Buhari's Aide Counters Negative Reaction Over Twitter's First Africa Office In Ghana

American microblogging and social networking service, Twitter has announced that it would be setting up a presence in Ghana, Africa.

Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, via a tweet, made the announcement on Monday. “Twitter is now present on the continent. Thank you, Ghana and Nana Akufo-Addo,” he said.

?? Twitter is now present on the continent.

Thank you Ghana and @NAkufoAddo. #TwitterGhana https://t.co/tt7KR3kvDg

— jack (@jack) April 12, 2021

The company said in a statement that it is now actively building a team in Ghana “to be more immersed in the rich and vibrant communities that drive the conversations taking place every day across the continent.”

Twitter stated that several job openings from product and engineering to design, marketing, and communications are available. individuals are expected to fill these roles remotely as Twitter makes plans to establish an office in the country later.

Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo welcomed the social media service to the country and stated that Twitter’s operations is excellent news.

“The choice of Ghana as HQ for Twitter’s Africa operations is excellent news. Government and Ghanaians welcome very much this announcement and the confidence reposed in our country.”

The choice of Ghana as HQ for Twitter’s Africa operations is EXCELLENT news. Gov’t and Ghanaians welcome very much this announcement and the confidence reposed in our country. 1/3 #TwitterInGhana #TwitterGhana https://t.co/HdCqFgXK0x

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) April 12, 2021

He also revealed that he held a virtual meeting with Dorsey on the 7th of April, where the two parties might have finalized the deal.

“As I indicated to Jack in our virtual meeting on 7th April 2021, this is the start of a beautiful partnership between Twitter and Ghana, which is critical for the development of Ghana’s hugely important tech sector. These are exciting times to be in and to do business in Ghana,” he added.

According to Twitter, the decision to kick off its African expansion with Ghana stems from the country’s dealings with AfCFTA and its openness toward the internet.

Special Assistant to President Buhari on Digital and New Media, Mr. Tolu Ogunlesi, countered the negative reactions against the Nigerian government, saying that Facebook had also announced that it would be opening an office in Lagos.

"Ghana got Twitter, Nigeria got Facebook (operational H2 2021). God be praised. Let's be happy for each other. Not everything is fight, dears. Ghana, congratulations."

Ghana got Twitter, Nigeria got Facebook (operational H2 2021). God be praised. Let’s be happy for each other. Not everything is fight, dears. Ghana, congratulations. ???? https://t.co/EnMnjfd7kM

— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) April 12, 2021