Penplusbytes Hosts Inaugural Youth Against Disinformation Conference in Accra and Tamale
In October this year, Penplusbytes, in collaboration with its partner Youth Kommunity, hosted the inaugural Youth Against Disinformation Conference in…
Penplusbytes Hosts Strategic Meeting to Counter Disinformation in Ghana’s 2024 Elections
In anticipation of Ghana’s upcoming 2024 elections, Penplusbytes, in collaboration with Research ICT Africa (RIA) and with support from International…
Yen Somu Bi Initiative Bridges Business and Philanthropy Gap at Ghana Philanthropy Conference 2024
Local philanthropy is already thriving in Ghana, as evidenced by the findings of the 2022 Global Philanthropy Environment Index, which…
Penplusbytes Set to Launch Voters’ Compass Platform and Host 1st Policy Dialogue
As Ghana approaches the 2024 national elections, political parties have rolled out their manifestos, presenting their promises and visions for…
Penplusbytes Celebrates 2024 International Day of Universal Access to Information
Penplusbytes joins the rest of the world in marking UNESCO’s 2024 International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) in…
Penplusbytes Joins African Leaders at the 2024 Electoral Integrity Summit in Uganda
The year 2024 has been declared a year of elections around the globe. While many countries have already conducted theirs,…
Policies Over Personalities: Penplusbytes’ Report on Policy Preferences and Manifestos
Globally, politicians and scholars have studied voter behaviour, focusing on factors like policies, ideologies, ethnicity, and party affiliation. Meanwhile, in…
Penplusbytes Trains First Set of NCCE Officers on Election Disinformation Ahead of Dec 7 Polls
Penplusbytes as part of its “MIL in Elections Campaign” has trained the first batch of 30 officers from the National…
Climate on the Ballot: Integrating Climate Change Priorities into Political Party Manifestos Ahead of December 7 Polls
There is enough evidence that Ghana faces serious threats from climate change and this could set back the country’s development…
Penplusbytes and NCCE partner to Fight Election Disinformation Ahead of Ghana’s December Polls
Democratic elections are hinged on informed participation where citizens can make choices based on their ability to distinguish between truth…
Penplusbytes Launches Project to Optimize Audience Engagement for AU-ECOSOCC
Penplusbytes, as part of its mission to promote civic engagement and active participation in the democratic process, has launched a…
Penplusbytes Urges Tech-Driven Climate Action Ahead of Green Ghana Day 2024
Nature-based carbon removal solutions, such as tree planting, are essential in mitigating the effects of climate change. A recent analysis…
Reaching the Unreached with MIL Education: Penplusbytes equips Students in Two Schools for the Deaf in Ghana with MIL Competencies
Persons with disabilities constitute a significant portion of the world’s population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more…
Empowering Ghanaians for Informed Voting: Penplusbytes Launches Voters’ Compass Project for Ghana Elections 2024
As Ghana prepares for a crucial national election in December 2024, the need for initiatives that bolster democratic processes and…
Bridging the Climate Financing Gap in Ghana: A Call to Action
Climate change has become an incredibly relevant and pressing issue in today’s world. Irrespective of where one stands on the…
Penplusbytes’ Executive Director Speaks at 12th ICT4D Conference in Accra
The Executive Director of Penplusbytes, Mr. Jerry Sam, will be speaking at the 12th Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) Conference scheduled to…
Curbing Misinformation and Disinformation ahead of Ghana’s 2024 General Elections: The Critical Role of MIL
As Ghana’s general elections in December 2024 inch closer, the struggle for the spotlight among political parties and their candidates…
RSVP Now to Join the March Accra Technology Salon on “How Can Ghanaians Manage and Direct Generative AI Solutions?”
The release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and similar chatbots like Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude has re-ignited the discussion around how…
Penplusbytes Launches Constituency Watch Series to Enhance Voter Awareness Ahead of 2024 Ghana Elections
Penplusbytes under its African Elections Project (https://www.africanelections.org/), has launched the 2024 Ghana Elections Constituency Watch Series as a means to…
Climate Mis/Disinformation: A Looming Climate Crisis?
By: Emmanuel Koranteng Asomani, Penplusbytes Climate change has gained significant attention in recent times. It has dominated the airwaves, with…
EU Deforestation Law could hit smallest African Farmers hardest
By: Patrick Smith, Caroline Chebet, Tim Concannon and Jerry Sam Approved last April, the EU’s deforestation regulation was hailed by…
Penplusbytes’ Statement on the Newly Introduced Emissions Levy: Calls for Further Action in Reducing Carbon Emissions
Climate change has become an undeniable global challenge, and this has prompted nations worldwide to devise strategies to reduce its…
The 28th UN Conference of the Parties Climate Summit – a users’ guide
How to navigate the facts, the figures and the declarations | By Tim Concannon and Jerry Sam in Accra and Caroline…
COP28: Here Is Everything You Need to Know About the Climate Summit
At the global level, the major platform for climate change dialogue and action has been the United Nations Climate Change…
Promoting Community Development through Partnerships: Penplusbytes’ Pitch for Change Event Convenes NGOs and Private Sector for Collaboration
Local philanthropy has been growing and gaining visibility in the Ghanaian philanthropic space in recent years. This has led to an increased…
Penplusbytes wins the Africa Online Safety Fund Grant to Combat the Growing Levels of Disinformation Among Ghanaian Children
Penplusbytes, a civic tech organization working to counter misinformation and disinformation in Ghana over the past 5years, has emerged as…
Penplusbytes reaffirms its commitment to creating a safer digital world through MIL education for all: Celebrates 2023 Global MIL Week in Kumasi
Integrating Media and Information Literacy (MIL) into our daily lives can create a safer and more informed digital world for…
Penplusbytes Empowers Communities in the Digital Age: Launches 2023 Global Media and Information Literacy Week in Kumasi
Over the past few decades, the digital landscape has experienced unprecedented growth, transitioning from a realm accessible to only a…
RSVP Now to Join the October Accra Technology Salon on “Can the Principles of Digital Development be improved?”
RSVP to join the next technology salon Technology Salon – Accra: Can the Principles of Digital Development be Improved? The…
A Move Beyond Lip Service to Taking Bold Actions to Address Climate Change in Ghana: The Critical Role of Key Stakeholders
Climate change is no longer a hypothetical threat; it has become an urgent global crisis that requires immediate attention and…
Deepfakes and the Erosion of Trust: A Societal Dilemma?
