Profile
Meet Korkor & Jerry: The developers working to solve teacher absenteeism
Software and application development is one of the fast growing areas in the technology industry and more young people continue to bring out the creativity in them in this regard.
Last weekend, about 30 trainees who had acquired skills in software development converged in Accra to showcase mobile and web applications they had designed to tackle specific issues across different sectors.
Some of the applications demonstrated included: ‘Alodie’ an application that allows people to send money into mobile money accounts without using USSD codes; ‘FundFair’ which connects low income earners to donors to allow them pay off medical debt; ‘Sparky’— a platform that connects start-ups to investors; ‘Go Legal’ — designed to connect clients to lawyers, and many other applications which are not yet available to the public.
Another which could be of immense benefit to stakeholders in the education sector, is a mobile application intended to solve teacher absenteeism. The developers, Korkor Mensah and Jerry Gasu, spoke about their inspiration for the project and the prospect of the innovation they were looking forward to implementing fully.
Application
The partners in an interview with The Spectator said they took up the initiative because “the absence of teachers tends to negatively impact teaching and learning in schools.”
“Teacher absenteeism affects the confidence of parents and leads to low turnout of students so we decided to build an application that does a real time tracking of the teacher’s presence or absence,” the duo noted.
The application, according to the developers, “allows a teaching staff to scan a Quick Response (QR) code with his or her mobile phone and logs in with identification (ID) which has already been generated for him or her.
“After the teacher successfully logs in, he is automatically seen on a dashboard that is monitored by the administration of the school. The application then records the number of teachers who reported on time, those who reported late as well as those who did not show up at all,” they explained.
Collaboration
Ms Mensah is a Quality Assurance Test Analyst at Ecobank. In her role, she ensures that mobile and web applications and systems “are tested to ensure they are fit for purpose or do not have any defects.”
She had enrolled her two children at Codetrain, a Ghanaian tech company that trains individuals to become software developers, but was compelled to eventually take up the course and acquire the skills herself.
Jerry, on the other hand, started teaching himself how to code at home but realised there was more to learn beyond the self-taught approach he had adopted and, therefore, signed up to the structured courses that were being offered by the institution.
It was during the one-year intensive training at Codetrain that they both decided to work together on the teacher absenteeism application which they hope to fine-tune and make available to schools across the country.
“This is a demo and we have not rolled it out on full scale. We are open to other ideas and collaboration because this [application] solves a social problem. Our hope is to be able to roll out to schools in Ghana and possibly across Africa.
“If teachers are absenting themselves from classes then we will never get the quality education we want to give our children so this application is going to solve a challenge in the education system and we hope to partner other organisations to make this a reality,” Ms Mensah said.
Beyond Codetrain, Jerry intends to start his own business and continue to solve “real world problems” with his expertise.
Insight
The partners admitted that there were other applications that dealt with absenteeism but this did not stop them from coming up with their own innovation or solution.
“We know other well-established organisations have applications they use internally to track attendance of staff but in our research we do not think teachers are scanning QR codes to log in their attendance; they still make use of a notebook or a register.
“There are other applications solving the same problem but there is never a single solution to a problem. We decided to focus on the educational sector because we know ours will be unique,” Ms Mensah stated.
She was one of the few females among the graduating cohort. She said her aim of becoming a Quality Assurance Engineer in future would require programming skills hence the decision to join the course at Codetrain which she described as insightful.
“I work closely with application developers; the developers make the application, then my role is to test it. So I believe the skills I have now would help me to become a good Test Analyst.
“A year ago, I did not know how to code, I could not write a single line of code. My 10-year-old son brought a coding assignment home and I could not help him. I was really embarrassed and felt I had let my son down so weeks later I enrolled at Codetrain and a year down the line, the journey has been rewarding,” Ms Mensah recounted.
The developers encouraged individuals to sharpen their technology skills and explore the opportunities as well as solutions they could provide within the sector.
Ms Mensah advised young women to aspire to fill the existing gap in the technology industry while Jerry also urged aspiring software developers to be patient and remain focused because their efforts would eventually yield results.
In a music landscape often defined by trends and tempo, George Nii Odai Oliver widely known as DJ Rev stands out as a man on a mission.
More than just a DJ, he is a minister, mentor, and youth advocate who has found a unique calling at the intersection of sound and spirituality.
Beyond the decks, DJ Rev is a devoted husband and a committed servant of God.
