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  • StarTimes Ghana: Offers, Channels, Subscription Prices, Contacts & More

    StarTimes Ghana: Offers, Channels, Subscription Prices, Contacts & More

    Every day, hundreds of TV viewers are switching from analogue to digital simply because they want to enjoy more interesting channels with better quality pictures and sounds. with the coming into being of different decoders providers, a lot of content are available for streaming.

    Each decoder offers different content for viewers. The StarTimes decoder is one of those that is loved by many. So far StarTimes has been the only decoder that serves millions of Ghanaians with best and quality content at a high signal rate.

    Depending on your StarTimes package you can watch whatsoever you wish to watch. From movies to international news, music videos, sports, documentaries etc.

    In recent times, there has been a rise in the demand for information about this new decoder in the Country. Many want to know the available offers, channels, subscriptions and other relevant information around the StarTimes decoder before they can make a decision.

    We have taken it to ourselves to provide you with all the information you need to know concerning the StarTimes decoder. So if you are here because of that, then make sure to stick to the post to the end and you will get all that you need to know about the StarTimes Ghana.

    What Content Can You Watch Using StarTimes Decoder

    StarTimes has over 400 authorized channels that any user can choose to subscribe for. The company’s goal is to make sure an average Ghanaian has the best service at an affordable package. The StarTimes TV packages have been arranged to help interested individuals choose which suit their budget without sacrificing great viewing experience.

    The StarTimes Ghana offers 4 subscription packages which need to be renewed on a monthly basis. Below are the StarTimes bouquet budgets and the available channels that you may want to know:

    • StarTimes Nova channels Ghana
    • StarTimes super bouquet channels in Ghana
    • StarTimes Smart channels in Ghana
    • StarTimes Chinese bouquet channels

    How much is Startimes in Ghana?

    • StarTimes Decoder cost only is 90.00, you get a 1-month subscription
    • Cost of Dish + cable + lnb is GHS 75.00
    • Decoder + Dish + cable + lnb is GHS 165.00 (that is if you are buying from Startimes recognized outlets)

    STARTIMES NOVA Channels in Ghana

    This monthly subscription gives you access to 27 uninterrupted channels for a price of GHS 20. The nova channels Ghana are put into various categories including news, entertainment, religion, music, and children.

    Movies & Series

    Watch the latest movies and series in ST Guide available on Channel 99, ST Zone on Channel 129, and AMC Movie in Channel 185.

    News

    News channel available in the StarTimes nova offer are CGTN news on Channel 266, TVC News in Channel 270, CNC World in Channel 273, NTA News 24 in Channel 433.

    Entertainment

    If you love to entertain yourself then this got you covered. You can satisfy your entertainment ego by watching various StarTimes channels. Get access to the ST Kungfu on Channel 155, E. TV on Channel 160, ST Swahili Channel 400, ST Dadin Kowa on Channel 404, GTV on Channel 454, Farin Wata Channel 470, Orisun Channel 47, SilverBird TV on Channel 493, MAX TV Channel 530, and UTV Channel and E star available on channel 190.

    Religion

    Religious channels available in this bouquet are ST Gospel which is accessible on Channel 360, Deen TV Channel 365, IQRAA Channel 366, and watch Dove TV on Channel 508.

    Music

    Whether you love local, gospel, rap, blues, rock or reggae, Startimes has various music channels. For local and international music then tune in to channels like Trace Africa, Gospel Music, Nigezie, ST music, ST Naija and ST SA music. Documentary: You can watch CGTN Documentary on StarTimes Nova Bouquet Channel 231.

    Kids

    Kids shows are not left on this package. You can give your kids a joyful moment when you subscribe to this offer. Be it cartoons, creative stimulation or educative exposure, just tune in to Smile of a Child available on channel 306, Davinci Learning on channel 308, and Mindset Learn on channel 309.

