Starlink is gearing up to launch its services in Ghana by the end of August 2024. This exciting news follows the successful completion of all necessary administrative and licensing procedures with the National Communications Authority (NCA). The service will be managed locally by Space X Starlink GH LTD.

This announcement marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s efforts to improve its digital infrastructure, especially in remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband services have struggled to reach. Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are poised to deliver high-speed internet access across the country, bridging the digital divide and supporting vital sectors like education, healthcare, and business.

As Starlink prepares to enter the Ghanaian market, there is keen interest in its pricing model, particularly compared to existing data costs. Currently, internet data prices in Ghana vary widely, with mobile data packages from providers like MTN and Telecel costing between GHS 3 to GHS 15 per gigabyte, depending on the package and usage.

In contrast, Starlink’s pricing in other markets has typically been higher, reflecting the advanced technology and infrastructure required to deliver satellite-based internet. For instance, in the United States, Starlink charges approximately $110 per month for unlimited data, along with an upfront equipment cost of around $599. If similar pricing is adopted in Ghana, Starlink could be positioned as a premium service, particularly appealing to users in areas with limited access to reliable broadband. The affordability and value of Starlink’s offerings will likely be a crucial factor in its adoption across different demographics in the country.

The NCA, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing electronic communications in Ghana, played a key role in facilitating Starlink’s entry into the Ghanaian market. Established by Act 524 in December 1996 and later revised under the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), the NCA ensures that communication services in Ghana adhere to the highest standards of efficiency and competitiveness.

With this latest approval, the NCA continues to fulfill its mandate of fostering a connected and digitally inclusive Ghana. The regulatory body had previously deemed the sale and operation of Starlink services illegal in December 2023 due to the lack of necessary licensing and equipment type approval. However, with these issues now resolved, Starlink is cleared to begin offering its services.

The launch of Starlink’s services is expected to transform internet access in Ghana, particularly in regions that have long been overlooked by traditional broadband providers. By providing reliable, high-speed internet access via satellite, Starlink will empower communities, businesses, and individuals to participate more fully in the digital economy. This move aligns with the government’s broader agenda of digital transformation, aiming to position Ghana as a leader in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector within the West African sub region.

Accra, Ghana – Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has proposed the adoption of mobile money as a common payment system across Africa to address trade barriers and financial challenges on the continent.

Speaking at the Interoperability Symposium organized by the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) in Accra, Dr. Bawumia highlighted long-standing issues hindering inter-African trade. These include low trading rates among African nations, low export rates, cumbersome payment systems, and pressure on foreign exchange.

Proposal for Mobile Money Interoperability

Dr. Bawumia suggested the implementation of a mobile money interoperability payment system for Africa to foster seamless trade among African countries.

“Trade payments and relationships are currently hampered by inadequate settlement systems, resulting in high costs, limited access, slow processing speeds, and a lack of transparency.”

He emphasized that making mobile money interoperable across African borders would enable citizens to trade more efficiently, but underscored the necessity of strong political will to achieve this vision.

“Without political will, it is not likely to be achieved. It takes a lot of effort to bring stakeholders together on a common platform.”

Dr. Bawumia’s Vision on Social Media

On his Facebook page, Dr. Bawumia elaborated on how an African mobile money interoperability payment system could function as a de facto common currency for trade, without the need for stringent economic requirements.

Referencing Ghana’s successful mobile money interoperability system, Dr. Bawumia noted that it could serve as a model for the rest of Africa. He stressed that Ghana’s system, which integrates transactions across telecoms, bank accounts, and e-zwich platforms, exemplifies how such a system can be implemented continent-wide.

“For me, having continental mobile money interoperability will ultimately achieve, to a greater extent, the objectives of a common currency without necessarily having a common currency in Africa. We should aim at pursuing this on an incremental basis.”

Dr. Bawumia proposed that countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire could lead this initiative, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.

Conclusion

Dr. Bawumia’s proposal, if realized, could significantly enhance trade and economic integration within Africa, promoting financial inclusion and reducing dependency on foreign exchange systems. The success of Ghana’s interoperability system offers a practical template for this ambitious project.

Leading provider of high-quality electronic products, Kora, today announced the launch of an unprecedented 7-day promotional campaign to reward customers with an unbeatable offer. Starting today, customers who purchase one Kora Strom Headset will receive a Kora Stud Bluetooth Speaker for free.