As the world continues to embrace the limitless possibilities of technology, a new digital age phenomenon has emerged blurring the…
Preparing the Next Generation for a Resilient Digital Society: The Role of MIL
So far, Ghana’s digital revolution has been remarkable. Today, almost every sector of the Ghanaian economy is undergoing some form of digital…
Penplusbytes hosts an Inclusive Forum on Social Protection and Technology in Tamale
Ghana has over the years made significant strides in its socio-economic development sector with the implementation of a number of…
Penplusbytes set to launch MIL Alumni Network to impact communities through Micro-Grants
Since 2019, Penplusbytes – the hub for MIL advocacy in Ghana, has been at the forefront of implementing media and…
Penplusbytes’ MIL 2023 Project to train more students with disabilities
The goal of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) education is to enhance people’s competencies to access, analyse, create, reflect on…
Twitter’s New Verification Directive : Anti-Musk or Pro-Musk
A few months ago, Twitter stripped its once-coveted blue checkmarks from verified accounts, with its CEO, Elon Musk, explaining that he is on…
Penplusbytes partners WACSI to build capacity of CSOs on digital security
As the world continues to embrace the full possibilities of digital technologies, cybersecurity has become a non-negotiable prerequisite for investment…
Penplusbytes’ Here & Now Project Recommends More National Attention on Mental Healthcare Delivery in Ghana
1 out of every 10 Ghanaian has a mental disorder. These are the words of the Director-General of Ghana Health…
Penplusbytes supports Ghanaian journalists with micro grants to produce in-depth news stories on climate change
To assess and sustain in the short-term gains from our recent climate change training for some selected Ghanaian journalists, Penplusbytes,…
Penplusbytes’ statement on the newly launched platform “Ghana Today” to fight misinformation by the Information Services Department
In the evolving knowledge societies of today, we are constantly bombarded with information, some true and others untrue. Everywhere, people…
#IWD2023: Penplusbytes celebrates women’s empowerment through technology and innovations
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Penplusbytes joins the United Nations and its partners to wish all women a…
Assessing the nexus between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Misinformation
Generative AI tools and platforms are currently taking the world by storm. New generative AI tools like ChatGPT; OpenAI’s prototype…
Penplusbytes engages duty-bearers in the Social Protection sector through policy briefs
With the current economic hardships being experienced by many Ghanaians, social protection policy provisions become a lifesaver for many especially…
Penplusbytes’ Climate Crisis Journalism Project to Train Journalists on Climate Change Reporting
The African continent faces major environmental challenges linked to climate change and Ghana is not left out as can be…
The AI Software taking the internet by a storm – ChatGPT
ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a chatbot launched by OpenAI, a research laboratory in California in November 2022. It is…
Penplusbytes to host maiden Africa Cybersecurity Summit for Non-profits
The role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in any developing country and society cannot be underestimated. Despite NGOs’ critical role in…
Penplusbytes’ Giving for Change Christmas: A campaign to support the “One Child, One NHIS Card Project” on Yen Somu Bi Crowdfunding Platform
Christmas is a season of abundance, joy, and sharing. It identifies the end of the previous year and establishes the…
Penplusbytes has become the Hub for MIL advocacy in Ghana – Assessment Report details
An assessment report evaluating Penplusbytes’ Media and Information Literacy initiatives undertaken from 2019-2021 has revealed that Penplusbytes has become the…
Penplusbytes convenes local activities to mark 2022 Global Media and Information Literacy Week in Ghana
In recent times, people, regardless of their gender, ability, background and geographical location, have become publishers in their own right…
Local Crowdfunding platform www.yensomubi.org launched
In most global economies, philanthropy or charitable giving constitutes a significant portion of investment for national growth. Charitable giving takes…
Penplusbytes Launches Shortchanged Mobile App to monitor Social Protection Policies
As a means to strengthen citizen agency to hold state and corporate actors to account and make economic development work…
Penplusbytes to host CSOs and government agencies on social protection in Ghana
Poor governance, weak institutions, systemic corruption, and inadequate budgetary allocation make access to health and education services in Ghana a…
21 years of Catalysing Innovations across Networks and Communities
Let’s use a time machine and travel back to the year 2001. When we leave the machine, we enter a…
Announcement – New Executive Director
The Board of Directors of Penplusbytes is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremiah Sam as acting Executive Director effective…
Penplusbytes inaugurates Community Monitoring Groups in Ghana and Mali
Penplusbytes with funding from the Open Society initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is delivering the 2-year “Here and Now” project…
Penplusbytes advances Media and Information Literacy in Ghana
Being at the forefront of media and information literacy (MIL) in Ghana for the past three (3) years, Penplusbytes kick…
‘Shaping tomorrow, now’ – Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa to open DW Global Media Forum 2022
Philippine journalist and winner of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Maria Ressa is set to open DW’s Global Media Forum…
Call for applications open for the inaugural AU Media Fellowship
Are you an African journalist, blogger, vlogger, content creator, or podcaster living and working in Africa or the diaspora? Are…
Here’s a new favorite social media app to try out – BeReal
What is new? A social media app with no filters, BeReal, the trending new social media app, gives users a…
African media outlets are documenting the continent’s tech industry
African tech startups raised over $4 billion in 2021 — about twice the sum they raised the year prior, according…
Penplusbytes’ Executive Director Appointed Board Member of Ghana News Agency
The Executive Director of Penplusbytes, Juliet Adime Amoah has been appointed a board member of the Ghana News Agency (GNA).…
Penplusbytes convenes local activities to mark 2021 Global Media and Information Literacy week in Ghana
This year marks 10 years since the seeds of Global Media and Information Literacy Week was planted in 2011 in…
A Press Statement to mark International Day for Universal Access to Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday September 28, 2021 A PRESS STATEMENT TO MARK INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION TUESDAY…
Penplusbytes, partners to award Health reporters
Disparities in healthcare delivery as a result of poverty, unequal access to health care, lack of education, stigma, and discrimination…
Tribute by Board and Staff of Penplusbytes to Andrew Kafe
And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.…
Penplusbytes announces passing of board member, Andrew Kafe
ACCRA, GHANA — Penplusbytes is saddened to announce today the demise of one of its Directors and Former Board secretary,…
Statement from Executive Director – Penplusbytes’ 20th Anniversary
We are 20 years old this year!! When our founding members took off on 18th July 2001, they had no…
The Penplusbytes Story Series – Celebrating 20 years of Change Pt III
My earliest memory of Penplusbytes is a lunch meeting I had with Kwami Ahiabenu and Eric Osiakwan around 2003. Kwami…
The Penplusbytes Story Series – Celebrating 20 years of Change Pt II
The journey of twenty years of Penplusbytes started from very humble beginnings. We identified the need to support and train…
The Penplusbytes Story Series – Celebrating 20 years of Change
In the early 2000s, journalists worldwide had a problem – lack of skills, knowledge, and new digital technologies to enable…
Penplusbytes celebrates 20th Anniversary
Penplusbytes is 20 years old! From a start point of driving innovations in quality journalism through the use of new…
VPNs and their usefulness: the case of Nigeria’s Twitter Ban
Have you ever connected to a public Wi-Fi network and wondered if someone, somewhere might be able to monitor your…
Must You Always Speak? A Look At Fake News And Freedom Of Speech Amidst Covid-19
By Joyce Hilda Efia Aboagye The Universal Declaration on Human Rights, Article 19 stipulates that everyone has the right to…
Penplusbytes Seeks Equitable Healthcare and Education for Citizens in Ghana And Mali
Penplusbytes kicks off its Health Education and Resource Equity (H.E.R.E.) and Now project in Ghana and Mali on the back…
Twitter chooses Ghana as host for its first African Office
Global social media company, Twitter has established its first physical presence on the African continent in Ghana. The company says…
The Upsurge of “work-cation” in a Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has popularized “work-cations” — going on a vacation, but working while there. Just because work-from-anywhere means we…
New social media rules hold users accountable for behavior offline
New rules from tech companies are making it harder for users with sketchy reputations in the real world to become…
What’s Clubhouse, and how can you use it to report?