    STARTIMES SMART Channels and Prices in Ghana

    This bouquet has 36 TV channels and a monthly subscription price of GHS 35. Smart bouquet channel list includes:

    • Movies & Series – ST Guide, ST Zone, IROKO 2, ST Novella E, ST Zone, ST Sino Drama, Fox Life, AMC Series, AMC Movie, and ST Yoruba.
    • General Entertainment – ST Kungfu, E. TV , E Stars, ST Swahili, ST Dadin Kowa, GTV, Farin Wata, Orisun, SilverBird TV, MAX TV, UTV , ST One, E! Eng, and ST Africa 2.
    • Startimes sports channels – ST Sports Focus, ST Sports Arena, Fox Sports 2, and EuroSports News.
    • Documentary – CGTN Documentary, Nat Geo Wild, Viasat N, Viasat H, and Animaux.
    • News – BBC, Aljazeera, France 24 E, CGTN news, TVC News, CNC World, NTA News 24, and Africa News.
    • Kids – Smile of A Child, Davinci Learning, Mindset Learn, JimJam, and Nickelodeon.
    • Music – ST Music, Gospel Music TV, ST SA Music, Nigezie, ST Naija, Trace Africa, and Trace Mziki.
    • Religion – ST Gospel, Deen TV, IQRAA, Dove TV, and Emmanuel.
    • Indian – ST Bollywood Africa and Zee Cinema
    • Lifestyle – Fine Living, and Fashion One.

    STARTIMES SUPER BOUQUET Channels in Ghana

    StarTimes super bouquet channels in Ghana is another bouquet that has a monthly subscription price of GHS 65. With this package, you get to watch 23 TV channels. these channels include:

    Movies & Series

    ST Guide, ST Zone, Iroko 1, Iroko 2, ST Novella E, ST Novella E Plus, ST Zone, ST Sino Drama, Fox, Fox Life, AMC Series, AMC Movie, ST Yoruba, and ST Movies Plus.

    General Entertainment

    ST Kungfu, E. TV, E Stars, ST Swahili, ST Dadin Kowa, GTV, Farin Wata, Orisun, SilverBird TV, MAX TV, UTV, ST One, E! Eng, and ST Africa 2. StarTimes sports channels

    ST Sports Focus, ST Sports Arena HD, Fox Sports 2, Euro Sports News, ST Sports Life, ST World Football, ST Sports Premium HD, Fox Sports, and Fuel TV.

    Documentary

    CGTN Documentary, Nat Geo Wild, Viasat N, Viasat H, Animaux, Nat Geo E, Discovery Science, IDX, Viasat H, and Viasat L.

    News

    BBC, Aljazeera, France 24 E, CGTN news, TVC News, CNC World, NTA News 24, Africa News, Fox News, MSNBC, and Bloomberg TV.

    Kids

    Smile of A Child, Davinci Learning, Mindset Learn, JimJam, Nickelodeon, Pop, and Baby TV. Music ST Music, Gospel Music TV, ST SA Music, Nigezie, ST Naija, Trace Africa, Trace Mziki, ST Soul, Kiss TV, Magic, MTV Base, Classica. Religion

    ST Gospel, Deen TV, IQRAA, Dove TV, and Emmanuel.

    Indian

    ST Bollywood Africa, Zee Cinema, ST Bollywood HD, and Star Gold.

    Lifestyle

    Fine Living, and Fashion One

    STARTIMES KIDS Channels

    As the name indicates, this is a channel subscription plan that is tailored to suit your kid’s satisfaction. To ensure that your kids are watching kid-friendly content, the is StarTimes super bouquet channels in Ghana tailored this channel for young children. These channels are educative and uphold healthy viewing habits. For example, kids can learn about giraffes, how snow is formed and different weather conditions. Moreover, when kids watch their favourite cartoon character engaging in a fun activity, they will also be motivated to do the same.

    List of channels on StarTimes classic bouquet Ghana in the entertainment category is not just for kids, adults can also benefit from watching them. During the weekend one can use the movies and series channel to catch up on the latest TV show including Telenovelas.