His life is anchored in purpose, with a deep passion for youth development. As the Technical Director at Christ for Youth International (CYI), a global youth ministry, he plays a significant role in shaping young lives, not only through words but also through music.
His journey in ministry began early, including his role as a founding member of the Ambassadors Christian Rap Group, where he first explored the power of music as a tool for transformation.
The name ‘DJ Rev’ derived from ‘Reverend,’ reflects both his spiritual identity and his mission to ignite atmospheres much like revving an engine with high-energy gospel music.
For him, every performance goes beyond entertainment; it becomes a moment of worship, revival, and connection with God.
His journey into DJing started from a fascination with music and technology during his younger years in Ghana.
Drawn to the ability of DJs to influence mood and unite people, he identified a gap in the Christian music space, which was someone who could seamlessly blend urban sounds with gospel messages. Starting from small church events and youth programmes, DJ Rev gradually honed his craft into what he now describes as a full-fledged calling.
Like many success stories, his path was not without challenges; he had limited access to equipment, skepticism about gospel DJing, and the difficulty of balancing ministry with performance all tested his resolve.
Yet, through persistence, faith, and support from mentors and the Christian community, he rose above these obstacles. Borrowing equipment, learning on the job, and staying grounded in prayer became part of his journey.
A defining moment in his career came when he realised that DJing was more than a passion; it was ministry.
Witnessing lives being transformed during his sets, seeing people move from dancing into deep worship, and watching young talents he mentored flourish affirmed his purpose.
DJ Rev’s style is best described as high-energy, spirit-led, and versatile. He effortlessly blends hip-hop, Afrobeats, dancehall, reggae, and urban gospel into seamless mixes that resonate with diverse audiences.
His signature approach is what he enthusiastically calls ‘Energyyyy! saying it is not just about hype, but about creating moments that touch both body and soul.
What sets him apart in Ghana’s DJ industry is his unwavering commitment to ministry-first performances. While many DJs focus solely on entertainment, DJ Rev uses his platform to create spaces where faith and music coexist powerfully. His technical expertise, drawn from his role in ministry, combined with his passion for mentorship, gives him a distinctive edge.
Over the years, he has witnessed significant growth in Ghana’s DJ industry, with increased recognition, technological advancement, and global influences such as Amapiano shaping the soundscape.
Notably, he has contributed to pushing gospel music into mainstream spaces, particularly through his popular Amapiano Gospel mixes.
Among his most memorable performances are events like Oasis Gathering, Sound Fest, and Saved to Serve platforms where music transcended performance into powerful spiritual encounters.
“These are moments that define success, lives touched, hearts uplifted, and faith renewed,” DJ Rev stated
Away from the spotlight, he embraces a quieter, more reflective life. He enjoys spending time with family, mentoring young people, engaging in ministry work, and pursuing simple hobbies like gardening and DIY projects.
For him, a perfect day off includes moments of prayer, meaningful conversations, and peaceful retreats, often in serene locations like Cape Coast or the Volta Region.
Despite his achievements, DJ Rev remains grounded. He acknowledges the challenges he has faced, ranging from limited resources to balancing ministry and career, but credits his resilience to faith, community support, and a clear sense of purpose.
These experiences have taught him invaluable lessons about perseverance, humility, and authenticity.
Looking ahead, DJ Rev aims to expand his ministry through music both locally and internationally, release more projects, mentor emerging talents, and further establish gospel DJ culture in Ghana. His ultimate desire is to be remembered as a pioneer who brought revival through music, blending excellence with unashamed faith.
To young aspiring DJs, his message is clear: master your craft, stay consistent, build character, and never lose sight of your purpose.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Amb. Prince Kojo-Hilton’s international mission signals new era for creative industry development
Between October 2025 and April 2026, a significant creative industry mission unfolded across Brazil, led by Ghanaian visual artist, production designer, and Pan-African Art Ambassador, Prince Kojo-Hilton.
What began as an invitation to contribute to creative education quickly evolved into a far-reaching engagement spanning academic institutions, government bodies, global platforms, and community initiatives.
More than a professional visit, the mission positioned itself as a structured intervention aimed at addressing one of the most pressing gaps within the global creative sector, the disconnect between education and industry practice.
At the centre of this engagement was a clear focus on capacity building. Working with the Zion School of Entertainment in Rio de Janeiro, Kojo-Hilton delivered a masterclass in Art Direction and Scenic Design during Zion Creative Week.
