News
MTN customers to browse for free with opera mini and opera news
MTN Ghana and Opera, one of the world’s leading browser developers have partnered to give Opera Mini and Opera News users on the MTN network up to 50 MB of free browsing every day.
The telecom service provider in a statement issued on Tuesday, said, “Through this innovative partnership, MTN Ghana and Opera are joining forces to keep millions of Ghanaians online so that they can read news for free, access their favourite websites without data cost limitations and most importantly, keep them connected with families and friends during the period of COVID-19.”
Opera News is the most popular news app in Africa and was the most downloaded news app in Ghana in May 2020 according to AppAnnie.
The Opera News app provides users with personalised content stream that serves top news, trendy videos and other daily content from more than 40 different categories.
Opera Mini is a small but powerful browser offering unique features that no other browser available in digital app stores can offer. The browser is equipped with data saving, offline file sharing, a smarter download manager, and a native ad-blocker.
It is the browser of choice for over 100 million people around the world who choose it over pre-installed browsers on Android mobile devices.
“To enjoy the benefits of the free browsing package, MTN customers will have to upgrade their Opera Mini browser, or download Opera News App from the Google Play Store.
“The free daily data covers browsing only while video streaming and file download will attract normal data charges,” the statement added.
Commenting on the benefits of the offer, Mr Samuel Addo, General Manager of MTN Business in Ghana said, “The partnership with Opera comes at a time when MTN is creating opportunities for customers to have free access to educational sites.
“We are very happy that the free browsing on Opera Mini and Opera News comes to complement what is already being done,” he said.
MTN’s partnership with Opera is one of many interventions put in place by the company to support customers in times of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the interventions include the provision of free internet connectivity to over 100 educational sites for private and public schools students across the country.
MTN Business offers solutions that enable individuals and businesses to access telecommunication services. Some of the services include Fibre to the home services, cloud services and provision of high speed 4G devices such as MTN Turbonet.
MTN Ghana is the market leader in the increasingly competitive mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a range of exciting options under Pay Monthly and Pay As You Go Services and Mobile Financial Services.
The company has committed itself to delivering reliable and innovative services that provide value for subscribers in Ghana’s telecommunications market.
Since its entry into Ghana in 2006, MTN has continuously invested in expanding and modernising its network in order to offer superior services to a broad expanse of the nation.
Opera is a global web innovator. Opera’s browsers, news products and fintech solutions are the trusted choice of more than 350 million people worldwide. Opera is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