You no longer need to write or share visuals to reach a large audience — now, you can just talk.…
The year virtually everything went online
2020 was a year like no other and 2021 proves this. For many middle-class Ghanaian families, a typical day right…
Ghana: Fufu, Soccer and Fact-checking
Noah Dameh is the program director at Radio Ada, a community radio station in the small town of Ada on…
Penplusbytes set to deploy #GhanaElections 2020 Early Warning System
COVID-19 has to a large extent moved Ghana’s elections campaign from the usual mass rallies and offline canvassing channels to…
Penplusbytes Launches 2020 Media And Information Literacy Week
Under the auspices of UNESCO, Penplusbytes and its partners have launched the 2020 Global Media and Information Literacy Week Celebration…
Penplusbytes leads partners to mark 2020 Global Media and Information Literacy week in Ghana
The Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is commemorated annually in October and is a major occasion for stakeholders…
PRESS STATEMENT ON PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS RESPONSES TO REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION UNDER THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2019 (ACT 989)
The Coalition on the Right to Information, Ghana (RTI Coalition) is troubled and disappointed with the kind of responses received…
Penplusbytes validates citizens’ reports on government’s assurances for fishing landing sites and the railway sector
Access to information is a key necessity for citizens to demand transparency and responsiveness from government and at the same…
Insufficient Data On PWDs, A Threat To Inclusive Participation In Elections 2020
Evidently, there is an absence of reliable data and tailor-made digital tools to aid persons with disabilities (PWDs) in exercising…
Penplusbytes launches new Webinar Series focusing on Ghana’s Elections 2020
Penplusbytes has launched a webinar series to interrogate emerging issues in Ghana’s election 2020. The Webinar Series will look at…
Promoting inclusive participation of PWDs and Vulnerable Groups in elections 2020
By Joyce Hilda Efia Aboagye The marginalization of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) goes beyond the discrimination they face from society…
Penplusbytes embarks on verification visits for Citizens’ reports on Government Assurances
The engagement by the Committee on Government Assurances (CGA) with citizens at all levels to be their eyes on the…
CSOs Statement on President Akuffo Addo’s Decision to force the Auditor General to take his accumulated leave
Dated: 7th July 2020 It is with sadness, disappointment and extreme concern that we come to you today to share…
CSOs Statement on President Akufo Addo’s Decision to force the Auditor General to take his ‘accumulated leave’
Dated: 7th July, 2020 Members of the press, colleague leaders of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana, democracy and good…
Penplusbytes launches Covid-19 information for all hub
To address gaps in information dissemination and the sheer volume of information disorder the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about in…
WHO concerned over COVID-19 impact on women, girls in Africa
Humanitarian crises, including health emergencies affect men and women differently. As COVID-19 continues to spread in Africa, there are concerns…
PRESS RELEASE -A PRESS STATEMENT TO MARK ONE YEAR AFTER THE PRESIDENTIAL ASSENT TO THE RTI ACT, 2019 (ACT 989)
Thursday May 21, 2020 A year ago today, on Tuesday 21st May 2019, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, assented…
Resources for African journalists covering the COVID-19 Pandemic
Cases of COVID-19 are rising in Africa, after the continent was initially spared of the pandemic in its early days.…
PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 Lockdown: Security Agencies must Respect the Human Rights of Civilians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE We, the Independent Police Complaints Coalition (IPOCOCO), are a group of civil society organizations/individuals advocating for the…
Fact-checking tools
In this age of information disorder (misinformation, disinformation and malinformation) it is very difficult to decipher accurate and trustworthy information…
Penplusbytes engages Young Persons, the Media and Techies in an Ideas’ “Marathon”
Social media has been recognised as an enabler for citizen participation and governance processes as it provides an avenue for…
Electoral Commission’s Response to Right to Information Request is Unfortunate – RTI Coalition
The Coalition on the Right to Information Ghana (RTI Coalition) has learnt with grave concern the response given by lawyers…
Penplusbytes engages News Editors in Northern Half of Ghana to set agenda on PWD issues during elections 2020
Persons with disabilities constitute a significant section of Ghana’s population who are faced with a lot of challenges in meeting…
Year 2020 African Elections Outlook
Elections in Africa have become ritualistic in nature as electrifying campaigns by various aspiring candidates break the monotony of the…
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
CFP: African Women in Media 2020 Summit (#AWiM2020) Reimagining Futures: Women in Media, Peace and Technologies 29-31 July,…
Penplusbytes Organizes Training Of Trainers (ToT) On Digital Safety
As part of efforts to promote Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in Ghana, Penplusbytes in partnership with DW Akademie and…
Exploration du pétrole et du gaz en Afrique de l’Ouest
Penplusbytes, leader dans le renforcement des capacités des journalistes dans divers domaines thématiques, est heureux d’annoncer son nouveau projet de…
Pulitzer Africa Data Journalism Scholarship 2019/2020 for African Masters Students – Columbia University, USA
Columbia University has opened application for its new scholarship for the masters program in data journalism, MA business program or…
Penplusbytes trains youth on Ethical Video Production under MiL Youth Project
As part of efforts to promote Media and Information Literacy in Ghana, Penplusbytes and DW Akademie is training some selected…
Penplusbytes connects citizens to the Assurance Committee to Hold Government to Account
Penplusbytes through its Connecting Citizens phase two project has engaged the Committee on Gov’t Assurances (CGA) in a citizens’ forum…
Data Journalism & Visualization Course
Have you registered for the new online course, “Data Journalism and Visualization with Free Tools,” congrats! If you haven’t, we…
Contest to promote media literacy launched by Penplusbytes
On Monday a contest to promote Media Information Literacy (MIL) in Ghana was launched by Penplusbytes and its partners Milli…
Strategies for Dealing with E-Mail Spam
By Kwami Ahiabenu II According to www.spamlaws.com, over 14.5 billion of the messages transmitted daily around the world are spam. That…
2019 U.N. Correspondents Association Awards for Best Media Coverage Of The United Nations And U.N. Agencies
The United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA) invites media worldwide to submit entries for its 24th annual UNCA Awards for the…
24th GJA Awards Accepting Entries – Deadline extended
The Ghana Journalists Association is accepting entries for the GJA Awards. The awards scheme aims to recognize individuals and companies that play…
Media and Information Literacy for democratic societies
In this era of fake news, when even the pursuit of truth is politicized, it is heartening to know that…
#18on18th – the Penplusbytes’ Story of Growth so far
On July 18th 2001, Penplusbytes was birthed as the International Institute for Information and Communication Technologies with the sole purpose…
How Technology is helping solve civic challenges
Technology is allowing citizens around the world to participate in solving local, national, and global problems. The emergence of ICTs…
How literate are Ghanaians in Media and Information?
Media and other information providers, including netizens, play an essential role as drivers of sustainable development. They influence the way…
RSVP Now: July Technology Salon on “Alternatives to Rural Connectivity in Ghana”
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon Accra – July 4th – RSVP Now There is a recent surging…
Applications Open: The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism
The McGraw Fellowship provides editorial and financial support to journalists who need the time and resources to produce a significant…
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR JOURNALISTS TO STAY IN BERLIN
Once again Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Germany and taz Panter Foundation invite at least three journalists from countries in crisis…
PWDS to meet with Duty Bearers on Accessibility to Quality Healthcare
In Ghana, persons with disabilities (PWDs) constitute an impoverished marginalized group. Majority of them lack access to public health, education,…
Disinformation and Journalism
The news media landscape has changed dramatically over the past decades. Through digital sources, there has been a tremendous increase…
TV JOURNALIST NEEDED!
AFP Services, the global news agency’s on-demand institutional news subsidiary, is recruiting a TV journalist to produce video news packages…
6 free, digital tools for journalists
It’s important to remember — the tools don’t make the journalist. Still, a good toolbox is bound to help. Toby…
Journalists contribute to strengthening democratic space: help them excel!
The contribution of media to the development of democracies cannot be overemphasized. Journalists all over the world and in Ghana…
What Technology Approaches Improve Governance and Civic Engagement?
Washington, DC – May 1 – RSVP Now All citizens should be able to hold their governments accountable to deliver…
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (Digital Media Officer)
Org. Setting and Reporting These positions are located in the Peacekeeping field Missions or in the Special Political special Missions…
Understanding Bots
By Kwami Ahiabenu II Bots are in most technologies we make use of. They are not easily discernable but they…
Parliament meets with CSOs on innovative means of tracking Government’s assurances
Penplusbytes in collaboration with the Committee on Government Assurances of the Parliament of Ghana (CGA) is organising a one-day workshop…
Penplusbytes congratulates the Government of Ghana for making RTI a reality
Ghana has joined the 24% of African countries that have adopted the Right to Information (RTI) bill. These countries: South…
How to make digital news platforms more accessible for users of all abilities
Digitization — the mass adoption of connected digital technologies and applications by society — can play a major role in…
International Women’s Day 2019 #BalanceforBetter – Statement from Penplusbytes’ Executive Director
International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world on March 8. It’s a day to appreciate women in our lives…
Are you the future of journalism?
