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Opera, MTN Ghana extend partnership with new ‘free browsing’ programme
Norwegian browser developer Opera and leading telecommunication operator, MTN, have announced extension of their partnership in Ghana.
To celebrate the extended partnership, both organisations have re-launched a new Free Browsing programme that provides MTN customers in Ghana up to 1.5 GB of free monthly data when they browse with the popular Opera Mini browser.
“We are glad to extend our partnership with MTN in Ghana and look forward to bringing more people online in 2021”,
Jørgen Arnesen, EVP of Mobile Browsers at Opera, said “access to the web should be a universal right,” hence their decision to work with MTN in Ghana “under the shared vision of bringing more people online by offering affordable access to the web through the Opera Mini browser.”.
MTN Ghana, in a statement, said customers who have Opera Mini installed on their mobile devices will be able to “start browsing for free.”
“With free browsing, MTN customers can make more online purchases, check on the latest news or simply find entertainment content they want or are interested in. As MTN Ghana works to become a Digital Operator, we are conscious of the customer experience we deliver in our digital services,” it stated.
Sam Addo, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana said the company, together with Opera, would provide customers access to more online content so they remain engaged with their devices “without worrying too much about data expenses.”
“We are excited about this partnership with Opera and we look forward to more offers to delight our customers”, he added.
Opera Mini is a small, fast and powerful browser. It comes with unique features such as Data Compression, Offline File Sharing and built-in Ad-blocker.
Opera Mini enables access to free eBooks through the Worldreader speed dial and the music catalogue of the Kenyan music-streaming service-‘Mdundo’, allowing users to stream or download music through the Opera Mini browser.
It has over the years become the browser of choice for over a 100 million people around the world who choose it over pre-installed browsers on Android mobile devices.
MTN said customers who were not yet Opera Mini users, could download the application for free on Google Play Store.
“The free browsing package is capped to 50MB per day and it covers browsing only. Video streaming and file download will attract normal data charges,” the statement added.
By Spectator Reporter
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
A new cultural, trade, and diplomatic platform celebrating Ghana-Norway ties was launched on Saturday, June 13, at Palms by Eagles Hotel, Accra.
Dubbed the ‘Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026’, the event draws on the symbolism of Ghana’s rivers, -Nsuo, and Norway’s fjords to highlight water as a shared cultural, economic, and environmental identity.
The three-day event is scheduled for July 31 – August 2, 2026 in Oslo, Norway. Activities will include a trade exhibition, durbar of chiefs, and B2B networking sessions.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of the Durbar, Kofi Mulan, said Ghana’s rivers like the Volta, Pra, and Ankobra have long sustained livelihoods through fishing, transport, and spirituality.
“Similarly, Norway’s fjords represent the cornerstone of its maritime heritage, global leadership in ocean industries, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mulan added.
“These parallel relationships with water form the philosophical and thematic spine of the entire event. The Akwaaba Nsuo & Velkommen Fjord Durbar 2026 is therefore framed as a convergence of heritage and innovation,” he said.
Organisers say participants will benefit from Global visibility and cultural diplomacy in Europe, stronger ties with Norway, and increased market access for exports like fashion, crafts, agribusiness, and processed goods under AfCFTA frameworks on the Ghana side.
On the Norway side, they noted access to Norwegian expertise in maritime technology, aquaculture, and renewable energy, plus opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, and sustainability projects.
The Durbar is positioned as a high-level exchange platform to deepen trade and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Norway.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
