long as it is connected to the internet.

    Conclusion

    Unlike the olden days where we had to buy CDs before we could watch movies, now with just an active internet connection and a smart device you can watch any movie of your choice. This guide showed some of the sites where you can watch Twi movies online.

    Wondering how you can download YouTube videos? Find out here how you can download all the movies on YouTube as well since it might be bothering you. All these sites have both the latest and old Ghanaian Twi movies from the likes of Agya Koo, Akrobeto, Santo, Judas, and all the other big actors and actresses who contributed to the Ghana movie industry.

    Where can I download local movies?

    You can download local movies from different sources. The three (3) main sources are Tuga Media, YouTube, and Iroko TV. Further details about each of them are given in this article.

    Is Ghana part of Nollywood?

    No. Nollywood refers to Nigerian movies while Ghallywood refers to Ghanaian movies.

  • Fusion Drive Vs SSD: Pros, Cons, Comparison and Which You Should Get

    Fusion Drive Vs SSD: Pros, Cons, Comparison and Which You Should Get

    For a long time now, whenever someone decides to buy an Apple device, there are not many customizations available but one thing that they always have the liberty to choose is the storage and storage capacity. For example, a person can choose to buy either the iPhone 13 Pro Max with the 256GB or the 512GB.

    This does not only apply to iPhones but almost all the other Apple smart devices like the iPad, Mac, and iMac. Taking on the iMac into consideration, there is always confusion on what type of drive to go for when purchasing the device and the two types of drives that always come to mind are Fusion Drive and SSD.

    iMac is an all-in-one computer series under the Apple brands, and it is regularly updated with new processors and specifications as time progresses. When in need of a desktop computer with some of the up-to-date features and amazing performance, then iMac should be on the list of your considerable devices.

    Apart from all these amazing specs and features, the decision to go for either fusion drive or SSD is very important since it will have an impact on the performance of your iMac. Just like any other two competitors, both the fusion drive and SSD have their own pros and cons. 

    To help you make the decision yourself, this article is going to give you all the information you need to know about both drives, and afterward, you will be able to make the decision on which one to go for yourself.

    What is SSD?

    Solid State Drive (SSD) is a storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies to store data persistently, typically using flash memory, and functioning as secondary storage in the computer storage hierarchy.

    Basically, SSD performs the same functions as a hard drive, but instead, data is stored on interconnected flash memory chips that retain the data even when there’s no power flowing through them. Simply put, SSD is just like a USD drive but faster and more reliable.

    What is a Fusion Drive?

    A Fusion Drive is two separate drives fused together. It is comprised of mainly a Serial ATA drive (a regular hard drive with and a solid-state drive (SSD). The name fusion drive is used mainly in devices manufactured by Apple like the iMac.

    In the fusion drive, together with a high-capacity hard drive, dedicated storage space is available, and this uses the SSD. Some of the information like the frequently used information is stored on the hard drive, as the frequently accessed documents are stored on the SSD.

    Pros and Cons of SSD

    Pros

    • SSD offers you the best-level speed and performance. If you are a professional, you should be concerned about this.
    • SSDs does not make noise, i.e., it operates silently
    • It consumes less power
    • It does not heat up your device
    • Good for demanding tasks like video editing and gaming
    • The booting time of an SSD is much shorter
    • SSD in iMac Late 2015 Edition is 2.5x faster than previous versions according to Apple

    Cons

    • SSD is relatively expensive as compared to other drives like hard disk drives (HDDs)
    • The maximum capacity is very low. For example, the maximum SSD you may get for your iMac is 1TB (this is subject to change as time progresses)
    • SSDs have a limited lifespan. This means that the number of years they can run smoothly is limited. Currently, the estimate for SSD is 10 years, although the average lifespan is shorter. The lifespan mainly depends on the size of the drive and the manufacturer.

    Pros and Cons of Fusion Drive

    Pros

    • Fusion Drives are relatively cheaper than SSDs although they are expensive than hard disk drives (HDDs)
    • Fusion drives are a little silent as compared to traditional hard disk drives. But is not silent either
    • Fusion Drives does not affect user experience (UX) or load times since they work in a logical manner
    • There are higher capacities of fusion drives available to choose from. The most popular ones are the 1TB and 3TB sizes
    • They have better boot-up time than HDDs

    Cons

    • They may create some noise
    • Fusion Drives have lower RPM. RPM shows how many revolutions a computer hard drive makes in a single minute
    • The operation of the fusion drive is not up to the committed SSD scenario
    • They are available only in certain Macs

    Comparisons and Which You Should Go For?

    Looking at the pros and cons of both drives, it is obvious that they all have their superpowers at one point or the other. Therefore, before you go ahead to choose which one you want to buy you might consider the following.

    Function/DeviceSSDFusion Drive
    PriceRelatively expensiveRelatively cheaper
    NoiseDoes not generate any soundMakes noise sometimes
    CapacityHas low capacities availableHigher capacities are available
    LifespanShort lifespanThe lifespan might be shorter if you drop it
    PerformanceFast performanceNot the very best performance

    The decision to go for either an SSD or fusion drive should be based on the main comparisons above. SSD is a very good option to go for if you have the money to buy them, but you should also consider the limited storage capacity available. If you don’t have the money to afford SSD then you should go for Fusion Drive since it is relatively cheaper and comes with higher storage capacities available.