    STARTIMES SPORTS Channels

    Whether you like to watch football, soccer, rugby, basketball, cricket, swimming or boxing, StarTimes say bravo. They love the fact that young men like to watch sports so They tune in every weekend if not every day to catch up on the latest happenings of their favourite team. Fortunately, the StarTimes sports channel bouquet offers a wide selection of TV channels devoted to sports only. When you sign up for this package, you have all the sports channels from the comfort of your home. For further information on this bouquet packages, visit the official page for StarTimes Here

    How To Get StarTimes Decoder & Pay For Monthly Subscription in Ghana

    Before you can access and pay for StarTimes channel you need to buy the satellite antenna and decoder. The StarTimes decoder cost around GHS 90. The satellite decoder allows you to watch both terrestrial and satellite TV channels without having to change any cables. StarTimes subscription Ghana can be paid using MTN Mobile Money.

    How To Pay Startimes Subscription Via MTN Mobile Money

    • Dial *170# and select option 2. (MoMoPay & Bills)
    • In the submenu option, select option 2 (Pay Bills) and then enter the account number.
    • Now select ‘TV & Entertainment’- option 2

    • Here, you select StarTimes and then enter the account number to finish up the process.

    •  Finally, enter your mobile money pin number.

    After a successful payment, your StarTimes subscription will be active and you can enjoy your favourite channels.

    You will have to pay a monthly subscription to enjoy the StarTimes bouquet channels. In case your StarTimes channels do not resume even after you have made the correct payment then contact StarTimes customer care via their contact number or different social media platforms.

    Startimes Contact

    Hotline: 0242437888

    How To Mount Your Newly Acquired StarTimes Decoder

    The success of your StarTimes decoder will depend on the signal level and strength. You can install the decoder yourself using the below step by step guide or contact an expert in your locality to help you do so.

    If you choose to do that yourself then make sure to follow the below guide on how to install your StarTimes decoder and antennae.

    • First, when opening the box try and avoid misplacing any small accessories.
    • Take the long pole and insert into the antennae hole.
    • Tighten the antennae using the provided screws.
    • Screw-in the connection cable wire to the circuit box of the antenna and insulate the ends of the wire with masking tape to prevent contact with moisture which can cause rust.
    • If the cable is too long, then tie it gently to the pole to ensure that the wire doesn’t disengage from the circuit box. Place your pole on a raised platform that is free of any obstruction.
    • The most common area to mount your antenna is on the roof. Just make sure it faces directly towards the transmission mast stationed in your locality. Insert the cable wire to the antenna in the port located behind the decoder.
    • Lastly, switch on the decoder and scan to enjoy your StarTimes pay-tv service.

    Alright, friends, this is where we bring the curtain down on the StarTimes Ghana, price, subscription and all that you need to know. We hope this post will be an eye-opener to your new world of StarTimes.

  • How To Buy Airtime With AirtelTigo Cash, MTN Mobile Money Or Vodafone Cash

    How To Buy Airtime With AirtelTigo Cash, MTN Mobile Money Or Vodafone Cash

    Every mobile phone user must recharge his or her device before making a call or surfing the internet. With the emergence of very popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, many have increased their data consumption rates.

    No days pass by without buying an airtime or data bundle.

    There are instances where you find yourself in a location in which it may be difficult to get an airtime vendor to buy airtime for recharge. In that case, you will be stuck with no option.

    Mobile service providers in the country are always looking at satisfying their users to increase user retention and reduce churn.

    They have been able to foresee all these instances and have made an arrangement for them. Thanks to the mobile money services, today, every beneficiary of the mobile money service can easily buy/top-up his or her account using the mobile money balance.

    Each of the service providers has a different method to follow when recharging account from the mobile money balance. The goal of this post is to show you the method to follow for each provider when recharging from your mobile money account.

    How to top-up airtime Using MTN Mobile Money

    Follow the below simple steps to recharge your account using the mobile money balance:

    1. First, you have to make sure there is sufficient money in your Mobile Money Wallet.
    2. Go to “Mobile Money” menu dialling *170# then select option 3 “Airtime & Bundle”.

    1. Now select option one (Airtime-100% bonus self) from the sub menu

    1. Select the beneficiary- either self or other

    1. Enter the amount of airtime you want to buy.
    2.  Confirm details and enter your Mobile Money PIN. You will receive a confirmation message of the successful MTN airtime top-up.

