Category: For Ghanaians

  • How To Shop Online in Ghana and pay with Bitcoin

    How To Shop Online in Ghana and pay with Bitcoin

    Bitcoin is the biggest and first cryptocurrency to be launched in the world. Over the past ten years, bitcoin has become widely accepted as a reliable payment method all over the world.

    So, just like Paypal and the rest, Bitcoin can also be used for online shopping and other online payments.

    Whereas there are many myths about bitcoin and its link with fraudulent activities or scam, bitcoin is a uniquely fast and reliable way of making payments both locally and international.

    In this article, we shall focus on how to use bitcoin to shop in Ghana or any other part of the world.

    First of all, certain shops accept bitcoin as payment methods. These are the only online shops from which you can purchase an item using bitcoin.

    How To Know If An E-commerce Store Accepts Bitcoin Payment

    As stated in the previous paragraph, the first thing you need to confirm before shopping online with bitcoin is for you to identify sites that accept bitcoin as a payment method.
    For you to confirm if a site accepts bitcoin as a payment method, you need to follow the steps below.

    1. Visit the e-commerce site.
    2. Go to payment methods under the FAQs column or help column
    3. Check through the list to see if you’ll find cryptocurrencies.
    4. If you see cryptocurrencies, check to see if you’ll find bitcoin or its logo there.

    If you do not see anything about bitcoin in the list of payment methods, then know that the site doesn’t accept bitcoin as a payment method.

    How To Fund Your Your Bitcoin Account Before Making Purchases

    Before anyone can use bitcoin for a transaction, the person must already have a safe bitcoin online wallet.

    Just like the banking system, you need an account where you can deposit money before spending on any goods or service.

    In the case of bitcoin, there are very few wallets that are reliable but I will recommend blockchain.

    So, to create your blockchain wallet, visit blockchain.com and follow the steps below:

    1. Click on ‘wallet’ button b. select signup’
    2. Fill the form with your email address, preferred password and name, accept terms and conditions and click on continue
    3. Click on ‘get started’ to see your account dashboard.
    4. Open your email account to confirm your email address.

    When you finally complete your account opening process, you need to send some bitcoin to your blockchain wallet.

    You can check out this article:

    How To Make Your Purchase With Bitcoin

    1. Visit the e-commerce site you wish to buy from.
    2. Login to your account or create a new account if you’re a new user.
    3. Select the items you wish to purchase and add them to your cart.
    4. Click on your cart and go to checkout.
    5. Fill in your shipping address and other vital information.
    6. Select ‘Bitcoin’ as your payment method.
    7. Copy the bitcoin address provided.

    Sending Your Payment

    Open a new tab and do the following:

    1. Go to your blockchain account
    2. Click on send
    3. Select bitcoin from the list of currencies
    4. Paste the receiver’s wallet address in the ‘To’ column.
    5. Enter the amount you want to send in dollars
    6. Write the reasons for the transfer in the ‘description’ box.
    7. Select your preferred fee and click on continue.
    8. You may be asked to enter a code for verification.

    When you’re done with sending your bitcoin, go back to the previous tab and confirm that you’ve sent it.  You may be required to paste the transaction ID.

    Conclusion

    As indicated in the beginning paragraph of this article, there are some e-commerce sites and businesses that accept bitcoin payments. Some of them include Microsoft, Pornhub, AT&T, Norwegian Air, Shopify, Overstock, Expedia and Newegg among others.

    Always remember to have more than enough bitcoin balance before making payments since bitcoin is very volatile and can hence reduce or increase within the next moment. Also, make sure that you buy from trusted websites with bitcoin since bitcoin sent is irreversible.

    Again, do not leave your blockchain login details on any site since this could be used to hack your account and steal all your bitcoin. If you have any reservations or additional comments, kindly let us know in the comment box beneath the post.

  • Debunked: 5G does not cause or spread Coronavirus

    Debunked: 5G does not cause or spread Coronavirus

    Did you also hear the numerous conspiracy theories linking 5G and COVID-19? Well, I personally had some very “respectable individuals” share conspiracy theory videos on how the 5G wireless service was causing the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus.

    In other parts of the world, it has moved from just theories to vandalism of telecom property and the abuse of their staff.

    When it comes to 5G, conspiracy theorists and their followers claim the following:

    1. 5G might suppress the immune system
    2. Viruses can communicate through radio waves (5G)

    The truth, however, is that none of these claims can be backed by any sort of evidence.

    In fact, many experts have come out to specifically state that the two claims above are completely untrue.

    The World Health Organisation has said that no research has linked exposure to wireless technology with negative health effects.