Unveiling the Promotion

The “Buy 1 Strom, Get 1 Stud Free” promotion is a bold move by Kora to address buyers’ needs while engraving the brand in the heart of the market. This exclusive offer is designed to attract both new and loyal customers by providing them with significant value.

“We are thrilled to launch this game-changing promotion,” said Belo Cida Haruna, Head of Marketing at Kora. “By providing our customers with an unparalleled opportunity to acquire two of our top-quality products for the price of one, we are not only expressing our gratitude for their ongoing support but also showcasing our commitment to delivering exceptional value.”

How to Get the Offer

The promotion is available exclusively through Kora’s official website, https://iplaykora.com. Customers simply need to add a Kora Strom Headset to their cart, and a Kora Stud Bluetooth Speaker will be automatically added at no additional cost. This offer is valid for seven days only, making it imperative for interested buyers to act quickly to take advantage of this limited-time deal.

Product Highlights

Kora Strom Headset

The Kora Strom Headset is renowned for its superior sound quality, comfortable fit, and durable design. It features noise-cancellation technology, ensuring an immersive listening experience. The headset is perfect for music enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals who require crystal-clear audio.

Kora Stud Bluetooth Speaker

The Kora Stud Bluetooth Speaker offers impressive sound clarity and powerful bass in a compact design. It is portable, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The speaker also boasts a long battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and water-resistant features, making it a versatile addition to any audio setup.

Building Long-Lasting Relationships

By providing an irresistible offer to consumers, Kora is confident that this promotional campaign will foster long-lasting relationships with satisfied customers. This strategy not only boosts sales but also enhances customer loyalty by delivering exceptional value and quality.

Botswana has officially granted a license to SpaceX’s Starlink unit, marking the country as the latest in Africa to authorize the internet services provider. This decision comes in the wake of threats to restrict Starlink’s services in regions where it operates without proper licensing.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi, in a statement on his office’s official Facebook page, mentioned that regulators were urged to expedite the approval process for the license. The decision followed a recent meeting between President Masisi and Starlink executives in Dallas.

“I gave them two weeks to fast-track this, and they have already been given a license,” President Masisi confirmed.

Starlink has been facing pressure to halt operations in various countries where it lacks the necessary licenses. This scrutiny intensified after a Bloomberg News investigation in March exposed the widespread unauthorized use of the satellite network.

Last week, Zimbabwe also announced that it had granted an operating license to Starlink. The company, which currently serves over 2.6 million customers worldwide, provides broadband internet via a network of approximately 5,500 satellites, which SpaceX started deploying in 2019.

President Masisi indicated that Starlink services would soon be available in Botswana, offering crucial connectivity for farmers and residents in remote areas where traditional fixed broadband services are unavailable.

A spokesman for the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority declined to comment on the development.

Despite the absence of an official operating license, some internet users and service providers in Botswana have publicly disclosed their use of Starlink’s services through roaming kits.

Google has announced plans to build the first subsea cable linking Africa and Australia. Named the Umoja cable, it will connect Western Australia with South Africa, enhancing global and regional digital infrastructure.

Key Project Details

The Umoja cable will include a terrestrial route from South Africa to Kenya, passing through Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This section of the project is being developed in collaboration with Liquid Intelligent Technologies. However, specific capacity details and timelines have not been disclosed.

Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience

“This new intercontinental fiber optic route will significantly enhance our global and regional digital infrastructure,” said Dr. William S. Ruto, President of Kenya. He emphasized the importance of this initiative for ensuring the redundancy and resilience of the region’s connectivity, particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by subsea cable cuts.

Collaboration with Kenya

Google will sign a statement of collaboration with Kenya’s Ministry of Information Communications and the Digital Economy. This partnership aims to accelerate joint efforts in cybersecurity, data innovation, upskilling, and AI deployment.

Google’s Commitment to Africa

The name Umoja, derived from the Swahili word for unity, reflects Google’s Africa Connect initiative. This follows the launch of the Equiano cable, which connected Africa and Portugal in 2022. In 2021, Google committed to investing $1 billion in Africa, and to date, has invested $900 million. Additionally, Google launched its first African cloud region in Johannesburg in January 2023.

On Thursday, May 9th, in Accra, Ghana, the Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with MEST Africa officially kicked off their EdTech Fellowship program. The initiative has selected twelve promising startups aimed at transforming educational technology across Africa.

