Communication on KNUST campus made easy with Vodafone Ghana’s MNotify

A group of App developers at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and members of the Vodafone Tech Hub, Ghana’s first technology and innovation center, have built a web-based SMS notification platform to assist the University authorities communicate with students.Known as M-notify, the platform allows the administrators of the University to send targeted messages to the entire student base and various groups using unique sender ID. Information on registration as well as critical and urgent security alerts are all now communicated to students using M-notify.

Following poor attendance to one of their Computer Science meetings, Godwin Amefia and Ronald Tagoe, both third year students identified communication gaps and thought about the web-based SMS notification platform as a solution. 

Commenting on the application, the Dean of Students at the KNUST, Dr. Kofi Owusu-Daakuwas grateful to Vodafone Ghana for supporting ‘Paperless Communication’ in the University. He explained, “Sharing information with students is now more effective and cheaper; as we are able to reach the entire students base via SMS in less than five minutes. We are also able to share information quickly with specific student groupings in Departments, Faculties and Colleges about meetings, changes in calendar events, venues etc. This system has virtually come to replace the era of paper advertisements which had scarred, defaced our edifices and littered our grounds.”

The Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof W.O. Ellis, is particularly proud the innovative solution was developed by students of KNUST; for him that is what a University of Science & Technology should all be about.  “In line with our innovative vision, Vodafone is providing each student access to 3600Mb data, 2400 minutes Vodafone to Vodafone calls and 960 text messages in a year all for less than 10 pesewas a day.  It should improve security as students can support each other in emergency situations; and also call security hotlines.”

The Head of Strategy and Innovation for Vodafone Ghana, Julius Owusu-Kyerematen is hopeful the unique partnership between Vodafone and KNUST will continue to develop to the mutual advantage of both institutions. “The Vodafone Tech Hub on KNUST campus provides a unique environment where like-minded and focused technology entrepreneurs meet, network and collaborate. It is a win-win for both KNUST and Vodafone Ghana because we are both passionate about innovation and creativity,” he emphasized.

Vodafone Ghana furnished the Tech Hub and provided the equipment including servers, computers, smart phones and internet connectivity about a year ago, giving students a chance to translate their knowledge from class into tangible results.

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For further information, please contact the Vodafone Ghana Press Information Line on 020 340 1313. You can also connect with Vodafone Ghana at: www.facebook.com/vodafoneghana or through our BB pin 23C0D157.

About Vodafone Ghana

Vodafone Ghana is the most awarded telecoms company in Ghana, winning amongst others, Best Telecoms Brand for three successive years and CIMG Marketing Oriented Company of the Year. We are a total communications solutions provider - mobile, fixed lines, internet, voice and data and provide unmatched service for fixed line and internet services. We are the leader and the first choice for all Ghanaians.

We are an operating company of Vodafone Group Plc, the most valuable telecoms brand in the world and one of the most valuable global brands with significant presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and the United States.

Stone Bwoy, Joey B, T Phlow and Ryan to Shake Campus at #DoMoreGh Prize Presentation

On Friday 15^th November at the Alex Kwapong Hostel, University of Ghana, Vodafone Ghana will shake the campus with ground breaking performances from their favorite music artistes at the prize presentation of the #DoMoreGH campaign. The event will feature Stone Bwoi, Joey B, T- Phlow and Ryan- the winner of the Vodafone Icons - Street Edition.

The #Do MoreGH campaign is an online campaign introduced by Vodafone some months back to empower Ghanaians on social media platforms to do more with their lives. People were encouraged to share their aspirations and dreams with Vodafone on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and win fantastic prizes including cash rewards that will enable them achieve those dreams.

The #DoMoreGH is one of the various initiatives the telecommunications giant introduced as part of its yearlong brand campaign which reiterate the company’s commitment to providing a reliable network that empowers and inspires customers to do more with their lives.

At the prize presentation on the University of Ghana campus on Friday, the first three winners will receive their cash prizes which will help them achieve their aspirations.The event will come to a climax with a music show, which will feature amazing performances by Stone Bwoi, Joey B, T -Phlow and Ryan - the winner of the Vodafone Icons - Street Edition. Deborah Venessa will be Mc for the day with DJ Vyrusky handling the turn tables

Delta Introduces Full Flat-Bed Seats between Accra and New York-JFK

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) has introduced its new full flat-bed BusinessElite seats on flights between Accra’s Kotoka International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport.