    Some conspiracy theory videos and articles seem to match 3G, 4G and 5G to the SARS, swine flu and new coronavirus outbreaks. Although 3G, 4G and 5G were unrolled at similar dates to the SARS, swine flu and new coronavirus outbreaks, their start dates do not match.

    Many countries without 5G infrastructure have reported coronavirus cases (even here in Africa). Another research by the Reuters Fact Check Team shows that there is no scientific evidence to connect mobile communication networks with the SARS, swine flu and coronavirus outbreaks.

    England’s National Medical Director Stephen Powis has been widely reported in the media as saying, “The 5G story is complete and utter rubbish, it’s nonsense, it’s the worst kind of fake news.”

    And that’s exactly what it is – Fake News.

    Fake news that has been fueled and is gaining grounds because of the many uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Keep in mind:

    1. 5G does not suppress the immune system
    2. Viruses (live COVID-19) cannot communicate through radio waves (5G)

    Remember that, COVID-19 is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.  Read how to protect yourself against the pandemic, as you practice social distancing.

  • GH COVID-19 Tracker app records 16,000 downloads; How to install on your Phone

    GH COVID-19 Tracker app records 16,000 downloads; How to install on your Phone

    The Minister of Communications, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has said the GH COVID-19 Tracker app has been downloaded 16,000 times in less than 24 hours after it was launched on Monday, 13th April 2020.

    According to her, about 100 reports of Coronavirus-like symptoms have also been made through the app.

    Addressing the press on Tuesday, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said the reports would be forward to the Ghana Health Service.

    “As at this morning, there’ve been 16,000 downloads already even though it’s just through the web link on android,” she stated.

    She added that the app would also be made available on the Apple store “but the information we got was that many Ghanaians are using android phones and so we will reach a larger population quickly.”

    On the need for an app, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful noted that the app was Ghana specific and that “We are interested in tracking the virus in our country and so it is specifically designed to be used in Ghana.”

    She said people who were not using smartphones, could dial *769# and follow the necessary instructions to get their symptoms recorded.

    Mrs Owusu-Ekuful also welcomed suggestions to improve the setup of the app.

    What is the GH COVID-19 Tracker app?

    The COVID-19 Tracker App, is a mobile app by Ghana’s Ministry of Communications in partnership with iQuent Technologies Ascend Digital Solution through the common platform of mobile networks, to trace contacts of persons infected by the novel Coronavirus, show where they have been in recent time, through various telephone-related data, and link such people to health professionals for urgent action to be taken.

    The app, through same telephone-related data, is also able to report contacts which are, or have recently been to COVID-19 hit countries, as well as track whether individuals required to self-quarantine, are indeed doing so.

    How to install the GH COVID-19 Tracker App

    1. Visit the official COVID-19 Tracker App (25 MB) – ghcovid19.com
    2. Accept the Terms & Conditions to download and use GH COVID-19 Tracker App
    3. Click on the blue “download” text to download the app for your Android Phone
    4. You will see the file downloading status on your phone
    5. When you click on “INSTALL”, you may be prompted to allow installation from unknown sources on your device.
    6. Allow the installation and wait for the COVID-19 Tracker App to install
    7. Your app will then be successfully installed
  • How to download and use the COVID-19 Tracker App in Ghana

    How to download and use the COVID-19 Tracker App in Ghana

    Ghana’s Ministry of Communications in partnership with iQuent Technologies Ascend Digital Solution has launched the GH COVID-19 Tracker App.

    Although the app is not available on the Stores, the ministry has stated that it will be available in the Google Play Store and the App Store later this week.

    According to the Vice President, the app will help to track telephone numbers that are apparently or recently have been in certain countries around the world. The Ghana immigration service will use this information to determining who to provide an extra layer of screening.

    The COVID-19 Tracker app is also said to be useful in quarantine reliability to assess if certain individuals who are required to self-quarantine are actually doing that as a measure to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases in Ghana.

    The Tracker App this is yet another weapon yet deployed to fight the novel Coronavirus.

    Ghana is one of the few countries in the world to deploy such an app and it will give the Government advance information and allow the responsible institutions to respond quickly to COVID-19 related issues.

    Dr Bawumia said: “If you look at the current spread of the pandemic, it suggests that the virus has a mind of all. It will, therefore, require innovative ideas such as the application of technology to deal with this fundamental. If Ghana hopes to flatten the curve or to stop the surgeon numbers of people being infected.”

