Hello Python Ghana Family! 🐍🇬🇭

As we wrap up 2025, we're excited to share opportunities, resources, and celebrate our community members who continue to make waves in the global Python and Django ecosystems. Let's dive in!

Global Conference Opportunities in 2026

The new year brings exciting opportunities to share your knowledge at Python and Django conferences happening at multiple levels across the globe! Whether you're interested in continental conferences that draw thousands of attendees from around the world, regional events that bring together neighboring countries and communities, or local meetups and conferences, there's a stage waiting for your voice.

These conferences offer both in-person and online speaking opportunities, as well as tutorial sessions for those who want to teach hands-on workshops. Several major Python and Django conferences have opened their Call for Proposals (CFPs), and we encourage every member whether you're a first-time speaker or a seasoned presenter to submit your talk proposals.

Check out the links below to discover conferences at each level and find the perfect fit for your speaking journey:

• EverthingOpenSource - open-source-events

• The Python Organization - upcoming events

• The Django Project - news and events

• Python Organizers - upcoming proposals & conferences

Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back! Your unique perspective and experiences matter. The Python community thrives on diverse voices, and we want to hear yours.

Resources & Mentorship to Help You Succeed

Preparing a conference talk can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone! There are fantastic resources and mentorship opportunities available to help you craft compelling proposals and deliver engaging presentations.

Available Resources:

• PyCon Africa - speaker guides

• PyCon Ghana - proposing a talk

• PyCon US - proposal guidelines

• Black Python Devs - discord server CFPs channel

• DjangoCon US - speaker resources

• Other articles to get you started:

  • Protips for Conference Talks

  • How to Submit a Tutorial Proposal

  • How I Review a PyCon Talk Proposal

Whether you need help brainstorming topics, reviewing your proposal, practicing your presentation, or just a confidence boost, these resources are here for you. Reach out and our community is ready to support your speaker journey!

Talk Topics & Areas of Interest

Wondering what to talk about? Conference organizers are looking for diverse topics that span the entire Python and Django spectrum. Here are some areas that are particularly welcome:

Popular Topic Areas:

• Web development with Django, FastAPI, Flask, and modern Python frameworks

• Data science, machine learning, and AI applications

• DevOps, cloud deployment, and infrastructure automation

• Testing, debugging, and software quality practices

• Python in education and Community building

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech

• Career development and professional growth

• Security and privacy in Python applications

• IoT and hardware projects with Python

• Open-source contribution and maintenance, etc.

For First-Time Speakers: Your "beginner" perspective is valuable! Consider topics like "lessons learned," "mistakes I made," or "how I built my first project." The community loves authentic, relatable stories.

For Regular Speakers: Push the boundaries! Share deep technical dives, case studies from production systems, or explore emerging Python technologies and trends.

Community Spotlight - Celebrating Our Amazing Organizers

What an incredible year it has been for Python Ghana!
We celebrate the dedicated organizers and volunteers who made 2025 truly unforgettable.

Dorothy Ewuah (Chair) and Joseph Sowah (Co-Chair)

PyCon Ghana 2025, themed "Python for Everyone: Shaping Culture, Career, and Communities", was nothing short of magical.
Under the exemplary leadership of Dorothy Ewuah (Chair) and Joseph Sowah (Co-Chair), alongside an incredible team of leads including Gideon Opoku, Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah, Joyce Dzifa Lokko, Julius Boakye, Enoch Sem, Kelvin Quarcoo, Nana Osei Wiafe, Joseph Abuanor, Nicole Nuna Afagbedzi, and Anthony Addae, the conference ignited love in young professionals and students across the nation. From workshops to talks, we witnessed eyes light up, hands shoot up with questions, and bonds form over shared code and community.

We also want to give a wonderful shout-out to PyHo, our regional user group in Ho with Kafui Alordo as the lead for organizing the amazing PyHo 2025 with the theme "Beyond Community: Open Source for Growth and Development." PyHo has been organizing meetups, participating in Django Girls events, and steadily growing their network with consistency and patience. As one organizer beautifully noted, "You don't need to be in Accra to make an impact in Ghana's tech ecosystem. You can create something meaningful wherever you are."
This is proof that community building happens everywhere, and every contribution matters.