Apply now for Future News Worldwide 2019. The deadline is 12.00 (noon) GMT on 21 March 2019. The search has begun…
Nigeria Decides or Indecisive Nigeria? – A Comprehensive Analysis
By Juliet A. Amoah An Anti-Climax Nigeria is a country of many things, hugely successful writers, impressive academics, producers of…
News Editors Pledge to refocus their lens on PWD Issues in Ghana
A significant section of the population in Ghana who are mostly Persons with Disabilities are excluded from accessing government interventions…
Penplusbytes calls on Ghana Police to hasten investigations and make public their report to quell any future disturbance in Ayawaso West Wuguon Constituency
A section of Ghanaians located in Ayawaso West Wugon constituency of Ghana’s capital went to the polls on 31st January 2019…
OPEN FOR ENTRIES: 2019 Data Journalism Awards
Media companies, nonprofit organizations, freelancers and staff journalists can enter this competition. The 2019 Data Journalism Awards (DJAs), run by the…
Penplusbytes’ Statement on Ahmed Hussein-Suale’s Murder
Penplusbytes has followed the news of the killing of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, an investigative journalist with the Tiger Eye PI team,…
RSVP Now: January Technology Salon on “Drone Technology in Ghana’s Health Service Delivery, an innovation?”
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon Accra – January 24th – RSVP Now Drone technology is among the…
Ready, Set, Innovate 2019
The 2019 Mantra for Team Penplusbytes is #ready2innovate. We are exploring new avenues and using new skills and tools to…
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year, From Team Penplusbytes!!
We had a great and exciting 2018 thanks to you. We look forward to 2019 with more excitement. Get Ready…
Penplusbytes Gets New Executive Director
Kwami Ahiabenu II, the Founder and executive director of Penplusbytes is stepping down at the end of the year 2018,…
Penplusbytes congratulates Richard Abbey on Emerging the Overall Best Financial and Economic Reporter
At the recently held 5th Flamingo Awards by the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ), hosted by the World…
RSVP NOW: December Technology Salon on “How can Graph Database support Ghana’s development?”
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon Accra – December 6th – RSVP Now Did you know that, any…
Penplusbytes Shares Lessons from its Social Accountability project with CSOs in West African Countries
Penplusbytes is part of a selected group of civil society organisations (CSOs) from 9 West African countries to share experiences…
The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling
The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling, a collaboration between the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), ONE, and…
Volume, language complexity are reasons Nigerians don’t comprehend constitution- Experts
PARTICIPANTS at the just concluded New Media, Citizens and Governance (NMCG) conference held in Abuja said volume and language complexity…
Accessibility of Public Places and Death Trap Ramps
‘’Some of these ramps are simply death traps”, Patience Atuah , a physically challenged journalist with the EIB Network echoes…
Is the NHIS disability friendly?
According to the World Health Organisation, 10% to 15% of the population of every developing country lives with disability. This…
Penplusbytes congratulates Alumni, Award winners at 23rd GJA Awards
The 23rd Ghana Journalists Association Awards was held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. The…
Mapping the Cost of Online Civic Action
By Kwami Ahiabenu, II Traditionally, “civic action” is seen as a public space where citizens work towards a collective good.…
APPLICATIONS OPEN: John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships Class of 2020
Journalists who want to collaborate with others to pursue ideas for addressing the biggest challenges facing journalism can apply for…
Final batch of Community Radio Journalists Schooled on Reporting Local Assembly budgets
Ten (10) community radio journalists in Wa in the Upper west region of Ghana constitute the final batch of journalists…
NPP Government to Engage Penplusbytes on METOGU Anti-corruption Report
According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception index for 2017, Ghana ranks 81st with a score of 40, indicating the…
National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2018 Launched
The Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Secretariat is set to roll out the National Cyber…
The use of technology for better health service delivery – The case of the People for Health Project
New digital tools have been adapted in all spheres of human interactions and it is being used in countless ways…
More Community Radio Journalists benefit from Penplusbytes’ Data Journalism Training
About 20 community radio journalists in Ellembelle in the Western Region of Ghana and Twifo Atti Morkwa in the Central…
PROTECT THE CONSTITUTIONAL INDEPENDENCE OF THE AUDITOR-GENERAL
The Coalition of national civil society organizations dedicated to the fight against corruption under the umbrella of the Ghana Anti-Corruption…
Instagram and Journalism- the trend and possibilities
In our fast-paced digital world, social networking is taking over as the primary way most people receive information. Instagram, one…
Penplusbytes introduces Community Radio Journalists to Data Journalism
The political ecosystem in Ghana now presents inadequate spaces and technological tools to enable citizens demand openness in government development…
Calling PWDs derogatory names is punishable by law- State Attorney reaffirms
A state attorney at the Attorney General’s Department at Ho in the Volta Region, Mr. Andrews Dodzi Adugu has reiterated…
Penplusbytes to deliver top-notch training for selected media persons on reporting on Disability Issues
Gender Equality and Social Inclusion issues have often been relegated in media coverage in Ghana particularly with issues of Persons…
RSVP Now: August Tech Salon on “Digitization of the public sector for increase revenue collection in Ghana”
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon “Digitization” is a relatively new topic within information and communication technology (ICT),…
THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION BILL: History must not repeat itself
The Majority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu on Wednesday July 25, 2018 indicated at a press briefing in…
Penplusbytes’ African Elections Project covers Zimbabwe Elections using new digital tools
Penplusbytes’ African Elections Project (AEP) http://www.africanelections.org is providing a comprehensive coverage of the Zimbabwe general elections slated for Monday 30th…
Digital Storytelling In Mainstream Media
“Everybody would be a reporter. Facts and opinions would flow without intervention, and most definitely without the blessing of…
17 years of deploying tech for effective governance in Africa – A statement by the Executive Director
On 18th July 2001, the founding members of Penplusbytes birthed their dream into reality. It started off as a media…
“Government is not committed to passing the Right to Information Bill before the end of 2018,” Volta Regional Penplusbytes Metogu Report
Ho – Thursday 12th July 2018 The Penplusbytes Metogu! Project engagement makes its final destination in the Volta Region, Ho…
Penplusbytes July Tech Salon: How can Ghana protect herself from Cyber-attacks?
This July, the Accra TechSalon hosted by Penplusbytes focused on Cyber Security in Ghana; the chances of Ghanaians getting cyber-attacks…
“The NPP can only be seen to be serious about fighting corruption if it passes the RTI Bill” – Western Regional Penplusbytes Metogu Report Findings
Takoradi – Thursday 4th July 2018 Penplusbytes anti-corruption train will make a stop in the Western Regional Capital of Takoradi…
RSVP Now: July Tech Salon on “how can Ghana Protect herself against cyber attacks”
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon Governments are scrambling to catch the culprits behind the cyberattacks that are…
Corruption Perception High in Ashanti Region Despite Being NPP stronghold: Penplusbytes Metogu Report Findings
Kumasi– Thursday 28th June 2018 Following the successful launch of the Penplusbytes’ (www.penplusbytes.org) METOGU! Study findings on Anti-corruption in Accra,…
NPP Government losing the fight against corruption – 7 out of 10 Ghanaians say
Accra – Monday, 18th June 2018 Penplusbytes’ (www.penplusbytes.org ) METOGU! Study findings on Anti-corruption indicates, some Ghanaians hold a perception…
Fighting Disinformation
By Kwami Ahiabenu II Every day, social media spread so-called fake news, which include plain misinformation, misleading propaganda and brazen…
Democratic Empowerment
By Kwami Ahiabenu II In order to help African media houses to cope with digital technologies, Penplusbytes was established 17…
Red Flag Movement – Innovative Approach in Fight against Corruption Ready to take off
Ghanaians’ perception of corruption especially within the public sector service delivery/political circles remains high. This is possibly due to the…
Penplusbytes’ www.reportingoilandgas.org to amplify Keta Delta Block Hearings
Penplusbytes’ www.reportingoilandgas.org is to amplify online, happenings at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Public hearings in the Keta Delta Block…
What to Know About APIs
Application programming interfaces (API) have been around since the 1960s. An API is a set of routines, protocols, and tools…
Penplusbytes launches Media Fellowship program to focus on Disability Issues
According to the Ministry of Health, there is an estimated 5 million people currently living with disability, with a majority…
Metogu! Anti-Corruption Report to be Validated by Governance Experts
Penplusbytes is engaging governance and anti-corruption experts in a Report Validation Writeshop on Thursday 17th May 2018 at its New…
Penplusbytes Announces First Cohort of Extractive Fellowship Program
Penplusbytes (www.reportingoilandgas.org) is proud to announce its first cohort of the Extractive Fellowship Program. The first batch comprises five emerging…
Penplusbytes Submits Contribution to RTI Bill
Penplusbytes, on Tuesday 8th May 2018, was called upon by the joint Committee on Legal, Constitutional, Communication and Parliamentary Affairs…
How Fake News Is Creating Alternative Realties: A New Study Reveals Debunking Fake News Needs Innovative Strategies
A debut study by Penplusbytes www.penplusbytes.org on Fake News in Ghana has shown that the Ghanaian media landscape does not…
50 Percent of The World’s Population To Be Online By End Of 2018 – WPFD 2018 Key Facts
“For the first time in human history, by the end of this very year, 50% of the world will be…
Media Coalition Set to Engage Citizens on the ills Of Galamsey
As part of efforts to stimulate community and institutional ownership of the sustained campaign against galamsey, the Media Coalition Against…
An Introduction to Penplusbytes’ Citizens’ App – “Kakum”
“Kakum” a citizens’ feedback application developed by Penplusbytes to bridge the communication gap between citizens and governments in the quest…
Parliament Calls For Contributions to the Right to Information Bill
The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs is inviting memoranda and contributions to the Right to Information (RTI)…
Penplusbytes Donates to Special School in Battor
As part of giving back to society and also contributing to the lives of socially excluded children in the Ghanaian…
RSVP NOW: March Tech Salon on “The road to E-governance, where is Ghana now?”
