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Codetrain Africa trainees tasked to solve global challenges
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Musician, Kojo Cue, has advised young software developers to use their skills to solve problems in the creative industry and beyond.
He said knowledge and skills acquired in any field, including the tech industry, were “only valuable” when used to solve societal problems or make life easier for individuals and organisations.
He made the remarks while interacting with trainees of Codetrain Africa, a software engineering and design school based in Accra, at the institution’s “Demo Day” innovation challenge held on Saturday.
The “Demo Day” was an opportunity for trainees enrolled in the institute’s Software Engineering and User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design programmes, to showcase their technical abilities and creativity to a diverse audience, including potential employers and company representatives.
Some 14 trainees of Codetrain Africa teamed up to tackle problems presented by companies from various countries, including Germany, Ireland, Senegal, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ghana.
They showcased mobile and web applications such a ‘Leave Management System’ for employers and employees, and the ‘Prescribe’ mobile application which allows people to book appointments with doctors.
Mr Richard Brandt, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Codetrain Africa, speaking at the event, said the institution was dedicated to equipping Africa’s youth with world-class skills in technology.
“Codetrain Africa takes committed tertiary graduates from any field of study and transforms them into sought-after innovators through its holistic education-to-employment programme.
“This comprehensive training prepares students to transition seamlessly into the tech industry, fostering a new generation of tech talent ready to thrive in the global market,” he said.
Mr Brandt added that Codetrain Africa strives to close the skills gap by offering students technical expertise as there were opportunities for remote jobs from international tech companies.
He said the institution has successfully trained over 700 individuals since its inception with over 89 per cent of students obtaining jobs within six to nine months after graduation.
“This success reflects Codetrain Africa’s ability to prepare its students for roles in top-tier firms both in Africa and abroad. We aim to create lasting change within our community and beyond, by providing access to quality education and contributing to economic growth,” he added.
The CEO noted that the institution remained committed to “creating lasting change both locally and globally,” and that graduates who have gone on to work with companies serve as “a testament to the school’s mission.”
Some trainees shared their experiences and encouraged young people to avail themselves of opportunities in the tech industry.
Ms. Grace Djobokou, a student, said girls could dominate in the technology industry; therefore, they should not shy away from participating in technology training programmes.
Also, Mr Benjamin Shadrach Tetteh, a developer who worked on the ‘Prescribe’ mobile application for a company in Berlin, Germany, acknowledged the challenges in coming up with his project but expressed satisfaction with the final output.
The 29th Annual Dagaaba-Frafra Friendly Games have once again demonstrated that sports can be a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, business networking, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
Held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra last Saturday, the games brought together members of the two ethnic groups from across Ghana and abroad for a colourful celebration under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: The Dagaaba-Frafra Model for Peaceful Co-existence.”
The event, which has evolved from a friendly football match into a major annual gathering, featured football, volleyball, sack races, lime and spoon, tug-of-peace and a penalty shootout for senior citizens.
At the end of the competitions, the Frafra won four events, while the Dagaaba secured victories in five, with the men’s soccer match ending in a draw.
The Frafra triumphed in the men’s lime and spoon, men’s sack race, women’s sack race and women’s soccer, while the Dagaaba won the women’s lime and spoon, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, women’s tug-of-peace and the senior citizens’ penalty shootout.
However, the games extended far beyond the sporting arena. The stadium grounds and surrounding spaces became a vibrant marketplace, with patrons enjoying and purchasing a variety of traditional foods, drinks and cultural products.
Local delicacies, including TZ, tubaani, bambara beans, pork, guinea fowl, local fowls, dog meat and kosie, were sold alongside traditional alcoholic beverages. Traditional dresses and other culturally inspired items also attracted buyers, turning the gathering into an important platform for small businesses and vendors to make sales while promoting northern Ghanaian culture.
The cultural exchange continued long after the final sporting contests, as patrons remained at the venue to eat, drink, socialise, dance and party well into the night.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr Matilda Aberese-Ako, said the gathering represented much more than competition, describing the Dagaaba-Frafra relationship as a historic bond that had evolved into a modern sporting tradition and an instrument for peace.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the games for the past 10 years.
By Gordon Wellu
By Gordon Wellu
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MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and support the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.
The activity forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.
It was held in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Rainforest Alliance with MTN Ghana supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.
“Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” she said.
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
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