    How to download the COVID-19 Tracker App in Ghana

    1. Visit the official COVID-19 Tracker App (25 MB) – ghcovid19.com
    2. Accept the Terms & Conditions to download and use GH COVID-19 Tracker App
    3. Click on the blue “download” text to download the app for your Android Phone
    4. You will see the file downloading status on your phone
    5. When you click on “INSTALL”, you may be prompted to allow installation from unknown sources on your device.
    6. Allow the installation and wait for the COVID-19 Tracker App to install
    7. Your app will then be successfully installed

    If the video above does not work, you can watch a recap of the launch of the COVID-19 Tracker app in Ghana here.

    COVID-19 Tracker USSD option for Feature Phones

    All those who don’t have a smartphone can access the USSD platform by dialling *769#.

    Remember, the best strategy in fighting the pandemic is to stay at home and observe all the World Health Organizations and the Ghana health service protocols such as covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing as well as regularly washing your hands with and soap under running water.

    Stay home stay safe. Download the app.

  • How To Apply for Scholarship in Ghana and Abroad using the new online Application Process

    How To Apply for Scholarship in Ghana and Abroad using the new online Application Process

    As part of measures to ensure transparency in the management of scholarships in the country, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, earlier this year, launched a new digital platform for the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat to receive scholarship applications online.

    The purpose of the online application process, which took effect from 1st April, is the following:

    • to ensure full transparency in the application process
    • to ensure easy auditing and
    • to give applicants the opportunity to track their applications online.

    Speaking at the launch of the online platform (scholarshipgh.com) at the Jubilee House, Vice President Bawumia said the new system would help capture accurate data of scholarship beneficiaries and track their academic progress.

    He said the platform would ensure easy linkages between the scholarship secretariat and the universities as well as the various embassies for easy validation.

    The embassies can now vary from the online platform before giving visa to scholarship beneficiaries to study abroad, he added.

    “In just four easy steps, applicants can conveniently apply for scholarships from the comfort of their homes and receive instant feedback on the status of their application.”

    Here at Mfidie.com, we walk you through the requirements for the platform and how you can also apply for the scholarship.

    How to apply for a Scholarship using the online Application Process for Ghana

    If you want to apply for a scholarship from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, follow the steps below:

    1. Open the web address www.scholarshipgh.com
    2. Create an account on the portal to register and start the application
    3. Complete the application form on the portal with your relevant details
    4. Upload academic transcripts, admission letters, academic certificate and other necessary documentation in PDF
    5. Complete the online aptitude test and be scheduled for a selection interview in your selected district.

    What you need to apply for a scholarship in Ghana on the scholarshipgh.com site

    Local Tertiary Scholarships

    The Local Tertiary awards are in form payment of Thesis and Bursary grants to Postgraduate Students in the Public Tertiary Institutions in Ghana.

    The award also covers payment of Disability Grants to the Physically Challenged Ghanaian Students in Tertiary Institutions and Long Stay Allowance for Medical Science students in Public Tertiary Institutions in the country.

    To apply for this scholarship, you need the following:

    1. Applicants should have the status below:
      1. Should have gained admission into a local tertiary institution
      2. Should have registered and enrolled to undertake the course
      3. The Institution should be accredited by the National Accreditation Board (NAB)
      4. Categories of Local Tertiary Institutions (Private and Public)
      5. Nurses/Teacher Training Colleges
        • Colleges of Agriculture
        • Polytechnics
        • Technical Universities
        • Universities
        • Certificate awarding tertiary institutions
    2. Continuing students should apply online between 1St April – 15Th May of each academic year.
    3. New students who had late admission should apply between 1st – 30th September of each academic year
    4. Applicants will undertake an online aptitude test during the application process.
    5. Appear before a panel for interviews in your selected district
    6. The information of the applicant will be forwarded to the institutions of the applicant for confirmation and validation.
    7. Electronic award letters will be issued to the successful applicants by the Scholarships Secretariat.
    8. Payment of scholarship entitlements to respective institutions

    Foreign Tertiary Scholarships

    Foreign tertiary awards cover scholarships at the tertiary level of education in a foreign country. This is based on a Bilateral Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Ghana and the Government of the awarding country.

    Currently, the countries that fall under this category include:

    1. Russia
    2. Hungary
    3. Algeria
    4. China
    5. Morocco
    6. German Government Doctoral Programme (DAAD)

    In addition to the above, the Commonwealth Secretariat also award scholarships to Ghanaian at the postgraduate level based on a multilateral arrangement between Ghana and Commonwealth member countries.

    There are other countries awarding scholarships to Ghanaians without a counterpart funding from the Government of Ghana.