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon E-government is becoming a fundamental reform tool for enhancing public administration especially…
Exercising Discretion on Social Media: Common Sense?
Exercising discretion on social media should be common sense, but people often fail to recognize the shock waves their behavior…
First Community Engagement under METOGU!! Project takes off
Penplusbytes under its project Metogu!! (keeping the pressure on) embarked on a series of focus group discussions across the southern…
International Women’s Day 2018: “Pass Affirmative Action Bill Now.”- Penplusbytes
On Thursday March 8, the World marks International Women’s Day, also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s…
PWDs call for Assemblies to engage using ICT platforms
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have called on Municipal, Metropolitan and District assemblies (MMDAs) to incorporate new digital technologies which are…
2-day Social Accountability Multi Stakeholder Forum takes off in Accra
On Tuesday 27th February and Wednesday 28th February 2018, Accra will host government officials, local governance experts, and civil society…
APPLICATIONS OPEN: BBC World News Komla Dumor Award 2018
Journalists from across the African continent are invited to apply for the award, which aims to uncover and promote fresh…
Penplusbytes Engages Gender Ministry on Social Accountability Policy Brief
Notwithstanding successes chalked in the area of scope, financial inclusion and program delivery improvement for the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty…
RSVP NOW: February Tech Salon on “How can Fintech support Ghana’s financial inclusion drive?”
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon HOW CAN FINTECH SUPPORT GHANA’S FINANCIAL INCLUSION DRIVE? Financial Technology (FinTech) is…
Metogu!! (Keep the pressure on) Project on Tracking Government’s Anti-corruption Promises Underway
Research shows that Ghana loses $3billion each year to corruption. With the plethora of bills and laws enacted to deal…
How Innovations support better Public Service Provision in Ghana
The Government of Ghana has launched a number of innovative systems in public service delivery such as paperless system at…
Penplusbytes’ Kwami Ahiabenu II honoured at Flamingo Awards
For his efforts in advancing the cause of good journalism in Ghana and beyond, the Executive Director of Penplusbytes, Mr.…
RSVP NOW: January Tech Salon on “How can Innovation Support Better Public Service Provision?”
RSVP to join the next technology salon How Can Innovation Support Better Public Service Provision? The Government of Ghana has…
Penplusbytes’ METOGU Anti-Corruption Project takes off
Making politicians accountable, a key principle of good governance, requires openness and more importantly well designed and properly resourced engagement…
Penplusbytes “Kakum” Citizens App Adopted by CSOs in West Africa
“Kakum” a citizens’ feedback app developed by Penplusbytes to bridge the communication gap between citizens and government in the quest…
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLISSFUL NEW YEAR FROM TEAM PENPLUSBYTES!!!
Thank you for making 2017 a great year for us. We are looking forward to amazing times with you in…
Penplusbytes Deploys “Kakum” digital tool in Côte D’Ivoire
There is a desire for change across the West-African sub-region where citizens are holding elected officials to account through an…
Penplusbytes to hold 2nd Power Reporting Series on Tax Treatment in Ghana’s Oil and Gas Sector
Studies have shown that, there are currently about 11 different taxes on petroleum products. On average, a litre of petrol…
Penplusbytes organizes 1st Online Editors Strategic Seminar in Accra
Penplusbytes in collaboration with Online Editors Ghana and Now Available Ghana is organizing the first Online Editors Strategic Seminar on…
Corruption is Rape- New anti-corruption campaign launched
A disruptive anticorruption campaign has been launched by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and Penplusbytes at…
Most Ghanaians Think Government Has Done Nothing to Tackle Corruption – Penplusbytes’ Polls Says
From December 4th to 9th, Ghana joins the world to mark International Anti-Corruption Week with activities all week long aimed…
VOTE NOW!!! Anti-Corruption Polls
From 4th to 9th December, Ghana joins the world to mark “International Anti Corruption Week”. As part of activities ahead…
3rd Biennial Scientific Conference on Medical Products Regulation in Africa
Significant strides have been made over the years to enhance and modernize the regulation of pharmaceutical manufacturing and product quality…
Penplusbytes to hold Citizens’ Forum to Promote Grassroots Participation in Governance
Penplusbytes will, on Tuesday 21st November 2017, hold a citizens’ forum under its project “OpenGov Platform -Access to Information” in…
Penplusbytes’ 1st Power Reporting Series to focus on Ghana’s 2018 Oil and Gas Budget
Penplusbytes as part of its notable role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector and with…
Healthcare professionals in Eastern region introduced to P4H Platform (www.people4health.org)
The online platform built by Penplusbytes under the USAID funded “People for Health” (P4H) project (www.people4health.org ) will be deployed…
Offline and Online safety of Ghanaian Journalists is key as World marks IDEI 2017 – Penplusbytes
November 2 marks the International Day to End Impunity for crimes against Journalists (IDEI); a day set aside by the…
RSVP: Accra Tech Salon- The case of the Digital Addressing System in Ghana – the role of technology
RSVP to join the next technology salon The case of the Digital Addressing System in Ghana – the role of…
Editors commit to promote Ghana’s Oil and Gas sector accountability
Themed “Promoting oil and gas issues in the newsroom: The role of the Editor”, eight (8) editors from print and…
Media’s Focus on Technology Tends to be Short-Term, shows Survey
People working in the news industry are more likely to think about the impact technology will have on journalism in…
Penplusbytes Engages News Editors on Extractive Reporting
The media plays an imperative role especially in increasing public awareness on issues where the masses may have little or…
P4H Platform (www.people4health.org) deployment starts in Northern Region
After a successful launch of the USAID funded “People for Health” (P4H) project online platform (www.people4health.org ), Penplusbytes is set…
Penplusbytes’ African Elections Project covers Liberia Elections
Penplusbytes’ African Elections Project (AEP) http://www.africanelections.org is set to yet again provide comprehensive coverage of the Liberia general elections slated…
RSVP: Accra Tech Salon- How Can Technology support the achievement of SDGs in Ghana?