To all our organizers, volunteers, speakers, sponsors, and attendees, thank you for being part of this movement and for carrying this momentum forward into 2026!

Become a PSF or DSF Member - Your Contributions Matter!

Have you contributed to Python or Django open-source projects? Organized community events? Mentored others? Written tutorials or documentation? Then you're eligible to become an official member of the Python Software Foundation (PSF) or Django Software Foundation (DSF)!

Why Become a Member?

• Vote in board elections and help shape the future of Python/Django

• Gain recognition for your contributions to the ecosystem

• Access member-only resources and networking opportunities

• Amplify African voices in global open-source governance

How to Apply:

• PSF Membership: PSF membership registration

• DSF Individual Membership: DSF membership registration

Don't underestimate your contributions! Community building, mentorship, documentation, teaching, and advocacy all count. If you've given back to the Python or Django communities in any way, we encourage you to register or self-nominate. Your voice deserves to be heard.

Opt-In & Stay Connected

Want to stay updated on community activities, opportunities, and events? Make sure you're signed up as a member and subscribed on our official Python Ghana website: Opt-In Here!. By subscribing, you'll receive updates on local Python Ghana events and meetups, information about global Python and Django conferences, opportunities in the broader open-source ecosystem, community job postings and collaboration requests, and monthly newsletters like this one!

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we close out 2025, let's commit to making 2026 a year of growth, learning, and contribution. Whether you submit your first conference talk, mentor a fellow community member, or take on leadership roles in open-source projects, know that Python Ghana is here to support you every step of the way.

Here's to an amazing 2026!

With gratitude and excitement,
The Python Ghana Communications Team

Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us via the email: hello@pythonghana.org.

What Made PyHo 2024 Special

Last October 25-26, something special happened in Ho. Our inaugural Python conference brought together developers, students, educators, and tech enthusiasts from across Ghana and beyond. While we faced the typical challenges of a first-time event, the energy and passion of our community shone through.

The conference featured practical workshops and talks that resonated with our diverse audience. We had sessions on Python fundamentals, machine learning applications in gaming, Django Ninja for API development, and HTMX as an alternative to traditional frontend frameworks. One talk that generated significant discussion was our panel on diversity and inclusion, which sparked important conversations about representation in tech.

Desmond Kitsi's session, "Coding the Future: Empowering Young Minds with Python," explored how "each time a child is born, a new future is created" and emphasized the importance of investing in young minds to ensure the Python community's sustainable growth. Abigail Afi Gbadago delivered the opening keynote, advocating for open source and sharing insights from her experience as a software engineer.

We also had valuable talks on starting Python clubs in schools, the SOLID principles in programming, and how the Python Software Foundation supports communities worldwide. Representatives from organizations like ICP HUB Ghana , Genius IT Foundation , and Black Python Devs shared their work and opportunities for community involvement.

The technical setup was solid - good audio, projection, and reliable internet thanks to Starlink. The food was well-received (including fish with jollof rice, which was a pleasant surprise for many!), and the venue at UHAS provided a spacious, comfortable environment for learning and networking.

Learning from Year One

PyHo 2024 taught us valuable lessons. We learned about the challenges of organizing events in a transitional community like Ho, where people come for education or work and may not stay long-term. We experienced the reality that not everyone who registers will attend, which affects planning and resources.

But we also discovered the incredible warmth and support of the Python community. People traveled from Accra, Kumasi, and beyond to support our first conference. The enthusiasm was genuine, even if attendance didn't match registrations. Most importantly, we proved that quality tech events can happen outside of Ghana's major cities.

PyHo 2025: Building on Solid Foundations

This year, we're taking everything we learned and building something even better. PyHo 2025 will be a two-day conference featuring a carefully curated single track of talks and workshops designed for all skill levels.

Our theme, "Beyond Community: Open Source for Growth and Development," reflects our commitment to showing how open source contributions can drive real economic and social progress. We'll explore how Python and open source technologies can address challenges specific to our region while contributing to the global ecosystem.