    How To Buy Airtime With AirtelTigo Cash

    First dial *110# and then you will be taken to the AirtelTigo cash main menu

    Now once you are on the page, you will be displayed with all the mobile money menus. Select option 2 from the menu

    Now you will be given the chance to choose whether you want to buy airtime or data bundle. since your aim is to buy airtime, you choose the first option

    After choosing the buy airtime option, you select 1, if you want to buy for yourself otherwise select the option that suit your demand.

    Now you confirm the details and enter your mobile money pin to finish the process. After a successful transaction, you will receive a confirmation message from AirtelTigo.

    How to top up airtime using Vodafone cash

    Vodafone cash also offers similar steps for purchasing airtime from a user account. If you are a user of Vodafone cash, you can also follow the below steps to top up your call account using the MOMO cash balance.

    Just like MTN MOMO top-up, you need to also make sure you have sufficient balance in your Vodacash account before proceeding

    1. Dial *110# to go to the Vodafone cash menu. Once you are on the menu, select option 3 to see the options available
    2. From the submenu, choose option 3 -buy airtime or data
    3. Here you will see three submenus, choose the first option: “buy airtime”
    4. Then select the first option – my phone. If you are buying for yourself otherwise select the other options
    5. Now enter the amount
    6. Confirm details and enter your Mobile Money PIN.

    How to buy Airtime in Ghana using an App

    Another way to buy airtime using any of the service providers is to use an app. This app will help you buy your airtime with ease.

    All you need to do is to install the app and you are ready to purchase your preferred airtime. The app is an all in one app that gives you the ability to do many things at a go. The name of the app is Slydepay.

    1. First, you have to download this app from the Playstore or Appstore and then install it on your android or iOS device.
    2. Once the app is installed, follow the onscreen registration guide to register for an account on the app.
    3. After successful registration, you are done. You can now use the app to do many things including buying airtime from any of the mobile money service providers.

    Conclusion

    Buying airtime using mobile money balance is never difficult as many perceive it to be. All you need to do is to follow the above simple steps and you should buy all your desire airtime/bundle.

  • How To Register As A MTN Mobile Money Agent/Merchant For Commission

    How To Register As A MTN Mobile Money Agent/Merchant For Commission

    Mobile Money transactions have become an integral part of the banking system in Ghana. Many people have come to love transacting their day to day business through this new form of banking in the country.

    With the advancement in Fintech and the coming into being of the interoperability system, a lot of ventures finds it easy to accept MOMO payment instead of physical cash payments.

    Today, almost all the network providers in the country have implemented some form of the mobile banking system. We have seen the likes of MTN mobile money, Vodafone cash and then later AirtelTigo Cash Payment system. But looking at the statistics, MTN mobile money transaction is still the leading mobile banking system as it stands today.

    Because of the rise in the demand for MOMO transactions outlets, MTN and all the other mobile money providers have expanded their outlets to anyone who is qualified and therefore wishes to work as a vendor for a commission.

    The service providers have put in some requirements that you need to meet before you become a qualified applicant for the MOMO business.

    Requirements to be an MTN Mobile Money Merchant

    For you to become a merchant working for MTN, for a commission you will need to meet the following requirements.

    • Must have a registered company(limited) or its equivalent
    • Fill and submit Agents Recruitment Form
    • Fill and submit Agent Account Handler Form
    • Agent/ Merchant code of ethics

    Registered Company (limited)

    For you to be a successful applicant, you are required to have at least a limited company or its equivalent. This is to ensure that, in case of unforeseen circumstances, you can easily repay your debt and that of your customers.

    Agent Documentation Requirements

    Every business in Ghana must have official documentation to make it a binding one between the parties involved. Being an agent means you and MTN are entering in some kind of business which opts to be binding. this document will serve as a bidding contract letter. So in other to be issued the go-ahead to start a merchant business, you are required to fill and submit the agent documentation letter.