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon How Can Technology support the achievement of SDGs in Ghana? Accra, Ghana…
#Hack4Citizens Enables Better Watchdog Role for Beninese Civil Society Groups
Technology has become one major tool of communication all over Africa and globally. The two days #Hack4Citizens in Cotonou, Benin…
Penplusbytes’ “Hack4Citizens” first day in Cotonou Successful
The first day of “Hack4Citizens” ended with a tremendous experience sharing for the twenty participants of this social and technological…
Penplusbytes Rolls out Social Accountability Tools (Kakum) in West Africa
After successfully deploying “Tech Driven Social Accountability for Results” www.platformafrica.net project powered by Kakum in Ghana, Penplusbytes is rolling out…
Penplusbytes Schools Selected Journalists in Investigative Reporting in the Oil and Gas Sector
A significant portion of Ghana’s budget is funded by proceeds from the oil and gas sector, the onus is therefore…
Making Oil and Gas a headline Issue in the Media: Penplusbytes builds media capacity to set the agenda
A key ingredient to promoting good governance in the oil and gas sector is an effective and consistent media oversight…
How can e-justice make a difference in justice delivery?
The rule of law is the backbone of any country. The advancement of new digital technologies is impacting on all…
Call for Innovative Journalism Fellowship
The Nieman Foundation for Journalism and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society have opened a call of application…
Can Paywall save News Organisations?
Media is the life breath of a democracy. Its very survival depends on it. However, with the fast evolution of…
Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program
Named in honor of National Endowment for Democracy’s (NED) principal founders, former president Ronald Reagan and the late congressman Dante…
Health Systems Global Media Fellowship
The first Health Systems Global (HSG) Media Fellowships Programme is offering six (6) fellowships to journalists undertaking cutting edge news…
People for Health Project Launches Report Highlighting the Inadequacy Of Funding For HIV/AIDS Programmes In Ghana
Accra, Ghana— The People For Health Project will be launching an appraisal report on the 0.5 percent District Assembly Common…
Social Intervention Programs Need Clearer and Measurable Indicators
The Programmes Director of Penplusbytes, Jerry Sam has indicated that, for the various social intervention programs such as the LEAP…
Penplusbytes’ Clearing Platform Forum to discuss Social Accountability and SDGs
Penplusbytes, is organizing a one-day Social Accountability Clearing Platform Forum on 11th August, 2017 at the New Media Hub in…
Penplusbytes’ African Elections Project covers Kenyan Elections
Built to provide accurate and reliable information through an impartial coverage of major elections across Africa using new digital tools,…
Penplusbytes’ SMTC featured on DW Akademie Digital Innovation Library
Penplusbytes’ Social Media Tracking Centre (SMTC) has been featured on the Deustche Welle Akademie Digital Innovations Library as part of…
EC Chair and Deputies should resign – Penplusbytes
The importance of a National Elections Commission (EC) cannot be overemphasized as they embody the legitimacy and credibility of the…
Ghana to have Beneficial Ownership Register by End of 2017
Mr. Mohammed Amin Adam, a Deputy Minister of Energy, says Ghana will by the end of 2017, have an open…
Citi FM, Joy FM cross the 1 million mark on Facebook in 2nd Quarter Social Media Index
Penplusbytes released today its 2nd quarter social media index on Ghana’s Radio, Television and Print media. The SMI is a…
2nd Africa Open Data Conference 2017 Starts with Site Visit to New Media Hub
Ghana is hosting the 2nd Africa Open Data Conference (AODC) from July 17 to 21 2017. The four-day conference will…
RSVP NOW: How Can Open Data Support Africa’s Development?
How can Open Data support Africa’s Development? Accra – July 12 – RSVP Now Referred to as data that can…
Curbing the Spread of Fake News Online
People searching for the term ‘fake news’ has increased since the November 2016 US Presidential election. In 2014, Twitter said…
Final Batch of Health Workers Trained Under P4H Project
Over 20 municipal and district health officers from the Greater Accra region are the last batch of participants to be…
Penplusbytes Rolls Out New Open Governance using Digital tools Project
Engaging citizens in local governance improves transparency and accountability and enhances the ability of district assemblies to develop initiatives that…
Training of Front-line Health Workers Continues Under P4H Project
Thirty District Directors of Health, District Planning officers and District Information officers in the Eastern region will be the next…
Call For Expressions Of Interest: Consultant(s) for GACC Strategy Review
The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) is a unique cross-sectoral grouping of eight (8) public, private and civil society organizations (CSOs)…
Examinations Malpractices and Internet Shutdowns
Over 460,000 candidates are to sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which begins today [Monday, June 5] across…
Challenges to doing procurement right in West Africa
“Public procurement” sounds bureaucratic and boring, but the stakes of doing it well are high. In West Africa, where we…
GHANA TO HOST 2ND AFRICA OPEN DATA CONFERENCE IN JULY 2017
Accra, Ghana 24th May, 2017. Ghana has been selected to host the second Africa Open Data Conference (AODC) in July…
Accra Technology Salon to discuss how ICT’s can support better Public Health Services in Ghana
To gauge the status of ICTs use in Ghana’s Public health delivery system, Penplusbytes will on Tuesday May 30, 2017,…
Deutsche Welle demands the immediate release of their correspondent in DR Congo
DW-correspondent Antéditeste Niragira has been imprisoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo since Wednesday (17 May 2017). Niragira wanted to…
RSVP Now: How Can ICTs Enhance Public Health Services in Ghana?
How Can ICTs Enhance Public Health Services in Ghana? Accra – May 30th – RSVP Now The availability of…
THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AS AN ADVERTISING MEDIUM
By Janet Yaa Kudor Selecting the best advertising mediums for your company can be very challenging and stressful. Fortunately, there…
Wannacry Ransomware Cyber-Attacks hits 150 Countries
A computer malware that has spread across 150 countries appears to be slowing down, with few reports of fresh attacks…
Ghana Lauded for Media Pluralism and Independence of the Press
The 2017 World Press Freedom Index has commended Ghana as a country that promotes media pluralism and its independence. The…
Promoting justice for all as world marks Press Freedom Day 2017
By Janet Yaa Kudor The media continues to be a major influence in shaping the world; playing pivotal roles in…
Ghana’s Health Frontline Staff to Undertake ICTs training
As part of a 5-year USAID funded “People for Health”(P4H) project, being implemented by the SEND-Ghana, Penplusbytes and Ghana News…
“Give LEAP beneficiaries investment capital for financial independence”- Prof. Emmanuel Debrah
Prof. Emmanuel Debrah has called for an investment mechanism for LEAP beneficiaries to make them financially independent. Lauding the program,…
Victory in Cameroon: after 94 days, the internet is back on
After 94 days of an internet shutdown that violated the human rights of millions of people, the government of Cameroon…
Social Media Report Reveals Radio Stations’ Dominant Influence on Facebook and Twitter
In a bid to enhance the work of the media using technology in Africa, Penplusbytes has released its latest social…
Press Statement: The Civil Society Platform on Ghana’s IMF Programme’s Assessment of the 2017 Budget
The Civil Society Platform on Ghana’s IMF Programme commends Government for committing to adhere to and maintain good economic governance…
Using Technology to make the Workplace More Productive
Almost everyone can agree that productivity at the workplace can be traced to an organization’s ability to successfully execute its…
What is geographic information system?
Kwami Ahiabenu II || 29 March 2017 Location is key. Without location information, it is virtually impossible to function effectively…
Statement on President Akufo-Addo’s Appointment of 110 Ministers: Commit to Technology and Innovation for Smart Governance
Penplusbytes is deeply excited about the vision of Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure progress and economic and…
RSVP NOW: How Can Technology Fight Corruption in Ghana?
