2 years since GhanaSat-1: Ghana’s first satellite inspires people to embrace technology

Since then, there have been clear signs that Ghanaians have been inspired to achieve more and explore what technology has to offer. This ranges from nation-changing applications like investments into technological education and the tech start-up ecosystem to more everyday uses of technology in entertainment. Now, Ghana is at the forefront of the tech revolution in Africa.

From Koforidua into orbit

One of the reasons behind Ghana’s rise to tech prominence is its relatively stable electricity supply and the decent internet infrastructure in place – access to which cannot be understated in the modern world. The internet has helped a great deal, giving access to previously out-of-reach and integral information as well as many new forms of entertainment. Using technology in such far-reaching projects like GhanaSat-1 has further inspired the people of Ghana to explore all other reaches of tech, gradually building it into everyday life and even in the entertainment sector, not only through film and TV products, but also in surprising sectors like iGaming.

Examples of this can be seen through people all over Ghana seeking gaming on online platforms, particularly titles with a space theme, such as Starburst and Moon Princess. One of the most popular forms of the new online tech entertainment is playing video slots, the invention of which, strangely enough, predates the first space station, Salyut 1, which launched in 1971. However, much like Ghana, video slots have adapted to the ever-evolving tech space, making games that are bigger, better, more accessible, and come in new popular themes.

To make full use of the new-age, tech-savvy entertainment options of the modern-day, high-speed internet and wide-reaching internet access has been key for Ghana. This access

has allowed exploration of potential tech innovations and is rooted as an entertainment platform. Since the first satellite launched, more and more people in Ghana have been exploring ways in which they can follow suit and make a name for themselves by utilizing technology. Not only this, but major tech companies have now turned their eyes to Ghana as Africa’s technological hub.

Google builds an artificial intelligence lab in Accra

2 years since GhanaSat-1: Ghana’s first satellite inspires people to embrace technology. [Source: Pixabay] Pulse Nigeria

In a move that may seem perplexing to those not in the know, Google has decided to build an artificial intelligence lab in the capital city of Ghana. Accra is said to have been selected due to the strong network of academic institutions as well as very strong internet speeds.

However, what wasn’t stated outright at the time of the announcement was that Google had been investing in Ghana for some time. Google has been investing heavily in the education system, providing software and infrastructure to develop a community of tech-savvy students

Furthermore, investment into the start-up ecosystem, in digital skills training, and other huge infrastructure projects have enabled Ghana to cultivate a grand class of tech-minded individuals.

As such, the massive technology company is now confident enough in its investment and the highly-regarded academic institutions that it can launch its own bannered projects in Ghana. The new AI lab is sure to be the first of many new tech institutions that arise in and around the capital in the coming years.

Inspiring innovation

Ghana is embracing its ever-growing capacity for technological development and innovation, marking itself as a leader on the continent with the annual Ghana Tech Summit. The summit, the next of which is being labeled as 'Africa’s ultimate tech summit for innovators', aims to continue to revitalize the nation’s entrepreneurial economy, inspiring investment in technological advances within Ghana.

The summit itself enjoyed its successful inaugural event in 2018, a year after GhanaSat-1 was launched into space. The Ghana Tech Summit and the emerging tech community bolstered by Google are both fine examples of how the technological breakthrough made by students at the All Nations University in Kof Town has helped to propel Ghana to the forefront of the tech scene in Africa.

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