    Agents Recruitment Form

    Recruitment form, also known as MTN MOMO registration form. This form includes details like Registered Business Name, Trade No./Business Registration No, Assigned Bank, Agent Ghana Post GPS Location etc. You need to provide all the details marked as required with an asterisk. Once you are done then you submit it for a review. Get the form Here

    Agent Account Handler Form & Agent/ Merchant code of ethics

    The information needed here includes the agent’s personal details such as full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, occupation, Voter ID or any of the National ID’s. The code of ethics also has to do with the agents agreeing to abide by the business ethics. The handler form and that of the code of ethics can also be found here.

    Prospective Agents must also meet the required structure and location requirements as set in accordance with EMI (E-money Issuer) guidelines. The structural requirements are as follows:

    Permanent structure in the form of Brick and Mortar, Semi-permanent structure is required for an Agent outlet. These structures should be placed within 50-100 meters’ range.

    Wooden structures and Umbrella outlets should be avoided as they do not meet the standard requirement. prospective Agents are also required to have a startup capital of GHS 4,000.

    After meeting the structure and location requirement, and submitted your application, you will need to wait for sometimes before you get feedback from MTN.

    The following points should be noted whiles you wait for your application to be processed:

    • MTN Mobile Money centre shall respond via email or phone to all applicants upon receipt of their application.
    • Applications received shall be vetted to ensure they meet all requirements.
    • False documents presented during the applications process is deemed to be a criminal offence and MTN Mobile Money reserves the right to reject any applications that do not meet the requirements.
    • Processing of a successful application shall take a minimum or maximum of 23 working days from the date on which your application is received.
    • Successful applicants shall be notified about the status of their application via email or phone call upon completion of service.

    MTN Mobile Money Agent Commissions Structure

    As a mobile money agent, you get some benefits in terms of commissions. MTN mobile money agent gets rewarded commission per every transaction the carried out. This commission serves as a profit for these agents.

    The commission fees are structured in the following ways:

    Any withdrawal between GHS 1 to GHS 50 attracts a charge of GHS 0.50 whiles withdrawal above GHS 50 gets a deducted fee of 1% of the money to be withdrawn.

    You can read more on these charges and fees from the Official MTN Page. This is where we come to an end of today’s post. Hope you find it helpful. If you do please share on all the platform you find yourself.

  • OLX becomes Jiji Ghana in a forcasted move in the classifieds space

    OLX becomes Jiji Ghana in a forcasted move in the classifieds space

    OLX Ghana, in what seems like a partnership with Walie Holdings Ltd is changing its name to Jiji and users of olx.com.gh will soon be redirected to jiji.com.gh.

    Walie Holdings Ltd. owns Jiji.com.gh, which will apparently power a new OLX and give a brand new experience to traders so they can continue to buy and sell on the classifieds site.

    The redirection of the site was supposed to start from the 20th of June 2019 but as at the time of reporting, it is still not in place.

    However, there seems to be a smooth migration process as users of OLX Ghana will still be able to sign in and continue using their existing accounts on Jiji, without having to create a new one.

    Users of OLX should also note that from 20 June 2019, the Privacy Policy of Walie Holdings Ltd. will govern the use of their personal information.

    OLX has been struggling to beat Tonaton to number one spot in the classifieds sector in Ghana and it will be interesting to know how this new change will affect the classifieds landscape in Ghana.

  • MTN Conquest 2019 Accra Edition: Win GHS 12,000 in FIFA 19 and Mortal Kombat 11 tournament this weekend

    MTN Conquest 2019 Accra Edition: Win GHS 12,000 in FIFA 19 and Mortal Kombat 11 tournament this weekend

    Register and play in the Accra Edition of #MTNConquest2019, Ghana’s most competitive esports event, on 21st and 22nd June at the Coconut Grove Hotel, North Ridge, Accra. As usual, the GHS 12,000 pot prize is up for grabs.

    The Accra event features:

    1. MORTAL KOMBAT 11 tournament
    2. FIFA19 “Kick-off mode” event

    Side events include:

    • Tekken 7 Gauntlet
    • Street Fighter V Gauntlet

    If you believe in your Fifa 19 and Mortal Kombat 11 skills, and couldn’t make it to the Kumasi event last weekend, then register for the 2019 MTN Conquest gaming event.

    How to register for MTN Conquest 2019 Accra Edition

    1. Visit the registration link here.
    2. Choose which tournaments you would want to compete in
    3. Enter your details and get your registration confirmation via email.