Delta will offer 400 full flat-bed seats per week for the business customer.  In addition Delta has also invested in its economy class with seats that provide additional legroom, adjustable headrests, personal in-seat entertainment screens with over 350 films, 250 TV shows, 100 hours of HBO, 4,500 songs and 30 games as well as USB power at each seat.   Delta operates a five time weekly nonstop service between Accra and New York-JFK with a Boeing 767-300ER over the winter as well as a three weekly service between Accra and Monrovia, Liberia. 

“Delta’s frequent business travellers tell us that the comfort of flat-bed seats with direct aisle access is a must have on flights to and from the U.S.,” said Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s senior vice president Europe, Middle East and Africa.  “The design of Delta’s new BusinessElite seats optimizes each passenger’s space, giving them privacy to work or relax in order to arrive at their destination ready for a day’s business.”

Customers flying in BusinessElite on Delta flights between Accra and New York-JFK will enjoy forward-facing seats that convert to a 180-degree fully flat-bed and offer direct aisle access in a 1x2x1 configuration.  All feature a 10.6” individual screen and a broad range of on demand entertainment in addition to 110v AC power source and USB port.

Delta is also offering Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, designed and manufactured exclusively for Delta by Westin Hotels & Resorts, in BusinessElite. In addition to the new Westin Heavenly In-Flight bedding, BusinessElite passengers will receive Delta’s new amenity kit featuring Tumi and Malin+Goetz products such as Neroli Hand & Body Lotion and Lip Moisturizer, a Tumi eye mask, socks, shoe horn, shoe polish, comb, dental kit, tissues, antibacterial wipes, earplugs and a pen. The products will be contained in a Tumi case made from the brand's exclusive, virtually abrasion-proof ballistic nylon fabric.

This investment can also be seen on the ground, with BusinessElite customers travelling from New York being able to enjoy the newly extended Terminal 4 with a new Delta Sky Club which features a Sky Deck – an outdoor airport terrace offering unprecedented runway views.    From New York, passengers can conveniently connect to over 60 onwards destinations in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

“There are strong business ties between Ghana and the United States and we continue to see a growing demand for premium travel on the trans-Atlantic,” said Bobby Bryan, Delta’s commercial  manager West and East Africa. “These product improvements will further enhance the overall customer experience for business travelers across Delta’s core business markets including Accra.”

Additionally, customers flying in Economy Comfort, Delta’s premium economy service, benefit from up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than Delta’s standard international Economy class seats. Customers seated in Economy Comfort also board early and enjoy complimentary spirits throughout the flight. 

Delta now operates service to five African cities in five countries with all the widebody aircraft featuring the full flat-bed business seat and enhanced economy class.  Delta has grown from 22 weekly departures to and from Africa in December 2006 to more than 40 planned for winter 2013.  Through the hubs in Atlanta and New York-JFK, Delta offers an unsurpassed network of hundreds of convenient onward connections. 

2013 winner for Vodafone Icons officially signs recording deal Universal Records

CIMG Marketing Oriented Company of the Year, Vodafone Ghana has delivered on its promise of a recording deal with Universal Records for this year’s winner of Icons, Street edition.  Ryan Korsah, has penciled his signature and joins the international record label, which manages global heavy weights such as Black Eyed Peas, Rick Ross, Kelly Rowland and Drake just to mention a few.

The Managing Director of Universal Records, Randall Abrahams at the official signing ceremony said “Universal Music ZA and Sub-Saharan Africa is very excited to welcome Ryan to the Universal family. We are passionate about developing music in Africa and look forward to honing and developing a Ghanaian talent.”

Chief Marketing Officer for Vodafone Ghana, Uche Ofodile, said “Vodafone is very proud to be making such a significant contribution to the Ghanaian music industry and changing the lives of young artistes like Ryan. Our partnership with the world’s record label will take Ryan and Ghana music to the next level on the international stage.

Ryan, emerged winner for the 13 weeks competition which saw the display of great talents from all finalists. He went home with the biggest prize package ever in the history of reality shows in Ghana valued at GHC 250,000.  It included a brand spanking new KIA Sportage SUV, GHC 50,000, Samsung products and the enviable record deal with Universal records.

His first single ‘I no care’ is already out and available on Vodafone’s music portal, Vodafonelive.com.gh. He is presently in South Africa shooting the music video for his single and putting final touches to his album. 

