Renowned Ghanaian DJ turned pastor, Victor Kpakpo Addo Jnr, popularly known as Azigiza Jnr, says advancements in technology have made it easier to succeed in the music industry today compared to when he was active.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeekend, Azigiza Jnr reflected on the changes in the music landscape while sharing updates on his personal life.

“I’ve been around, doing God’s work and raising my family, that’s the most important thing,” he said. “I’ve been married for 23 years. I have a 22-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter who is now entering university.”

Comparing his era to the present, he noted the huge impact of technology. “In our days, when you were recording, you had to use manpower. If the lights went off, you had to start all over again. Now, one person can be in the studio and edit everything.”

He explained that back then, DJs had to manually mix music, making synchronization difficult. “When I was Africa’s number one DJ, we used manpower to mix. The metronome wasn’t the same. Now, you lock the BPM and you’re mixing it’s much easier to be a star today.”

While he acknowledged that technology has opened doors for many, he added that true talent still stands out over time. “It’s easier to be on top, so everybody can be there. But along the line, separation dey happen,” he said in Pidgin.

He also highlighted how access to global platforms has changed the game. “I saw some guys in South Africa, and Beyoncé invited them. Those days, with only GTV, who go see you?”

Azigiza Jnr was a dominant figure in African entertainment in the 1990s before transitioning into ministry.

Source: Ghanaweekend

If you’ve ever had to apply for a passport in Ghana, then you know the process hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Long queues, frustrating delays, and the dreaded middlemen have made it more stressful than it needs to be. But things are changing — and fast.

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has just launched a major reform to make passport delivery faster, easier, and more transparent. And get this — under the new system, you could have your passport delivered to your doorstep within just 15 days.

Yes, you read that right. No more running back to the passport office to collect your document. Thanks to the introduction of courier services, passports will now be delivered straight to your home or office. Talk about convenience!

At the launch event, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to efficiency. “We’re removing the bottlenecks and getting rid of the middlemen,” he said. “Ghanaians deserve a stress-free process.”

The reforms also align with President John Mahama’s vision of building a 24-hour economy — and the passport office is now part of that push. They’re now working around the clock to ensure passports are processed faster than ever before.

Another exciting addition? Electronic tracking (e-tracking). You’ll now be able to monitor your application every step of the way — from the moment you apply to the moment your passport is delivered. It’s a smart move to cut out corruption and give applicants peace of mind.

And for those emergency situations — like last-minute medical trips or scholarship deadlines — the Ministry is working on a 24-hour express delivery option. It’ll come at an extra cost, but if it means skipping the usual stress and delays, many will find it worth it.

So why the sudden shift? Mr. Ablakwa shared that during a surprise visit to the passport office in his first week on the job, he found over 70,000 uncollected passports gathering dust. That visit opened his eyes to just how broken the system was — and pushed him to act fast.

With these reforms, there’s real hope that the passport application experience in Ghana is finally catching up with the times. It’s not just about faster service; it’s about restoring trust in the system and giving citizens the dignity of a smoother, fairer process.

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called on Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, to establish a physical office in Accra as a condition for continuing its operations in Ghana.

Speaking on the matter, Mr. George expressed concern over the company’s lack of local presence despite having received regulatory approval to provide Internet services in the country.

In an interview with TV3, Sam George said, “I’ve asked the regulator to inform the company that they need to open an office in Accra. I don’t understand. They need to have an office. You can’t operate in our country and not have a presence here.”

Mr. George emphasized that having a local office would enhance regulatory oversight and ensure accountability while also providing greater protection for Ghanaian consumers.

He further criticized the National Communications Authority (NCA) for what he described as a strategic oversight in granting a license to Starlink without mandating local residency or a base of operations in Ghana.

“Today, if there’s a problem involving a client of Starlink and the regulator needs to speak with Starlink, we need to send an email to someone sitting somewhere in the US, and it will take them two to three weeks to come down. What kind of regulation is that?” he asked.

Mr. George emphasized the importance of accessibility for effective regulation, stating that a local office would allow for timely consultations and quicker resolution of issues affecting consumers.

“When I need to meet the CEO of any MNO, I can call, and in an hour, he’s sitting in my office or at the office of the regulator for me to protect the interest of the Ghanaian people,” he argued.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet services in various countries, including some parts of Africa.

Starlink, developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, received approval from the NCA to operate in Ghana and was officially launched in August 2024. The service is managed locally by SpaceX Starlink GH LTD.

The technology uses a constellation of over 5,800 low-Earth orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet, with some users enjoying download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. Starlink’s entry is expected to revolutionise internet access in underserved rural communities where traditional infrastructure is limited.

Citi Newsroom