    These countries are:

    1. Australia Government Awards
    2. Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships
    3. Turkish Government Awards
    4. Mauritius Government Scholarship

    To apply for this scholarship, you need to have the following:

    1. Information for existing beneficiaries: Existing foreign scholarship beneficiaries will be given a portal to enable them to renew their awards annually online.
    2. Bilateral Applications: Prospective applicants for bilateral scholarship awards will be required to complete the online application upon confirmation of their awards by the awarding country.
    3. Non-Bilateral Scholarship Awards: All applications for non-bilateral awards will be received online when advertised.

    Contact the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat

    If you need to ask any questions or make enquiries, you can contact the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat directly using the following medium:

    Office Location
    North Ridge, GES Council Building, located behind the Accra High School.
    GA 028-2065

    Phone
    +233302962928, +233302962929, +233302962930, +233302962931

    Email
    [email protected]

  • 4 Online Courses You Can Take During This Corona Lockdown

    4 Online Courses You Can Take During This Corona Lockdown

    With the onset of the coronavirus and its long-lasting effects on our lives comes the phenomenon of total and partial lockdowns.

    While some countries are in full lockdown with strict law enforcement throughout the nation, some other countries are also in partial lockdown.

    Well, despite the effect this may have on the quality of life, this could be an opportunity to take some courses while we await the end of this worldwide counter.

    This article focuses on four online courses you can take during the lockdown. (more…)

  • Affordable Laptops You Can Buy In Ghana For School

    Affordable Laptops You Can Buy In Ghana For School

    As a student at the University, College of Education, Technical University or Health Institute, there is a need for you to use a laptop at some point in your education.

    Usually, depending on the course you’re offering, there may be specifications as to the kind of laptop required for your lessons.

    In this article, we shall look at some cheap and durable laptops students in Ghana can acquire for school.

    Why you need a Laptop as a student in Ghana

    As a student in Ghana, it is necessary for you to acquire a laptop as it contributes to your academic success.

    A laptop is required for the following purposes as a student in Ghana:

    1. For researching your assignments and personal research works.
    2. For reading your slides and making notes.
    3. For designing PowerPoint presentations.
    4. For researching, typing and editing your long essays or project work.
    5. For keeping yourself entertained after your daily course work.
    6. For beginning and maintaining online portals and freelance works for part-time income while in school.

    Here are some laptops you should consider as a student in Ghana:

    Lenovo V145

    The Lenovo V145 is a very strong laptop with good speed and also very affordable.

    Specifications

    • CPU: Core i3
    • GPU: AMD Radeon R4
    • Display size: 15.6 Inches
    • HDD: 500GB
    • RAM: 4GB Up to 8GB
    • Operating System: Windows 10
    • Weight: 2.10 KG

    Comes with an HD 720 P web camera, microphone jack, in-built microphone, Security lock slot, Bluetooth, wifi, card reader, USB ports and more.

    The Lenovo laptop is available on offer from 1,200 cedis and above.

    HP 250 G6

    This HP Machine is also a mid-range laptop that can be used for students who do not require high specs and tedious works.

    Specifications

    • Colour: Black
    • Weight: 2.5 KG
    • Processor: Intel Core i3
    • SPeed: 2.0 GHz
    • HDD : 500GB up to 1TB
    • Graphics Processor: Intel HD Graphics

    Comes with Wifi, Bluetooth, Wifi, VGA, HDMI, USB port, and operate Windows 10 Home.

    This laptop is on offer from 1,900 cedis upwards.

    HP 15 Notebook

    This HP Notebook is good for a minimum to mild usage and has a long-lasting battery and widescreen for a good display.

    Specifications

    • RAM: 4GB up to 8GB
    • HDD: 500GB
    • Processor: i3
    • Speed: 2.0GHZ
    • DVD Writer
    • Screen: 15.6 Inches
    • Operating System: Windows 10 home

    This machine also comes with two USB Port 3.1, Bluetooth, wifi, two speakers and an HD digital web camera integrated with a microphone. This machine is on offer from 2,000 cedis upwards.

    Dell Notebook 3542

    This Dell Notebook is a students’ laptop with a strong battery, strong outer layer and beautiful display for all kinds of light-usage activities.

    Specifications

    • Processor: Intel Core i3
    • Speed: 2.0 GHz
    • Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
    • HDD: 500GB
    • RAM: 4GB
    • Operating System: Windows 10 home

    This machine comes with 4 hours plus battery life, web camera, microphone, Bluetooth 4.0, 2 USB 2.0 and 1 USB 3.0. This laptop is on offer from 2,200 cedis upwards.

    Dell Inspiron 15-5570

    Dell Inspiron is in a category of its own with a charming look, room for entertainment and a unique user interface and display features. It is good for mid-usage and has powerful displays.

