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AkooBooks Audio wins Woman In Tech Startup of The Year Award

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710 Ama Dadson and Elliot Agyare CEO Smartline Publishers and President of the Ghana Book Publishers Association ftw
Akoobooks Audio has won the Woman in Tech Startup of the Year award 2021, given by Women in Tech Africa – the continent’s premier organization with a focus on entrepreneurship expansion and multiplying the numbers of females in technology, especially in Africa.
The results were announced during a ceremony held Saturday 31 July in a hybrid format due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The firm’s CEO Ethel Cofie, was joined in the Ghanaian capital Accra at the Institute for Democratic Governance Conference Room, by about 20 participants, while others followed the proceedings online.
The maiden edition’s award theme, ‘Celebrating African Women in Tech,’ sought to serve as a source of motivation and encouragement for African women excelling in technology fields at all career levels.
“I am so honoured and grateful. Thanks so much to the amazing panel of WITA judges and Ethel Cofie for choosing me, and kudos to all the phenomenal fellow nominees, “said AkooBooks CEO Ama Dadson, on receiving her trophy. “The rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship means that having validation like this gives an entrepreneur something to hold onto when times are rough.”
Other prizes – Outstanding Woman in Tech South Africa, and CIO/CTO of the Year, went to two women from the MTN Group: Yolanda Cuba, Group Regional Vice President Southern & Eastern Africa, MTN Group, and Titilope Fakuade, CIO MTN Liberia. Temie Giwa Tubosun, Founder, LifeBank Nigeria was awarded Tech Entrepreneur of the Year while ShEquity was awarded the Most Impactful Women Initiative.

The guest speaker, Rwandan Minister of State for ICT and TVET Claudette Irere, gave an inspirational keynote address.

Ama Dadson said: “During Covid, lockdown, business slowed down, but on the other hand it created a captive, static audience hungry for more digital entertainment and education. We intend to grow the demand for audio consumption of African books.”
90% of African literature cannot be found in digital form, so Akoobooks aims to provide African publishers and writers with the platform to transform their books and reach as many people as possible.
Women in Tech Africa’s membership spans 30 countries globally, with 12 physical chapters in Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Germany, Ireland, Britain, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, and Cape Verde. Its vision is threefold: to create today’s female leaders and role models for tomorrow’s women; to show the world what a strong African woman can achieve and to support African growth through technology.
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AkooBooks Audio is Ghana’s first publisher and digital distributor of African audio books and offers a wide range of audio services. Founded by Ama Dadson in 2017, as a solution to providing her mother, a children’s book author who lost her sight, access to African audiobooks. It offers African authors and publishers, a digital publishing service and a platform to distribute books on mobile devices and reach new audiences across the continent and globally. Their library of African audio includes, audiobooks, historic and contemporary speeches, spoken word poetry, academic lectures, motivational programs and is available anytime, and accessible anywhere at flexible subscription plans and low retail cost in English and various Ghanaian and African languages.

“Akoo” means “parrot” in the Akan language spoken in Ghana, so AkooBooks are “talking books. They are available online and on mobile devices. Check out their catalogue at https://app.akoobooks.net. The AkooBooks app is also available on the Google and Apple playstores.

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People & Lifestyle

Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity

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The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.

This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.

Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

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This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.

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#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy

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stonebwoy king promise and kelvynbwoy

The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.

Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.

The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.

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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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