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon How Can Technology Fight Corruption in Ghana? Accra – March 21st –…
Anglophone Cameroon marks 50 days without the internet
It’s been 50 days since Cameroonian authorities imposed an internet blackout on English-speaking regions in the majority French-speaking nation. Hundreds…
Role of Technology in Promoting Open Contracting takes Centre Stage at 13th Accra Tech Salon
On Tuesday 28th February, 2016, the 13th Accra Technology Salon will host key stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations…
Penplusbytes to inaugurate Community Monitoring Group in Ashaiman
Penplusbytes with funding from the Open Society lnitiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is delivering the 2-year “Tech Driven Social Accountability…
World Radio Day 2017 Marked Globally
This century has been dubbed the “digital” century, with the proliferation of various technologies and gadgets that have completely reshaped…
Penplusbytes kicks start “Tech Driven Social Accountability for Results” project
In a bid to empower citizens to demand accountability from elected officials in public service delivery using new digital tools,…
12th Accra Technology Salon to Discuss How Technology can Promote Good Governance
To expand on how technology plays out in enhancing Ghana’s governance systems and processes, Penplusbytes will on Tuesday, January 31…
Penplusbytes Participates in One–day Learning Event on Technology and Governance in Ghana
Having successfully partnered with Making All Voices Count (MAVC) in delivering some diverse and innovative projects over the years, Penplusbytes…
Penplusbytes Connects with Ashaiman Citizens to their Assembly using New Digital Tools
Penplusbytes, with support from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) will on Thursday January 19th, 2017, engage citizens, local…
Ghana’s Media Comes of Age in Elections Coverage
Media coverage of elections have come a long way since the transition elections of 1992. However, despite improvements, challenges still persist.…
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLISSFUL NEW YEAR FROM US, TEAM PENPLUSBYTES
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy joyful New Year filled with Good Tidings. May 2017 be a great year…
Yes, elections can be held in Africa without shutting down the internet
By Eleanor Sarpong|| On Saturday, January 7, 2017, the West African country of Ghana sworn in a new President, Nana…
How did tech change the face of Ghana’s elections 2016?
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon How did tech change the face of Ghana’s elections 2016? Accra,…
Peliminary Statement of the National Democratic Institute’s International Observer Mission to Ghana’s December 7 Presidential and Legislative Elections
This preliminary statement is offered by the international observer delegation fielded by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to Ghana’s December…
Penplusbytes’ Social Media Tracking Team Contributes To Peaceful Elections 2016
Penplusbytes’ Social Media Tracking Centre has successfully contributed to Ghana’s Elections 2016, over 72 hours when the centre was open…
US Assistant Secretary, Others Visit Social Media Tracking Centre
The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas – Greenfield is among a list of high profile…
Message From the Executive Director, Penplusbytes on Elections Day
Below is a message of peace issued by our executive director, Mr. Kwami Ahiabenu II on this Election Day: “Good…
Nana Addo beats Mahama on Facebook in Penplusbytes’ Third Governance Social Media Index
Since June 2016, Penplusbytes has issued two Governance Social Media Index (GSMI) reports. The 1st Edition published on June 30th,…
3rd Quarter Social Media Index Shows Steady Growth
Penplusbytes has released its latest social media ratings on Ghana’s traditional media, revealing the performance of established newspaper brands, radio…
Newsrooms Strategy For Covering Ghana 2016 Elections
By Jane Kudor Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s really hard not to notice the sheer fever taking…
Penplusbytes Calls for Responsible Use of Social Media on December 7
Penplusbytes is calling on all Ghanaians to use social media responsibly on Election Day by reporting election related incidents on…
Penplusbytes, NRGI First Alumni Refresher Workshop Ends
A 3-day refresher course for past trainees of Penplusbytes/Natural Resource Governance Institute’s “Strengthening Media Oversight of the Extractive Sector” media training…
What to do at the Polls on December 7
In every election, voter and civic education are necessary to ensure that citizens understand their rights, their political system, the…
Penplusbytes, NRGI Engage Past Trainees at First Alumni Refresher Workshop
Since 2009, Penplusbytes and the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) have trained over fifty (50) Ghanaian journalists on knowledge and…
Voters’ Education Campaign Launched Ahead of December Polls
During the 2012 elections, Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC) adopted the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) system. A novelty as it was,…
Media Persons in Ashaiman and Tema Schooled on Reporting Citizen Engagement Using ICTs
A 2-day media workshop to train selected journalists from the Ashaiman/Tema area has successfully ended at the New Media Hub…
Social Media Tracking Centre for Ghana Elections 2016 Ready to Commence Operations
Although there is a lot of activity when it comes to monitoring mainstream media, there is currently only an inefficient…
7TH National Course “B” On Oil, Gas and Mining Governance Underway in Accra
After a successful week long regional course “A” in Tanzania with 24 journalists reporting on the extractive sector in their…
Penplusbytes to Train Journalists in Tema/Ashaiman Area on Reporting Using ICTS
While Ghana has been lauded for electoral success in times past, there are challenges with participatory, transparent and accountable governance…
Penplusbytes to Equip Journalists and Civil Society Players in the Extractive Sector with Data Skills
Since 2013, Penplusbytes has trained over 1,500 journalists in Sub Saharan Africa in using data journalism. In order to build…
“We all use phones; let’s use this technology for accountability”- Ashaiman MCE
The Municipal Chief Executive of Ashaiman, Ibrahim Baidoo has reiterated calls to integrate the opportunities provided by technology in recent…
#ENDimpunity: International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2016
According to International Federation of Journalists’ statistics, 112 journalists lost their lives when carrying out their duties in 2015. Today…
Penplusbytes to Launch New Grassroots Participation Project in Ashaiman
Penplusbytes, with support from the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, will be exploring the myriad of new opportunities ICTs offer…
Penplusbytes, EIB end 3-Day Data Journalism Workshop for Election Reporting in Accra
A 3-day Data Journalism Workshop to train selected Journalists from Ghana’s southern sector has successfully ended at the Maxlot Hotel…
2016 Parliamentary and Presidential Debates to come off despite Challenges- NCCE
The National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) says it will organize parliamentary debates in all 275 constituencies ahead of the…
Penplusbytes, EIB Network to deliver next set of data journalism training for elections reporting
After equipping 15 journalists in Kumasi with data journalism tools to produce data driven election stories, Penplusbytes in partnership with…
Political Candidates’ Social Media Use Increase ahead of December Polls- 2nd Governance Social Media Index
Penplusbytes’ Governance Social Media index (GSMI) tracks the relevance and effective use of social media in the governance space. The…
Prioritize expenditure to curb budget overruns – Former PIAC Chairman
A former chairman of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Major Ablorh-Quarcoo (Rtd) is asking government to prioritize its…
“Voters compass”: where do you stand as a citizen on oil and gas issues?
To keep citizens informed and abreast with the policy positions and manifesto promises of the various political parties on oil…
Penplusbytes Hosts First Extractive Salon in Accra
On Tuesday, 18th October, 2016, Penplusbytes will be hosting the first ever Extractive Salon to deliberate on the key question:…
7th Regional Media Training on Oil, Gas and Mining Governance underway in Tanzania
Penplusbytes , in partnership with Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is holding the 7th regional media training on oil, gas…
Online Voters’ Compass on Political Parties’ Policy Positions on Oil and Gas to be outdoored
Penplusbytes, with support from Ghana Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth (GOGIG) and International IDEA officially launched the “Ghana Elections…
Ashaiman Municipal Assembly calls for Completion of GETFUND Projects
Authorities of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) have been implored to ensure the completion of projects the Fund initiates…
Security Agencies Cannot Win Elections for Any Party – COP Kofi Boakye
The Ashanti Regional Police Commander, COP Nathan Kofi Boakye has warned that the security agencies will not allow themselves to…
3-Day Data Journalism Workshop for Election Reporting Ends in Kumasi
18 selected Journalists from the Northern sector of Ghana have successfully undergone a three-day intensive Training in data Journalism aimed…
EC Admonishes Journalists to Avoid Misinformation of the Public
The Ashanti Regional Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Mr. Serebour Quaicoo has reiterated the need for journalists to…
Penplusbytes Connects Citizens of Ashaiman with Their District Assembly Using ICTs
With the proliferation of affordable ICT tools in Ghana in recent times, Penplusbytes, under its new project “Enhancing Grassroots Civic…
Penplusbytes & EIB Network Lead in Elections Reporting Using Data Journalism
Using innovative new digital technologies, Penplusbytes in partnership with EIB Network with support from USA Embassy in Ghana is implementing…
Four Astounding Digital Technologies changing Governance in Africa
These are very exciting times for Africa. A budding generation of technologists, coders, entrepreneurs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are…
Accra Technology Salon: How can tech and new media throw more light on the extractive sector?
