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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
The 1993 Class of Accra High School Old Students Association (AHISCOSA) on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on the Managing Director (MD) of New Times Corporation (NTC), Dr Isaac Okpoti Nai to congratulate him on his appointment as MD and assure him of the association’s support.
The delegation of the year group also known as Onukpai 1993, was led by the President of the association, Mr Robert Amissah Eshun, lecturer at the Accra Technical University (ATU). Others were Mrs Elizabeth Sonia Tetteh, Senior Assistant Registrar at ATU and Rev. Canon Dr Lt. Col. Francis Obodai Lokko, Southern Command Chaplain of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The President congratulated Dr Nai, who is also a member of the 1993-year group describing his appointment as a source of pride for the year group and the entire school.
“Your appointment as Managing Director is not only your personal achievement, it is a win for Accra High School and for the Class of 1993,” the President said.
According to Mr Eshun the group is proud to see one of its own rise from the classrooms, dormitories and assembly grounds of AHISCO to lead one of Ghana’s major media organisations.
“We remember you not just as our classmate, but as one of us who carried the Accra High School values with you: discipline, excellence and service,” he noted and added that “Dr Okpoti Nai demonstrated discipline, tenacity and excellence during his school days, qualities which, had prepared him for the leadership responsibility he now occupies.”
The delegation assured Dr Nai of their support through prayer, goodwill and other forms of assistance as he carried the name, values and reputation of AHISCO into his new role.
They further urged the MD to lead with wisdom, integrity and strength, while expressing the hope that his tenure would bring growth and development to NTC and create opportunities for others to rise.
The Class of 1993 also presented a gift to Dr Okpoti Nai as a symbol of their appreciation and continued support.
In response, Dr Nai thanked the delegation for the visit and said he was grateful for the gesture and the confidence they had reposed in him.
He encouraged them to subscribe to the Corporation’s e-newspapers, www.timesnewsplus.com, to support its growth.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo, who is also an old student of AHISCO, of the Onukpai 1989-year group expressed appreciation to the delegation for their visit and encouraged them to support the Corporation by buying and reading its newspapers, The Spectator (TS) and The Ghanaian Times (GT).
Rev. Canon Dr Lt. Col. Lokko, prayed for God to grant the MD wisdom, strength, good health and integrity as he leads the corporation.
“May your tenure bring growth to the corporation and may it also open doors for others to excel,” he prayed.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Commercial vehicle operators who charge above approved fares will be prosecuted, the Police have warned.
The Police said drivers who deliberately charged passengers fares above the approved rates gazetted by the Ministry of Transport and other relevant stakeholders risked legal action, particularly where there was evidence of repeated violations.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alexander Kweku Obeng, Director of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), said commercial drivers were required to adhere to the approved fares and should not exploit commuters for personal gain.
He said the prosecution formed part of measures to strengthen compliance with road traffic regulations and protect passengers from unfair practices in the commercial transport sector.
The warning comes amid recurring complaints from commuters about arbitrary fare increases, particularly during periods of fuel price adjustments, vehicle shortages, heavy traffic and increased demand for public transport.
In some instances, passengers have complained of being charged fares different from the officially approved rates or being asked to pay additional amounts after boarding vehicles.
ACP Obeng cautioned commercial drivers against such practices, saying approved fares were not optional and must be respected by operators.
He urged drivers to see compliance not merely as a legal obligation but as part of their responsibility to the travelling public.
“Don’t cheat commuters and passengers. Accept the right, agreed fare as gazetted,” he said.
He said enforcement of road traffic regulations would not only focus on conventional road offences but would also address conduct that affected the rights and safety of commuters.
The MTTD Director urged drivers to desist from exploiting passengers and operate strictly within the fares agreed upon by the relevant authorities.
“Don’t come on the road and do short-short, and then start putting unfair fares on potential passengers,” he cautioned.
ACP Obeng said drivers who repeatedly violated the approved fare regime could be taken to court.
He also urged passengers to familiarise themselves with the approved fares and report suspected cases of overcharging to the appropriate authorities.
He said public cooperation was essential to effective enforcement because passengers were often the first to identify cases where drivers charged fares outside the approved rates.
ACP Obeng said the broader objective was to promote fairness and discipline within the commercial transport sector while protecting commuters from practices that placed an unnecessary financial burden on them.
He said the Police would continue to collaborate with relevant institutions to enforce road traffic regulations and ensure that commercial transport operators operated within the law. –GNA
