Ghanaian invents app for local languages

More Ghanaian inventors are making the country proud in the area of ingenuity; one of such inventors is a computer scientist, Mr. Kyekyeku Opoku-Pong who has invented a computer application that aides in the typing of local languages.

An innovation that would go a long way to boost the typing of the eleven languages officially taught in schools on computers as well as the teaching and study of ICT training in the local languages.

The former Nokia-Finland worker, stated that the products known as the Ghanakey, comes in two formats, the keyboard format connected to laptops and computers and the app format which is available on Android Playstore and which can be downloaded on smartphones, laptops and other ICT devices.

The computer scientists explained that he has so far developed some of the samples of the keyboard format and has introduced them to key stakeholders for adoption, adding that “If Ghana was to develop in ICT, I think this keyboard initiative is a necessity and we hope government would embrace this initiative to boost the use of ICT in our local languages”.

Opoku-Pong said he has gotten in touch with the Ministry of Education (MOE) for adoption of the computers in the schools, pointing out that the ministry has requested for a proposal detailing their terms and conditions.

He revealed that some banks have also expressed interest in their products and are willing to sponsor in producing more of the keyboard formats.

He recalled that the initiative was started some ten years ago but it has taken shape and it’s now ready to go commercial.

The inventor noted that if the nation is to reap the full benefits of the ICT revolution, it should localize and indigenize ICT training to ensure that no one is excluded or left behind.