    Anyways, the final decision should be made by you yourself. This article just served as a guide to give you some information about both drives. Hope this article was able to serve the purpose for which it was written. Use this as a guide and make sure to share this with your friends and loved ones.

    Are fusion drives really that bad?

    No. Fusion drives have some cool features which make them one of the best. All these features have been shown in this article.

    Can I replace my iMac hard drive with SSD?

    Yes, you can replace the hard drive of your iMac with SSD. But you need a certified Apple dealer to be able to do this for you since it is a little complicated.

    Does Apple use SSD or HDD?

    Apple provides its users with SSD storage of different sizes. The available storage spaces Appler offers are 64, 128, 256, and 512GB.

    How much SSD size do I need?

    There is no particular size you should go for on your device. The decision should be made based on the size of storage you will use on your device. To be on the safer side, as long as you have the money, you should go for the bigger size.

  • How to Make a Claim on MTN aYo Insurance

    How to Make a Claim on MTN aYo Insurance

    In a world full of uncertainties and unforeseen circumstances, there is always the need to have an insurance package that keeps you in mind for your needs. There are over a dozen insurance packages in Ghana but not all of them are able to meet the needs of their policyholders.

    Among these insurance policies, one of the most popular packages is the MTN aYo Insurance. MTN aYo Insurance provides its users with fast, convenient, and easy insurance right on their mobile phones. With this insurance policy, users enjoy hospital and life insurance cover through airtime deduction (Recharge with care) or when you send Mobile Money (MoMo) to your family or loved ones (Send with care).

    Apart from the aYo Insurance being fast and convenient, it also allows its policyholders to make claims on their mobile phones without having to visit any MTN office. In this article, I am going to guide you through all the steps on how to make a claim in MTN aYo insurance.

    Things You Need To Know About MTN aYo Insurance

    MTN aYo Insurance is one of the fewer mobile insurance policies in Ghana. But before we jump into the details on how to make your claim on MTN aYo, there are some things must know.

    • With the aYo Send with Care, you get up to GHS 30,000 as hospital and life insurance cover for yourself, and up to GHS 3,000 life cover for the family member. The term or duration of this policy is 120 days.
    • With the aYo Recharge with Care, you get up to GHS 120 per night as hospital cover upon admission due to illness or accident and up to GHS 6,000 life cover for yourself plus one family member upon demise.
    • Subscribers between the ages of 18 years and 65 years can sign up to Recharge with Care and the term or duration of the policy is 30 days renewable. Once any life assured turns 70 years, the policy terminates.
    • Only active MTN users can register for the MTN aYo insurance policy.

    How To Make A Claim on MTN aYo Insurance

    There are two (2) main ways you can file for a claim on MTN aYo Insurance. You can make a claim online or via USSD.

    How To Make a Claim on MTN aYo Insurance via Online

    1. Visit ayo.com.gh on your browser
    2. Click on the three (3) horizontal lines in the left upper corner
    3. Select Initiate a claim
    4. Choose whether you want to initiate the claim for yourself by selecting MySelf or initiate the claim for another person by selecting Another Person
    5. Log in with your mobile number and PIN or click on No username and PIN (if you don’t have any)
    6. Enter your name and the required information
    7. Provide the required documents. (Evidence of death when making a death claim or evidence of hospitalization when making a hospitalization claim) and submit
    8. Your documents will be reviewed and if you meet the requirements, your claim will be sent to you via mobile money (MoMo).

    How To Make a Claim on MTN aYo Insurance via USSD

    1. Dial *296# on your phone
    2. Follow the onscreen prompts and enter the required details
    3. Provide the required documents. (Evidence of death when making a death claim or evidence of hospitalization when making a hospitalization claim)
    4. You can provide the documents by sending them on WhatsApp to 0555948648
    5. Your documents will be reviewed and if you meet the requirements, your claim will be sent to you via mobile money (MoMo).

    Conclusion

    As the saying goes, “no one knows tomorrow” therefore, having a trusted insurance policy is very necessary and important. But not all the insurance policies are the same, as some of them require you to make a claim in-person, MTN aYo allows users to file for a claim on their phones without having to visit any MTN office.

    Unfortunately, non-MTN users cannot use the MTN aYo insurance therefore if you wish to use aYo, then you must buy and register an MTN SIM card today and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. MTN is one of the biggest telecommunication networks in Ghana and as a result, by registering for insurance with them you can rest assured that your money is safe and sound.

    How do I get my aYo money?

    Before you can get your money, you must file or make a claim to aYo. Through this process, you will be asked to add the required documents. Once your documents are accurate, your money will be sent to you via SMS.

    Is MTN aYo real?

    Yes, MTN aYo insurance is real and many people have benefited from it. To verify, you can visit the MTN Ghana website to read more.

    What is aYo policy?

    The policy is what you or your beneficiary will get in case of an unforeseen circumstances.