    Share with your friends and family who are into e-sports and gaming.

     

  • NIA Online Registration pressure causes official website to shut down

    NIA Online Registration pressure causes official website to shut down

    The National Identification Authority has been forced to shut down its official website as Ghanaians jumped onto the portal to register for their national identification cards.

    The Authority announced on Friday that the website https://register.nia.gov.gh is temporarily unavailable for public usage, explaining, “the site has seen unusual traffic occasioning its temporary shutdown.”

    A check by Mfidie.com shows that indeed the site is no longer working as at 9:51pm on Friday 17th May, 2019.

    According to the statement, the portal was meant to be launched formally when all the operational and technical components are ready, but following the announcement by NIA’s Executive Secretary about the possibility for people to register there, its usage went up.

    The National Identification Authority has kicked start a national exercise to get a national ID card for every Ghanaian. The project is ongoing in some selected districts in the national capital, Accra.

    The exercise has been characterized by long queues as a huge number of people troop to the registration centres.

    “It must be pointed out that an applicant who fills the registration form online will still go through the interview process at the registration centre. For the avoidance of doubt, we restate the registration process below,” the NIA stated.

    Before a Ghana Card is issued, an applicant must go through the following steps:

    1. A registration official interviews the applicant and assists him/her to fill an application form with the required personal details. An applicant who fills the form online will only be interviewed.
    2. An MRW operator then keys in personal details of the applicant from the completed application form and scans any other additional documents (other institutional ID’s – SSNIT, DVLA, Voters ID etc.) that the applicant may have.
    3. The MRW operator also captures the applicant’s biometric data (fingerprint, iris & photograph) as well as his/her signature.
    4. A printed slip specifying the information captured is given to the applicant to confirm that the information captured is accurate before the card can be printed.
    5. The card is printed, after which the applicant is required to authenticate his/her fingerprints with a verification officer to render the card activated.

    “We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

    “Meanwhile the NIA has seen on social media the circulation of a link purporting to inform the general public “on steps to get your card at the office instantly” and thereby directing people to this link http://bit.ly/RegisterGhanaCardOnline. The Authority wishes to disassociate itself from this link and accordingly cautions the general public.”

  • Ghana Based Startup Jumeni Launches Cloud Software for Optimizing Waste Management Operations

    Ghana Based Startup Jumeni Launches Cloud Software for Optimizing Waste Management Operations

    Jumeni Technologies, a Ghanaian-based software company specializing in cloud-based field service management solutions, today announced the launch of its flagship product for the waste management industry. Jumeni’s platform is designed to increase the productivity of field workers, and improve customer service, by digitizing data collection and offering access to more efficient payment options.

    Jumeni’s platform includes field apps which connect workers in the field with back office systems to reduce paper-based and administrative processes and improve accuracy.

    Jumeni was founded in 2018 by Eyram Amedzor, Kevin Gawo and Emmanuel Oduro, who graduated from the MEST Africa entrepreneurial training program in Accra. The idea came from their experience working with waste companies in Ghana.

    CEO Eyram Amedzor stated, “We believe software has a role to play in keeping our environment clean and sustainable. The waste sector is one of the biggest and most important industries, but has seen few advancements in technology. This is because waste management is complex. People, processes and technology must work seamlessly for these companies to effectively optimize their productivity, customer service and revenue. That’s why we designed a comprehensive platform to specifically address needs across waste management organizations, and believe we can accommodate any waste and recycling business.”

    The team, over the past months, piloted the platform with companies operating in Tema and Kaneshie and has seen significant results, demonstrating an increase in revenue and operational efficiency.

    Jumeni’s solutions provide field personnel and revenue collectors with tools built for any mobile phone. Its back office functions are built on a flexible, cloud-based architecture that enables managers to connect at any time and from anywhere. Jumeni’s payment software makes it possible to process cash payments in the field efficiently and allows customers to pay to companies directly using Mobile Money and payment cards. The platform also provides a portal for customers to access personalized services from their service provider.