The immediate impact of the session prompted an expansion of the masterclass programme into a broader, multi-campus engagement, extending its reach to a wide network of students and emerging professionals.
His approach departed from traditional classroom instruction. Instead of theory-driven lectures, participants were introduced to practical, industry-based processes, including visual storytelling systems, production design methodologies, and the professional discipline required to operate within global creative industries.
The result was a shift in how students engaged with their craft, moving from passive learning to active, experience-driven development.
Beyond academic institutions, the mission extended into diplomatic and governmental spaces. At the Ghana Embassy in Brazil in Brasília, Kojo-Hilton engaged in strategic discussions with Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Nii Amasah Namoale.
The discussions centered on long-term collaboration between Ghana and Brazil within the creative arts sector, with a focus on education, exchange programmess, and institutional partnerships.
This engagement progressed further at the National Congress of Brazil, where he was introduced to policymakers and cultural leaders, including Brazil’s Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes.
His presence and work were formally acknowledged, reflecting growing recognition of the role creative professionals can play in national development and cultural diplomacy.
On the global stage, Kojo-Hilton represented Ghana at the World Forum of Favelas 2025, where his contributions to creative community development were recognised with an international award.
The forum provided a platform to present models that integrate art, education, and social impact, reinforcing the value of structured creative initiatives in community transformation.
A key outcome of the mission was the international expansion of the Film Craft Expo, an initiative founded by Kojo-Hilton to explore the art, science, and business of film-making and theatre.
Interest from multiple countries has positioned the platform as a potential global model for creative industry engagement, bridging the gap between emerging talent and professional practice.
Academic collaborations also formed a critical component of the mission.
At the University of Brasília, discussions explored interdisciplinary opportunities connecting art, science, and environmental innovation. Additional engagements with institutions such as Casa das Artes de Laranjeiras focused on curriculum development, artist residencies, and production-based training systems designed to better prepare students for industry demands.
While institutional engagement remained central, the mission maintained a strong connection to community impact. Workshops conducted in local communities, including Maricá, emphasised the role of art as a tool for empowerment, identity formation, and social transformation.
A significant part of his engagement in Maricá included a cultural and social contribution through the donation of a painting to the House of Immigrants.
The artwork serves as a permanent symbolic gesture of identity, resilience, and shared human experience, reflecting his commitment to using art as a tool for cultural connection and community memory within the city.
Participation in cultural events such as Rio Carnival further highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage while positioning it within a global context.
One of the most forward-looking outcomes of the mission is the development of the Global Visual Arts for Screen and Stage initiative.
The platform is designed to integrate visual arts, film, theatre, fashion, and technology into a unified system that supports training, collaboration, and industry growth.
By addressing fragmentation within the creative sector, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for employment, innovation, and institutional development.
Across all engagements, a consistent message emerged, the global creative industry is evolving, and there is an increasing demand for structured, experience-driven education.
Institutions are no longer seeking inspiration alone; they are seeking systems that can translate creativity into measurable economic and social impact.
Following six months of sustained engagement across Brazil, the results are evident. New partnerships are being explored, institutions are opening pathways for collaboration, and there is growing recognition of the role creative industries can play in national and international development.
The mission has not only strengthened cultural and creative ties between Ghana and Brazil, but has also positioned Kojo-Hilton within a broader global conversation on the future of creative industry development.
As he continues to expand his work across continents, he remains open to collaboration with universities, film schools, theatre institutions, visual arts institutions, cultural organizations, and governments seeking to invest in structured creative growth.
He also facilitated a focused workshop on Talent Discovery and Nurturing with immigrants, centered on identifying hidden creative potential and providing practical guidance for personal and professional development.
The session emphasised empowerment through creativity, encouraging participants to recognise their abilities and explore new pathways within the creative industries.
Together, these contributions reinforced his broader mission of using art not only as a professional practice but as a meaningful instrument for inclusion, transformation, and social impact.
In reflection, he expresses profound gratitude to God for the opportunity to undertake this journey and for the grace that made every step possible. From Ghana to Brazil and back, he acknowledges the divine protection, guidance, and favour that ensured safe travels and the mission’s successful execution.
The experience stands not only as a professional milestone but also as a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and purpose.
His guiding philosophy remains clear and unwavering, saying “The only thing that I am a slave to is my passion.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