What to Expect

• Django Day Workshop to explore the Django Framework, an in-depth hands-on experience for beginners and intermediates to fall in love with programming using Python/Django

• Deep-dive workshops on contributing to open source projects

• GitHub sprint sessions where you can make real contributions

• Hands-on sessions for building datasets that address regional challenges

• Keynotes from speakers who are using open source to drive meaningful change

• Lightning talks showcasing innovative projects from our community

Call for Proposals is Open

We want to hear from you! Whether you're working on Python in education, developing solutions for local challenges, or contributing to major open source projects, we want your voice at PyHo 2025.

Submit your talk proposals at papercall.io/pyho2025. We're looking for stories, insights, and practical knowledge that can inspire and educate our community.

A Personal Note

Building a sustainable tech community requires consistency and patience. Since 2017, we've been organizing meetups, participating in Django Girls events, and slowly growing our network. PyHo 2024 was the culmination of years of groundwork, and PyHo 2025 represents our commitment to continuing this journey.

As one of our speakers noted, you don't need to be in Accra to make an impact in Ghana's tech ecosystem. You can create something meaningful wherever you are. PyHo is proof of that philosophy in action.

Join Us

Ready to be part of something special? Registration is open at 2025.pythonho.com.

Follow us @PyHoGH on X for the latest updates on speakers, schedules, and everything you need to know about PyHo 2025.

Whether you're a seasoned developer, a curious student, or someone just starting their coding journey, PyHo 2025 has something for you. Let's go beyond community and code the future together.

See you in Ho!

PyHo 2025 is organized by the Python User Group Ho community with support from the Python Software Foundation and our local partners.

This was put together by Jessica Adzoyi for the community.

"Think of AI agents as smart assistants that can understand, decide, and use tools to get real tasks done — with autonomy."

The Deep Dive into Agents

Led by Gabriel Agbobli, a data scientist and a community builder, introduced the Agent Development Kit (ADK) - a flexible and modular framework for developing and deploying AI agents, though optimised for Gemini and the Google ecosystem, ADK is model-agnostic and deployment-agnostic, ensuring compatibility with various frameworks.

The meetup provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of how AI agents function in practical scenarios, covering everything from task automation to sophisticated decision-making processes. exploring the core concepts of AI agents, - defined as autonomous programs that interact with AI models like Large Language Models (LLMs) to perform goal-based operations.

A community Vibe and Hands-on learning

The session included a live demonstration of basic agent workflows utilizing LLMs and open-source tools, providing valuable practical experience. The interactive segment fostered an open-floor discussion where we share ideas, challenges, and aspirations related but not limiting to AI, engineering best practices, collaboration and team work. The energy and collaborative spirit within the community were palpable, reinforcing the shared goal of shaping a vibrant developer ecosystem in Ho and beyond.

More innovation on the Ho-rizon

The Python User Group Ho Team is already gearing up for future exciting events. The upcoming July meetup, titled "Beyond the Buzz: Building Real Stuff with Web3," will focus on Blockchain/Web3. Looking ahead, August will feature "Stack the Future: Blending AI, Web3 & IoT," and a tentative "Build. Break. Innovate. Hackathon" is scheduled for October.

These initiatives underscore the team's commitment to continuous learning and innovation within the tech community.

Stay connected and follow us on X/Twitter @PythonHo!

#PyHo2025 #AIagents #PythonCommunity #BuildWithAI #AgenticWorkflows

Important Dates

Submission Open: 10th July, 2025

Submission Deadline: 31st July, 2025

Speaker Notifications: 10th August,2025

Notification emails are sent out in phases over a couple of days.

Speaker Confirmation : 20th August, 2025

Conference Dates : 25-27 September, 2025

Talk Categories

For this year’s conference we encourage proposals in the following areas:

Python fundamentals, tooling, and ecosystem

Web development (Django, Flask, FastAPI)

DevOps, automation, CI/CD

Scientific Python, data pipelines, ETL

AI / ML / Data / NLP

Data visualization, analytics, and storytelling

Community & Open Source

Education & Research

Tech for Good / Real-World Impact

Culture, Career, & Identity in Tech

SESSION TYPES.