Launch Event Highlights

The event was graced by the presence of key figures including Ghana’s Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who not only discussed the strides being made in Ghana’s education sector but also formally launched the fellowship. Angela Duho, the Program Manager at MEST Africa, shared her excitement about the potential of the chosen companies to revolutionize the educational landscape.

Joseph Nsengimana, Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning, commented on the partnership’s goals, “Through our collaboration with MEST Africa, we aim to enhance access to high-quality, relevant education for underserved learners in Ghana and Africa by leveraging locally developed tech solutions.” In 2023, their programs successfully reached over 2.6 million learners across South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.

The 2023 EdTech Fellowship Cohorts

Overview of Selected Startups

• DeafcanTalk: Tailors assistive technologies for Deaf students to foster inclusive education by eliminating communication barriers.
• Coral Reef: Prepares students for the future workforce integrating AI, content creation, and EdTech services.
• eCampus: An online platform enhancing learning through tech-driven solutions aimed at global scalability.
• Inspiring Teachers: A nonprofit dedicated to boosting learning outcomes in Ghana through expert teacher training and program development.
• Firefly IO: Innovates in STEAM and Robotics education to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills among students.
• PerbiCubs: Addresses reading challenges among Ghanaian children with captivating digital tools.
• Q Know Edtech: Makes quality education accessible through personalized tutoring and robust learning resources.
• Alpha Virtual Academy: Provides comprehensive digital learning tools for K-9 schools in Ghana, enhancing educational quality and accessibility.
• Wonderspaced: Creates educational content for primary students and educators, focusing on critical thinking and interactive learning.
• Ayaprep: An educational app teaching mathematics in local Ghanaian languages to boost inclusivity.
• Loozeele Academy: Offers STEM-focused education for early childhood in the Upper East region, making high-quality education affordable.
• Dext Technology: Develops innovative, user-friendly tools for effective STEM education.

Panel Insights

A panel session, moderated by Bernard Avle, host of the CitiFM Morning Show, discussed various aspects of education in Ghana. Panelists examined the challenges faced by EdTech startups in scaling their operations and the existing policies that support the growing EdTech ecosystem.

The Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, facilitated by MEST Africa, is set to make significant strides in educational technology in Africa. By supporting these twelve startups, the program aims to foster innovation and create impactful educational solutions tailored to the needs of African learners.

MapAfrica Limited has introduced the Signboards App, an innovative platform designed to streamline personal advertising for professionals, freelancers, and gig workers. The app, conceived by Leonard Benkowsky, boasts a user-friendly interface that empowers users to create engaging text banners and seamlessly upload images, GIFs, and videos. It also facilitates sharing of contact details, offering a direct link between service providers and potential clients.

“We’re thrilled to launch Signboards App,” said Benkowsky. “Our vision is to offer professionals, freelancers, and gig workers a straightforward yet robust tool to market their services and effectively connect with clients.”

Key Features of the Signboards App:

• Simple Text Banner Creation: Craft straightforward yet impactful text banners.
• Media Upload: Effortlessly upload images, GIFs, and videos.
• Contact Integration: Easily integrate your contact details for client interaction.
• Keyword-Based Organization: Organize and discover content using relevant keywords.
• Multi-Platform Availability: Access on both Android and iOS devices.

The Signboards App is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Join today to transform how you connect with your audience.

For more information, visit signboards.app or contact the team via [email protected].

Accra, April 25, 2024 — The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially approved the application of Space X Starlink GH LTD, marking a significant step forward in satellite broadband services within Ghana. This approval allows Starlink to operate and provide its services across the nation, underlining Ghana’s commitment to expanding its digital infrastructure.

The decision by the NCA follows the recent policy approval of the Satellite Licensing Framework by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, which aims to foster a more connected and digitally inclusive Ghana. The license issuance process for Starlink is currently underway and is expected to be finalized soon.

Reversal of Previous Stance on Starlink Operations

This approval comes after the NCA’s previous statement in December 2023, which declared the sale and operation of Starlink equipment and services as illegal due to the lack of a necessary license and type approval of their equipment. At that time, the NCA had cautioned the public against patronizing Starlink services and directed those engaged in its sale or operation to cease immediately, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act.

Background on the NCA’s Role

Established by Parliament through Act 524 in December 1996 and later updated by the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769), the NCA serves as the statutory body responsible for licensing and regulating electronic communications in Ghana. Its approval for Starlink’s application is part of its mandate to ensure a competitive and efficient communications sector that supports the nation’s socio-economic development.

