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How rural Ghana is quietly embracing digital lifestyle
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Not too long ago, almost every home in rural Ghana had one familiar piece of furniture that brought the entire family together to watch the bulky ‘box television.’
It was more than an electronic appliance. It was where families watched Black Stars matches, boxing fights, Independence Day parades, election results, Sunday movies and evening news together.
It created memories that many still cherish today.
However, a quiet transformation is taking place.
Across villages and small towns, the once-popular box televisions are gradually disappearing, replaced by slim flat-screen televisions that are changing the way families access information, education and entertainment.
For many households, owning a flat-screen television is no longer considered a luxury but a sign of changing times and improving living standards.
Several residents say modern televisions offer clearer pictures, consume less electricity and occupy less space, making them attractive to families looking to upgrade their homes.
Parents also appreciate the educational opportunities they provide, with children now able to watch documentaries, science programmes, educational channels and news from around the world.
“Television has become another classroom,” remarked one teacher, explaining that many pupils now discuss programmes they watched at home during classroom lessons.
The shift is also changing the fortunes of local electronics repair technicians.
For years, repairing box televisions provided steady income for artisans in many communities. Today, however, repair shops receive fewer of the old television sets as more households choose to replace them with newer models instead of repairing ageing equipment.
While some technicians have adapted by learning to repair flat-screen televisions, others say the transition has required them to acquire new skills and equipment to remain in business.
The increasing replacement of older televisions has also created another challenge.
In many communities, obsolete box televisions are now stored in bedrooms, left on verandas or abandoned on family compounds because owners are unsure how to dispose of them safely.
Although these old sets may no longer serve their original purpose, many families are reluctant to part with them because they carry sentimental value and memories of years spent together.
Beyond entertainment, the growing popularity of modern television reflects broader changes taking place across rural Ghana.
Improved access to electricity, expanding digital television services and the increasing availability of affordable consumer electronics are helping bridge the information gap between rural and urban communities.
Families now have easier access to educational programmes, agricultural information, health campaigns, business news and current affairs from across the country and beyond.
Community leaders believe these developments are gradually transforming the way rural people learn, communicate and interact with the wider world.
As more households embrace modern technology, there is also growing recognition of the need to find practical ways of managing obsolete electronic devices to keep communities clean while protecting the environment.
For many older residents, however, the familiar box television will always hold a special place in their hearts.
It reminds them of simpler times when the entire family gathered around one screen, sharing laughter, excitement and unforgettable national moments.
The television may have changed, but one tradition remains unchanged—the joy of families coming together at the end of the day.
That, perhaps is the real story behind Ghana’s quiet digital revolution.
By Geoffrey Buta
A Prophet and General Overseer of Jesus Prayer Ministry at Ejisu Asuasi, Kumasi, and Pig Farm, Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Grace Frimpong-Boateng, has urged Ghanaians to pray fervently to avert any disaster that would endanger many.
“God hears prayers, and intercessory prayers will provide your family safety and protection so you can live long and enjoy life in this world,” she added.
Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Frimpong-Boateng was speaking with The Spectator in an interview last week.
According to her, she had a revelation that there would be a tragedy that will harm many people, however, effective prayers can avert it.
She said that the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) predicted another heavy downpour from Thursday to Sunday following the recent torrential rain that devastated Accra and other areas. However, strong intercessory prayers prevented the prediction, which would have been catastrophic.
She claims that whenever she shares something that God has revealed to her, she does not receive widespread support from people to join her in effective intercession.
As a result, she has urged everyone including members of parliament, cabinet ministers, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and other citizens to exercise caution and pray fervently in order to avoid premature death.
According to Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Frimpong-Boateng the recent downpour in Accra which claimed lives and destroyed property was unusual.
“The sea was irritated because of certain rituals performed and caused it to spew forth, exposing the dirt.” There are still some rites in the sea, and they will definitely surface,” she disclosed.
“Let’s pray that God would burn and destroy the things that have contaminated the sea,” she indicated.
By Spectator
The Adentan Circuit Court has convicted a mason for stealing a four-year-old boy from Kpedze in the Volta Region and bringing him to Accra.
David Kpandoyo, 25, a Togolese national, pleaded guilty to a charge of child stealing.
The court, presided over by Mrs Angela Attachie, convicted him on his own plea and adjourned sentencing to July 14, 2026.
Kpandoyo told the court that he had gone to a drinking spot to consume alcohol when the child approached him.
He said he gave the boy some money, took him home, and could not remember what happened afterwards because he was intoxicated.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Patience Mario, assisted by Chief Inspector Jacob Nyarko, led the prosecution.
The prosecution said the complainant, Mr Bismark Gbago, is a 52-year-old painter residing at New Legon in Accra.
The victim’s mother, Ms Patience Ablordefey Afefa, is a 25-year-old hairdresser living at Kpedze in the Volta Region with the victim, a Kindergarten One pupil.
The prosecution said Kpandoyo also resided at New Legon, where he worked as a mason.
It said the victim went missing at Kpedze on July 1, 2026, at about 18:00 hours.
On July 3, at about 6:30pm, the complainant reported to the New Legon Police that he had found the four-year-old boy wandering around the area and that the child was unable to identify his home.
The prosecution said that on July 4, at about 4 p.m., the complainant informed the Police that after announcements were made within the community, Kpandoyo came forward claiming that the boy was his son.
The complainant and Kpandoyo subsequently went to the police Station to identify the child.
However, Kpandoyo was unable to produce the child’s birth certificate or lead the Police to the child’s mother.
Later that day, the police received a flyer bearing the name and telephone numbers of the victim’s mother, together with the child’s photograph, indicating that he had gone missing from Kpedze.
The police contacted the victim’s mother and asked her to report to the New Legon Police Station with the child’s birth certificate and weighing card because another person was claiming to be the child’s parent.
On July 6, the victim’s mother and her relatives reported to the Police Station and stated that they did not know Kpandoyo.
During investigations, Kpandoyo admitted in his cautioned statement that the victim was not his child.
He further confessed that while working at Kpedze, he stole the boy and brought him to Accra. –GNA