    Jumeni will initially offer 20 prepackaged dashboards with metrics based on industry standards. The predesigned dashboards contain key indicators, including field worker performance, work progress, bins lifted and more.

    Jumeni is currently available in Ghana, with plans to expand to Kenya and Nigeria in the near future.

  • 2019 Stanbic Hackathon to focus on Blockchain Usage for Viable Solutions

    2019 Stanbic Hackathon to focus on Blockchain Usage for Viable Solutions

    The 4th edition of the hackathon conference organised annually by the Hacklab Foundation and Stanbic Bank is set to come off this Friday, April 19th – Saturday, 21st, at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi with over 600 student developers from 18 tertiary institutions expected to participate.

    This year’s conference according to Patrick Quantson, Head of Digital Projects at Stanbic Bank will address the topic: “Can Blockchain Technology Transform the Service Industry in Ghana?”

    According to him, the Hacklab Foundation picks a theme based on trending discussions/issues in technology that need addressing from grassroots engagement as they are the relevant stakeholders to every high-level decision made at the government and corporate level.

    “This year they will be discussing and developing solutions using plausible and scalable blockchain technology cases fit for the Ghanaian and African markets.

    It is our hope that Ghanaian entrepreneurs will take advantage of this and leapfrog time-consuming infrastructure creation, demolishing roadblocks in the process”, he said.

    The Hackathon challenge will task participants to develop solutions to address problems in the Education, Agriculture, Energy, Tax, Financial Service, Healthcare, Transportation and Logistics Sector using Blockchain Technology.

    Hackathon participation over the years has grown exponentially since 2015. About 450+ student developers participated in the 2016 hackathon with 112 projects emerging. Out of these projects included the Blockchain e-voting solution which won first place, a virtual reality advertising system, a crowd-farming solution, crowd-funding platform and artificial intelligence powered virtual nutritionist.

    In 2017, 15 interns were recruited from the hackathon to join the Stanbic digital transformation team. They contributed to developing epics such as the Enhanced Virtual Assistance (EVA), developed the #SBIncubator Website, the Welcome Emailers for onboarding new customers.

    There are numerous opportunities for the participants including 10 award categories with a total of GHC12,000.00 in cash prizes to be won, on-spot internships and job recruitments and investment opportunities to scale solutions that emerge from the hackathon challenge. Other perks will also be awarded to winning teams including IBM Cloud Credits, Google Cloud Credits, RingCaptcha Credits, Start-up branding opportunities for the top 10 teams, etc. Winning teams will also get the opportunity to participate in the Hacklab-GSBS Start-up School, a 6-week pre-incubation program to further develop their solutions.

  • Blue Light: How does the technology around us affect our everyday lives?

    Blue Light: How does the technology around us affect our everyday lives?

    Our phones have become a part of us accompanying us everywhere we go. You get to work everyone is on their phones, in your room everyone is on their phones, driving accidents because people were driving and texting and so much more. But have we stopped to think about what all this screen time is doing to us? Does it affect or sleep? What about our lives in general? I doubt we have.

    When we use our phones for extended periods of times in we tend to develop what is known as computer vision syndrome (CVS) due to an increased amount of blue light. Some symptoms of CVS include headaches, blurred vision, neck pain, fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, irritated eyes, double vision, vertigo/dizziness, polyopia, and difficulty refocusing the eyes.

    Also, some of the research suggests that continued exposure to blue light over time could lead to damaged retinal cells and this can cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration. None of these symptoms is permanent and is alleviated when you take a break from the computer screen.

    One way to prevent this is the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Taking regular breaks is also important for resting the eyes, blinking, and limiting eye strain. Some apps such as less time and Flpd help to regulate screen time.

    Some helpful tips to reduce strain on your eyes include: avoiding using a computer outside or in brightly lit areas as the glare on the screen can create strain, adjusting the brightness and contrast of your computer screen so that it feels comfortable to you and using a good posture when using a computer and when. Remember to blink when watching a screen.

    Talking about the harmful effects of blue light, studies also show that it disturbs our circadian rhythm. Simply put it affects our sleep cycle and hampers our ability to go to bed. Ever wondered why you could use your phone on your bed and not fall asleep for a long while? It is because of the blue light.