SAMSUNG BRINGS A NEW TWIST TO FASHION

Samsung Electronics West Africa offered the Fashion Designers, Models and fashion lovers at the just ended Glitz African Fashion Week (#GAFW) a new look at fashion through the eyes of their new and innovative GALAXY Note 10.1 and GALAXY Note 3 with the glamorous Smart Watch accessory an initiative inspired by Samsung’s global Accelerating Discoveries and Possibilities philosophy.

Samsung was featured on the runway during the Samsung Moment Runway Show, when world class models walked the runway with Samsung GALAXY Smartphones and accessories to bring out the fashion twist to these devices and how they compliment modern fashion trends. The event which was trending live on twitter engaged the audience in the Samsung Runway Snap with which they took pictures with their Samsung GALAXY Smartphones during the various runway events and shared it live during the various runway shows during the #GAFW.

Samsung also gave participants at this year’s #GAFW the opportunity to get a free digital sketch of themselves with the GALAXY Note 3 and Note 10.1. The experience saw a lot of fashion enthusiasts visit the Samsung stand to get a sketch. The media was not left out of the excitement as they also had the Samsung Media Lounge - a hi-tech area where the media they were able to report live from the venue and also upload stories from the event to their websites with hi-tech gadgets supported by hi-speed Wi-Fi internet. "Just as Samsung connects the continent through technology, it now has the opportunity to create a conversation through fashion," says Jaspreet Singh Business Leader for Handheld Products at Samsung Electronics West Africa.

Samsung is truly marrying tech and fashion as designers the world over continue to design great accessories to compliment latest Samsung Smartphones and accessories and Samsung has a growing global relationship with fashion. Recent collaborations include a limited-edition crowd-sourced designed handbag by Alexander Wang (NY), and accessory designs by Moschino (Milan), Nicholas Kirkwood (London) and the Korean label, Kuho womens wear.

The #GAFW was held at the Accra International Conference Center from 7^th to the 9^th of November, 2013. The show is the participation of over 30 fashion designers from across the globe.    

Tech Meets Fashion as Samsung Hits the Runway at the GAFW

It was all glitz and glamour at the Glitz African Fashion Week (#GAFW) when tech met fashion on the runway during the Samsung Moment session of the night. Top class models under the coordination of the Executive Producer of the #GAFW, Claudia Lumor walked the runway to display a unique blend of fashion and Smartphones.

The Samsung Moment got the crowd cheering as models walked the runway with their sleek Samsung GALAXY Note 3 + Gear talking pictures, making phone calls and taking notes. This display was a great step in the merger of technology and fashion.

The audience had their Samsung Smartphones up to record and take snaps of all the fun and excitement on the runway to also participate in the Samsung Runway Snaps. This was an opportunity for the audience to share their experience at the event which was trending live via #SamsungGlitz and #GAFW on Twitter.  

The #GAFW was held at the Accra International Conference Center from 7^th to the 9^th of November, 2013. The show saw the participation of over 30 fashion designers from across the globe.    

See More Photos from the Samsung Moment:

SARAH CHRISTIAN TO DESIGN FOR SAMSUNG SMARTPHONES AND ACCESSORIES

Sarah Christian a renowned Ghanaian Fashion Designer has disclosed her interest in designing new accessories for the Samsung GALAXY Gear and Note 3 Smartphones.

The designer who put up an exquisite runway show on the first day of  the ongoing GLITZ African Fashion Week (#GAFW) said she loves how Samsung’s innovative smart devices are uniquely designed and hope to compliment them by adding a touch of real African spice to make it even more attractive for the wardrobe.

According to Sarah Christian, technology and fashion have a lot in common and believes if the two are properly merged, fashion will be redefined and taken to a whole new level. She however hopes the Smartphone giant will provide her the best opportunity to show the world her unique skill and dream of transforming our Smartphones to something more than a device but a fashion accessory. 

Samsung are major sponsors at this year’s #GAFW and is sponsoring the event with their latest GALAXY Note 3 and GALAXY Note 10.1 devices.  The Smartphones giants believe that with the introduction of these new devices, fashion designers will go digital and design on the go.

Customers of Vodafone Ghana get free calls, sms and data on ‘Free Weekend’ Offer

CIMG Marketing Oriented Company of the Year, Vodafone Ghana continues to give their customers’ more value with the ‘Free Weekend’ offer which gives back to them the same amount of talk time they spent during the week to use on weekends for free.  

