Kumasi is fast becoming a key player in Ghana’s tech scene, following a successful debut of the internationally recognized Tech in Ghana conference in the Ashanti Region.

The two-day event, held over the weekend, brought together innovators, investors, policymakers, students, and traditional leaders to deliberate on how technology can drive both regional and national progress.

Akosua Annobil, Founder of Tech in Ghana, expressed her delight at hosting the conference in her home region. “The Ashanti Region’s influence and energy hold immense potential for Ghana’s next wave of technological advancement,” she stated.

The conference comes at a time when there are increasing calls for the decentralization of tech opportunities, moving beyond the dominance of Accra. It firmly positions Kumasi as an emerging hub for innovation and investment.

Evans Yaw Amoah-Nyamekye, Special Legal Advisor to the Ashanti Investment Trust, emphasized the Trust’s partnership with Tech in Ghana to bolster innovative projects that align with the region’s development goals. “Kumasi is alive, awake, and ready for business, and cannot be left out of any future conversation on technology and investment,” he added.

Local tech entrepreneurs welcomed the increased attention. Laud Anthony Basing, Founder of Incas Diagnostics, shared that operating his manufacturing company in Kumasi has been advantageous, despite facing pressure to relocate to Accra. “The challenges of operating from Kumasi are less in comparison to the opportunities, and Tech in Ghana has been instrumental in connecting us to new partners and global exposure year after year,” he explained.

However, stakeholders also acknowledged existing challenges within the ecosystem. Gideon Brefo, CEO of Hapa Space, pointed to limited access to reliable data, insufficient commercialization of academic research, and concerns regarding intellectual property protection. “Many developers fear that potential partners or investors may steal their ideas,” he noted, advocating for stronger IP laws and the swift passage of the Startup and Innovation Bill.

Despite these hurdles, Brefo described the conference as a pivotal moment. “The event created opportunities for meaningful connections, mentorship from globally exposed leaders, and partnerships capable of accelerating growth,” he said, highlighting the conference’s theme of “connection” and the palpable energy among attendees.

The conference also explored the exciting intersection of technology and Ghanaian culture. Brefo showcased initiatives like digitised textile designs for local loom weavers and virtual reconstructions of historical sites, demonstrating how technology can preserve and enhance cultural heritage, offering immersive experiences.

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