    It also affects the quality of sleep. Ask anyone who wakes up tired and 3 out of 5 people looking at a digital screen right before sleep. To combat this, there are some apps such as Twilight for Android and Flux for iPhone which help reduce the amount of blue light your phone emits. You could also go for a blue light screen protector for computers. However, do yourself a favour and put down your tablet or phone at least 1 hour before bed to get a restful sleep.

    Perhaps the most damage smartphones do to us is to cause us to procrastinate important things we have to do in our lives. It is so easy to get lost in Twitter or Youtube or Instagram and get lost in all the videos. The reason it’s so easy is that your brain doesn’t get really have to do anything you basically just consuming the information much of which you won’t remember after a week as opposed to learning which requires active uptake of information.

    It takes really pressing matters to get out of that trap and people barely survive. We could manage procrastination by ensuring we start our day without our phones. Honestly, nothing beats waking in the morning and planning your day.

    Because you have already planned your day, even if you get caught in your phone you have a general idea of what you have today and can get more done relative to using your phone all morning and dashing out of bed 30 minutes to lectures without having a cue of what your day would look like. You can set your phone on aeroplane mode or turn your data off so even if you pick up your phone there would be zero notifications.

    As much us the advantages of technology far outweigh the disadvantages, let us remember to take care of our bodies too by controlling our use of these devices.

  • Let’s talk about Improving ICT in Basic Schools in Ghana

    Let’s talk about Improving ICT in Basic Schools in Ghana

    As the world moves steadily in this data age, Ghana seems to be joining the train. The introduction of ICT into the basic schools is a step in the right direction but after its introduction has been long forgotten much like the other courses.

    The government seems to forget that the ICT world is evolving rapidly and now ICT is treated as a course needed to pass the Basic Education Certificate exam (BECE). However it shouldn’t be so, but considering the fact that some basic schools in other regions barely have an electricity supply, the Government has its hands tied.

    Private schools, on the other hand, have students who are computer savvy but often focus on the wrong stuff. But there’s a way for both types of schools to help the students gain computer literacy.

    The Government could increase our children’s interest in learning ICT by having more standardized exams for it. The first step in doing this is to restrict the studies of ICT to only basic schools that can fully utilize the experience after all how many students continue to study ICT in those schools.

    The restriction wouldn’t be permanent, however, the government could then embark on introducing it on a priority basis. A smaller number of students to teach and examine would result in a better-regulated curriculum and more standardized exams. This curriculum should be handled outside the GES so it can be regulated as to when it needs to instead of when GES decides to review all its subjects.

    The private schools are supposed to have an upper hand when it comes to ICT because their parents are wealthier than their counterparts from the public schools but the priority of the students is often elsewhere. Most children already have premium smartphones by the time they enter Junior High School(JHS) or even earlier but they usually use them for the wrong purposes mainly social media.

    You would think a child introduced to technology would know how to do basic things like using Microsoft Office correctly or even having a minimum typing speed of up 25 words per minute but it isn’t so. To ensure the children make the very best of the opportunity offered them in life, private schools need to have more intensive curricula.

    They have already taken the first step by early introduction into the syllabus but it’s still seen like as just a subject like maths or science which shouldn’t be so. The schools have to make the course as practical as possible whiles giving much self-practice homework to be done at home.

    Parents also need to make sure their wards prioritize ICT as a skill needed rather than as another subject. Unfortunately, in our part of the world, we seem to prioritize other subjects much more than ICT and that must change. Parents need to be sensitized about this and change their way of thinking after all the majority of them know its implication on their lives.

    Some parents seem to have the right idea by sending their wards to gain some form of ICT knowledge after they are done with BECE and WASSCE but it usually ends there and there’s usually no follow up on this and the student even sees it as a waste of time. Parents need to understand the use of ICT in this evolving world.

    Many students get to the university and are totally oblivious on how to appropriately harness the technology available to them and thus struggle to do assignments that need to be submitted online or even conduct proper research. It shouldn’t be so, we need to introduce these skills to them as young ones to equip them for the challenges on the global front.