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon. Accra, Ghana – September 28th – RSVP Now The oil and…
Penplusbytes & Parliamentary Press Corps Participate in GLOW 2016
Penplusbytes, a member of the Parliamentary Monitoring Organizations (PMOs), has been working over the years using digital technologies to create…
Call For Expression Of Interest: 2016 Media Course On Oil, Gas And Mining Governance
The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is calling for expressions of interest from journalists in Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda interested in attending this year’s…
Penplusbytes Engages News Editors On Highlighting Oil & Gas Agenda In Ghana Elections 2016
Penplusbytes after a successful launch of its project “Ghana Elections: Amplifying oil and election issues” held a two-day editors liaison…
Penplusbytes Marks GLOW 2016 Week With A Workshop for Parliamentary Press Corps
As part of the third annual Global Legislative Openness Week (GLOW) activities around the world from 12th – 16th September,…
Penplusbytes Amplifies Oil and Gas Issues in Ghana Elections 2016
Ghana can only make the necessary gains from the oil and gas sector if or when there is a clear…
Does Oil and Gas matter in Ghana Elections 2016?
Penplusbytes, with support from Ghana Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth (GOGIG) and International IDEA will officially launch the “Ghana…
Kwami Ahiabenu, II named Highway Africa Fellow 2016
At the recently held Highway Africa 2016 on the theme “The Internet and the Media – Celebrations, Reflections and the…
2nd Quarter Social Media Index Report on Ghana’s Traditional Media Released
Penplusbytes, has released the 2nd Social Media Index (SMI) report on Ghana’s traditional media, revealing the performance of established newspaper…
Penplusbytes to issue explainers ahead of December polls
As part of our issues based coverage of Ghana’s Elections 2016, Penplusbytes’ African Elections Project will be issuing explainer articles…
One-day Strategic Meeting on Using Technology to Support Ghana Elections 2016 ends in Accra
In order to deliberate on the best strategy, innovations and ideas to ensure appropriate technology can support peaceful elections as…
Penplusbytes Joins Global Fight Against Internet Shutdowns
Penplusbytes has joined nearly 90 organizations from five continents in launching the #KeepitOn campaign to fight internet shutdowns worldwide. The…
9th Accra Technology Salon to discuss the impact of a potential social media ban during the 2016 Ghana elections
Accra – On August 23rd 2016, Penplusbytes will host the 9th Accra Technology Salon at the New Media Hub, Osu…
RSVP Now: 10th Technology Salon Accra – What Role Does Social Media Play in Election Monitoring?
RSVP now to join the next Technology Salon Accra, Ghana – August 23rd – RSVP Now In May and July…
Police should not ban social media – Penplusbytes
The Police Administration has been urged to consider setting up a social media monitoring centre, to police social media activities…
Civil society discusses Public Service Delivery
A Social Accountability Clearing Platform has been held in Accra as a means to increase the contribution of civil society…
Penplusbytes Fact-Checker Reports – The Truth behind the Political Rhetoric
To check misinformation, combat confusion, and reduce tensions around the elections, Penplusbytes under the project “Tech Powered Early Warning System…
Penplusbytes to hold Multi-Stakeholder Clearing Platform on Social Accountability
In a bid to build informed citizenry who are equipped with the appropriate digital tools to demand better service delivery…
Penplusbytes launches new media portal
By Kodjo Adams, GNA Penplusbytes has launched a new media online portal to serve as the first credible media directory…
PENPLUSBYTES @ 15: Statement from Executive Director, Kwami Ahiabenu II
On the occasion of the 15th anniversary celebration of Penplusbytes, we bring to you a message from the Executive Director,…
GCAA Seeks Public Collaboration on Safe Operation of Drones in Ghana
All over the world, drones or the Remotely Piloted Aircrafts (RPAs) which are a member of the aviation family are…
Penplusbytes to Mark 15th Anniversary with Press Soiree and Launch of Ghana Media Info Portal
Penplusbytes is celebrating its 15th year of promoting effective governance through the use of innovative technologies in Africa. To mark…
Penplusbytes Rolls Out “Ghana Elections 2016: Social Media Monitoring for Peaceful Elections” Project
In a bid to promote the peaceful conduct of Ghana’s 2016 general elections, Penplusbytes under its African Elections Project (AEP)…
Penplusbytes Releases First Governance Social Media Index
Penplusbytes is pioneering a Governance Social Media index in order to track the relevance and effective use of social media…
Penplusbytes to participate in Deep Offshore West Africa Congress 2016
On Thursday June 23rd, Penplusbytes will be participating in a two-day Deep Offshore West Africa Congress (DOWAC) on the theme…
GCAA to issue new directives on use of ‘drones’ in Ghana
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is set to issue New Directives on the requirements for the registration and use…
Penplusbytes Campaigns for Public Input into the 2017 Budget Statement and Economic Policy
Penplusbytes’ “Producing a citizens’ budget for Ghana” project is inviting individuals, recognized professional bodies, associations and civil society organizations to…
Streaming Online: Ghanaian Radio Stations on TuneIn Radio App
TuneIn is a privately held company based in Palo Alto, California founded by Bill Moore as RadioTime in Dallas, Texas…
APPLY NOW: Penplusbytes to Train SHS Graduates in Creative Writing & Digital Journalism
Penplusbytes is launching its specially designed Experiential Training in Creative Writing & Digital Journalism for Senior High School (SHS) graduates…
Penplusbytes, BloggingGhana Caution IGP on Proposed Social Media Ban
Penplusbytes, a non-profit organisation committed to enhancing governance by deepening citizens’ participation through ICTs and BloggingGhana, a membership-based grass-roots social…
Penplusbytes Partners EIB Network For Elections 2016 Coverage
Penplusbytes and Excellence in Broadcasting (EIB) Ghana have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly cover the Ghana 2016 elections…
Leveraging ICTs to Facilitate Free & Fair Ghana 2016 elections
Ghana’s 2012 general elections witnessed a lot of application of Information and Communication technologies (ICTs) by all stakeholders including political…
Can ICTs transform Ghana’s agricultural sector?
Food production is key to any country’s development. From the most advanced to developing countries, agriculture is important because without…
Penplusbytes’ “Connecting Citizens to Parliament” Ends on a High Note
Increasing citizens’ participation in legislative processes in Ghana has been challenging up until, the Committee on Government Assurances partnered Penplusbytes…
How to Bypass Electronic Communication Censorship
By: Kwami Ahiabenu,II Control of communication is power. To preserve their status quo, many major institutions-state and non-state actors –…
Penplusbytes to Share Experience at 8th ICT4D Conference in Nairobi, Kenya
On Monday May 16th, the Executive Director of Penplusbytes, Kwami Ahiabenu II will be speaking on promoting effective governance using…
Net Neutrality: Does it matter?
By: Kwami Ahiabenu,II The Internet revolution is making the world a better place. Since its birth in the 1950s, the…
Penplusbytes to Hold Citizens forum to promote grassroots participation in governance
Penplusbytes will, on Monday 9th May, 2016, hold the 4th citizens’ forum under its project “Grassroots Open Government Using New…
African Elections Project: Opportunity for Ghana Election Coverage Volunteers
Penplusbytes (www.penplusbytes.org) is a leader in new media and innovations; mining, oil and gas and the use of new digital…
Penplusbytes Congratulates Journalists on World Press Freedom Day
On this World Press Freedom Day, Penplusbytes wishes to congratulate all journalists who have over the years defended democratic ideals…
Freedom of the Press 2016
According to the report published by Freedom House, Global press freedom declined to its lowest point in 12 years in…
1st News and Editorial Symposium on Oil and Gas to be Held in Ghana
Penplusbytes in partnership with Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is organizing the 1st ever News and Editorial Symposium on Oil…
Penplusbytes to train Financial Journalists on Data Journalism
Penplusbytes, in partnership with the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ) and Highway Africa Centre, will on Friday April…
Five Key Trends in the New Media Space
The way we consume content is changing almost as rapidly as the digital landscape itself. With every new announcement from…
75% of global aid fails to meet transparency standards
London – New analysis from Publish What You Fund indicates that 25% of global aid now meets transparency standards. Donors…