Impact on Ghana’s Digital Landscape

The introduction of Starlink’s services is anticipated to significantly boost internet availability and reliability across Ghana, particularly in remote and underserved areas where traditional broadband services are less viable. This move is expected to enhance various sectors including education, healthcare, and business, facilitating smoother communication and more robust connectivity.

As Starlink prepares to roll out its services following the completion of all administrative processes, the NCA’s decision is viewed as a pivotal development in Ghana’s journey towards enhanced national connectivity and digital inclusivity.

Accra, Ghana – The National Information Technology Agency (NITA) has announced a strategic partnership with Smart Infraco and Trend Micro to bolster the cybersecurity of Ghana’s government IT infrastructure. This collaboration aims to address the concerning exposure of 70% of government computers and IT systems to cyber threats.

Extensive Cyber Vulnerability Revealed

Richard Okyere-Fosu, the Director-General of NITA, revealed a worrying statistic at the partnership signing ceremony: only just over 30% of government IT networks and computers are currently equipped with antivirus protection. This leaves the vast majority of governmental digital assets vulnerable to cyberattacks, undermining efforts to digitalize the economy fully.

A Strategic Agreement to Safeguard Infrastructure

The agreement aligns with the Government of Ghana Enterprise Architecture (GGEA), a framework mandating the use of antivirus software across all government systems and devices. Under this new agreement, Smart Infraco will deploy Trend Micro’s Deep Security Solution at the national Data Centres to extend antivirus services to various government agencies, ensuring protection reaches as far as phones, laptops, and tablets used for remote government work.

Comprehensive Protection Measures

According to Okyere-Fosu, Trend Micro’s security solutions will deliver robust protection at both server and endpoint levels. The suite includes features like intrusion prevention, anti-malware, and integrity monitoring. Additionally, it covers Email Security and Extended Detection and Response (XDR), essential for preventing data loss and automating threat detection and response across government platforms.

Roles and Responsibilities

Smart Infraco, taking over NITA’s infrastructure, will act as the execution agency, ensuring comprehensive cybersecurity across all public sector networks and end-terminal devices. Alfred Nkrow, Head of Sales and Commercial at Smart Infraco, emphasized that this partnership would enhance the security measures protecting public institutions from various cyber threats.

Mazen Al-Adhami, Middle East and Africa Manager at Trend Micro, highlighted their commitment to not only provide cybersecurity solutions but also to train and support the staff of state institutions in effectively managing these systems.

This partnership is expected to significantly enhance the security posture of government IT systems across Ghana, ensuring a safer digital environment for public sector operations. Richard Okyere-Fosu remains optimistic that this initiative will greatly reduce application risks and bolster overall cybersecurity resilience within government systems.

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has recently specified that only four distinct categories of Ghanaian residents who earn income abroad fall under their scope for taxation. This specification aims to address the rising concerns and misunderstandings following GRA’s announcement about targeting incomes from foreign sources.

In January, the GRA conducted a tax assessment involving approximately 70,000 Ghanaians residing in the country but earning from 40 different countries. This assessment revealed about GHS 2.8 billion held in their bank accounts, with an anticipated GHS 1.6 billion in tax revenues.

The clarification by the GRA comes amid widespread discussions, with some individuals expressing concerns over the perceived shift in government policy from production to taxation.

Understanding Resident Status for Tax Purposes

According to the Income Tax Act 2015 (Act 896), the criteria to qualify as a resident individual for tax purposes include:

1. Citizens with a permanent home in Ghana who reside in the country throughout the year.
2. Citizens who are present in Ghana for at least 183 days in any 12-month period.
3. Government employees or officials who are stationed abroad.
4. Citizens who are temporarily absent from Ghana for no more than 365 continuous days but maintain a permanent home in the country.

GRA’s Measures for Tax Compliance

The GRA emphasizes that this tax requirement is not new and aligns with global practices where resident individuals must declare incomes earned abroad. If these incomes have already been taxed in another country, no additional taxes are applied locally.

To aid residents in declaring and paying taxes on undisclosed foreign incomes, the GRA has initiated a special window. This facility encourages all eligible individuals to update their tax records and ensure compliance.

For More Information

Residents seeking further information or assistance can visit the GRA website at www.gra.gov.gh, call the toll-free number at 0800-900-110, or use the dedicated WhatsApp lines at 0552-990-000/0200-631-664. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or by visiting any nearby Taxpayer Service Centre (TSC).