    Specifications

    • Screen size: 15.6 inches
    • Processor: Intel Core i3
    • RAM: 12GB
    • Speed: 2.40 GHz
    • HDD: 1 TB
    • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
    • Weight: 2.3 KG

    The device also comes with 3 USB 2.0 ports, a web camera, Bluetooth, wifi, a dual speaker, a lithium battery with 9 hours plus battery life. It is on offer from 2,800 cedis upwards.

    Conclusion

    The above-listed laptops are few of the many options available for students who wish to acquire good laptops for their course work in Ghanaian schools.

    There are other better machines but if you have less than 3,000 cedis to spend on a laptop, then the ones listed above should be your best bet. If you know of any other affordable but powerful laptops suitable for students, kindly mention them in the comments box beneath the post.

  • 3 Betting Sites That Pay You With Cryptocurrencies In Ghana

    3 Betting Sites That Pay You With Cryptocurrencies In Ghana

    Cryptocurrency is the future of money. It is believed that with time, banks and financial institutions would be of no use when cryptocurrencies finally take over the commerce and financial circus.

    What this means is that people with the highest volumes of cryptocurrency by the time this event happens will be at the favourable end of the table.

    The problem, however, is in acquiring these cryptocurrencies. There are some investment schemes online which promise to increase your cryptocurrencies via mining.

    While some of these companies are legitimate and deliver on their promises, a large number of them are Ponzi schemes and are likely to leave you in tears.

    One sure way of gaining and growing some cryptocurrency online is through betting.

    In this article, we shall look at 3 betting companies in Ghana which pay you with cryptocurrencies (more…)

  • How To Register For Vodafone Cash In Ghana

    How To Register For Vodafone Cash In Ghana

    In Ghana, Vodafone cash comes in mind when we are talking about the best mobile money networks in Ghana with fewer fraud issues.

    A Brief Introduction About Vodafone Ghana

    Vodafone Ghana came into existence on 17 August 2008 when they acquired 70% of Ghana Telecom from the Ghana government at a cost of $900 million.

    After the deal was made, Vodafone took over and the network name was changed from Ghana Telecom to Vodafone Ghana making the company own 70% whiles the government of Ghana owned 30% and in 2016, the company became the second-largest telecommunication operator in Ghana.

    On March 2015, Vodafone Ghana launched its mobile money platform naming it Vodafone Cash, this service was launched for customers to safely make transactions without the need to always carry cash and join the queue at the bank.

    When this feature became available it has indeed helped a lot of customers, evaluating the need to walk miles to make payment.

    What can you do using Vodafone Cash?

    • For transferring money
    • For topping up airtime and bundles
    • For requesting for loans

    If you are a Vodafone user and you want to do any of these then you first need to register your sim card for Vodafone Cash, in this article, I am going to take you through how to register your Vodafone Cash

    How To Register For Vodafone Cash In Ghana

    Before getting started, you need to have a valid national ID. It could be the Ghana card, voters ID card, drivers license or travelling passport.

    You also need to have your registered Vodafone sim card ready (obviously) because you are about to register for Vodafone Cash.

    You can then follow the steps below to register for Vodafone Cash in Ghana:

    1. Visit the nearest Vodafone cash agent with your identification card to register or call the Vodafone customer care line 100 and tell them you want to register Vodafone Cash.
    2. An authorized agent will take all the information needed from you and then set it up for you.
    3. Within short minutes you will receive a confirmation message that your account has been activated.
    4. Press 0 to activate your account and then you will be prompted to enter your PIN. Type in your secret PIN and never share it with anyone not even the Vodafone customer care agent.

    How To Register Your Vodafone Cash Account Online

    1. Visit https://vodafone.com.gh/personal/vodafone-cash/user-application/
    2. You will then be asked to fill the Vodafone Cash Customer Application Form. Fill in your first and last name, date of birth, gender, residential address, ID type, number and email, after that hit  Register.
    3. Wait for a confirmation message and email and after that follow the procedure by selecting 0 to confirm your account.
    4. Set up a PIN and then confirm it.

    Conclusion

    If you have ever been wondering if you can register for Vodafone cash without visiting their office, then the answer is yes you can.

    To do so dial 100 which is their customer service line or filling the Vodafone Cash Customer Application form on the official website.

  • How To Use DHL To Send And Receive Parcels In Ghana And Their Shipping Rates

    How To Use DHL To Send And Receive Parcels In Ghana And Their Shipping Rates

    DHL is a service used in sending and receiving of courier, Parcel and express mail. It was founded in 1969 and has since become the worlds largest logistics company currently operating in over 220 countries. (more…)