The offer is not only limited to talk time, customers can also get back whatever they spent on sms (text messages) and internet usage from Monday to Friday. This means customers on every Saturday and Sunday can use their ‘Weekend Offer’ to browse the internet, send text messages and call their friends and family on Ghana’s most reliable network.

In order to enjoy this amazing offer which gives value for money, Vodafone customers will have to dial 525 and register for free. Vodafone Ghana is well noted for having introduced several firsts unto the Ghanaian market including value offer bundles. The ‘Free Weekend offer’ is to empower customers to do more with their friends and family.

Vodafone Ghana remains Ghana’s most reliable network offering quality network coverage and meeting the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) benchmarks on quality service. 

Vodafone Healthline calls for questions ahead of Season 4

Multiple award winning television programme, Vodafone Healthline is urging Ghanaians to send in their questions on various health conditions to the short code ‘1788’ across all networks. The questions from will drive and inform the content for the entire 13 episodes which airs soon on various local television networks.

Vodafone Ghana’s Healthline, since it was launched in June 2011, has made a huge impact across all ten regions of the country.  A few weeks ago Vodafone Ghana announced fans of the programme had contributed over GHC 15,000 to support the programme. The TV show which is aimed at empowering Ghanaians by giving them access to health information, has not only brought credible and reliable health information into their homes, it has also saved tens of lives across the country, by sponsoring the treatment of many patients who were in need of urgent medical care, but could not afford it. Some of the patients were even flown abroad for their surgeries.

Vodafone Healthline Television series remains the most awarded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in Ghana, having won 12 local and international awards, including CIMG Television Programme of the Year for two years in a row.

The success of Healthline informed the introduction of Healthline  255, a medical Call Centre, run by doctors and nurses and powered by the world’s best triage system, which guarantees accurate medical advice. Healthline 255 is the first of its kind in Africa and provides expert medical advice to people in need of quality healthcare from the convenience of their phones. It opens daily from 4pm to 10pm including Sundays and public holidays.

Vodafone rewards children for giving value to GHC1

In these times of austerity measures and economic hardships particularly with the rise in utility tariffs and fuel, every single cedi counts and can make a huge difference.

Vodafone Ghana’s One Ghana Writing competition is one such initiative which is giving real value to money by encouraging creativity and thoughtful spending among children. Last week the telecom giant paid a surprise visit to some basic schools to reward the children for their creative entries.

Hundreds of entries have so far been received from various basic schools nationwide and the creativity among the children was very refreshing. It was interesting to note that the bulk of the entries from the children said they would GHC 1 to buy mobile top up as most of them owned mobile phones.

However some of the interesting ideas that were rewarded included an entry from a 13 year old pupil of Datus School Complex who said he would give GHC 1 to President Mahama to feed two additional children for the School Feeding Programme. Baba Shadow said he had heard on radio that it cost 40 peswas to feed a child for the programme.

David Owiredu, a pupil of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic School said he would use GHC 1 to buy seeds and plant trees in his neighbourhood to check erosion and the depletion of the ozone layer.

There were several other entries which were touched on recycling. For instance Maruf Osman, a class six pupil of the Perfect Primary School in Dome Pillar II said he would use GHC1 to buy empty milk tins and build a toy car. At the presentation ceremony, Maruf said his dream was to be an auto-engineer and therefore looked forward to building vehicles in the future.

For their prizes the children each received a fully connected Samsung Galaxy table from Vodafone and Samsung. Vodafone Ghana and Sumsung a few weeks back launched the competition targeted at children below the age of 15 to encourage them to give value to GHC 1.

To submit an entry, Vodafone is asking all children to write on what they can do with GHC1 and include any used Vodafone top up card from their parents. They can either post it to Vodafone or drop it in any of their retail shops nationwide. A panel of judges which includes a child psychologist has been constituted to look out for the most innovate, original and realistic ideas. Vodafone and Samsung are presently on a roadshows to basic schools to reward.

Vodafone’s One Ghana bundle offer took the Ghanaian market by storm in 2011. At the 2013 CIMG Awards, One Ghana was singled out and acknowledged for its uniqueness on the market. In September 2013, Vodafone re-launched the new and improved offer with the addition of 100 free SMS, 5 minutes talk time to other networks and 20 megabits of data to the original offer of 100 minutes for 1 Ghana Cedi.

Customers can subscribe to the offer by dialling 7272 and follow the voice prompt; they need a minimum of 1 Ghana Cedi to enjoy this incredible offer.