Standard Talks

• 30 minutes or 45 minutes (including Q&A)

• You’ll specify the length preference when submitting

Lightning Talks

• 5 minutes max

• No Q&A

• Can be with or without slides

• Signup opens closer to the event (no need to submit via CFP)

Workshops / Tutorials

• Hands-on session proposals are welcome

• Must include what tools/laptops attendees need

• Duration: 60–90 minutes (preferred), but we can discuss further

Guidelines for Speakers

For more information on how to submit your proposal head unto https://gh.pycon.org/2025/talks/speaking/

We can’t wait to have your proposals!

We’re excited to announce that PyCon Ghana is back! 🇬🇭

As one of the largest and most inclusive developer conferences in the country, PyCon Ghana 2025 brings together Python enthusiasts, beginners, students, professionals, educators, and community leaders from across Ghana and beyond.

This year’s event will feature:

• Mentorship sessions for beginners and students

• Hands-on workshops for real-world learning

• Talks and panels from leading voices in tech and community

• Beginner-friendly content with space for first-time speakers

• And a strong focus on culture, career, and community building

Why We Need Sponsors

PyCon Ghana is fully volunteer-run. Every speaker, organizer, mentor, and team member is giving back to the community and we rely on sponsorship to make it all possible.

Your support helps us:

• Secure a venue and provide logistics support

• Offer travel grants for underrepresented attendees

• Provide meals, materials, swag, and learning tools

• Make the event accessible to students and beginners

Whether you’re a startup, foundation, government agency, or tech company, your sponsorship directly powers learning, collaboration, and community growth.

Why Sponsor PyCon Ghana?

By sponsoring PyCon Ghana 2025, your brand will:

• Reach 200+ participants across Ghana and the African developer ecosystem

• Gain visibility within a globally recognized Python community

• Build relationships with emerging talent, local developers, and tech leaders

• Be seen as a supporter of inclusion, education, and innovation in Africa

• Connect with developers across web, data, AI/ML, DevOps, open source, and more

Let’s Build Together

We’re inviting individuals, companies, and organizations to join us in building a stronger tech ecosystem, not just for Ghana, but for the continent.

Interested in Sponsoring?

Let’s talk!

Reach out to us via https://bit.ly/pycongh2025CFS .

Together, we can shape careers, grow communities, and make space for the next generation of tech leaders.

We're thrilled to announce that the Python Ghana Conference 2025 dubbed Pycon Ghana 2025 is happening this September in Accra!

This is an all size fits all conference, whether you’re a first-time coder, an experienced developer, or someone using tech to make a difference in your community , this is your space.

This year, we’re coming together under the theme:

🎯 “PYTHON FOR EVERYONE: SHAPING CULTURE, CAREER, AND COMMUNITIES.”

Our goal is simple: to create a welcoming space where people across Ghana, Africa, and beyond can connect, learn, and grow through the power of Python.

What to Expect:

• Talks and workshops led by experienced developers, educators, and open-source contributors

• Community-led tutorials like Django Girls and Python basics

• Real conversations on how Python is helping shape careers, local innovation, and community impact

• A chance to meet people building, teaching, and collaborating across Africa’s growing tech scene

Mark your calendars.

📍 Accra, Ghana

📅 September 25th–27th, 2025

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Let’s build something meaningful together.

Held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association Hotel in Ho, this final session brought together Python and Django enthusiasts for a practical, hands-on walkthrough of taking web projects beyond development to real-world hosting.

Led by our guest speaker Bilesanmi Ahmad,- a Senior Software Engineer at Complete Farmer. The session titled “Level Up Your Python: From Localhost to Live” elaborated the deployment process for Django applications. Participants learned how to:

• Prepare a Django app for production,

• Set up servers using Digital Ocean,

• Automate deployments with GitHub Actions.

The workshop ended with live demos, and also highlighted common pitfalls and best practices in the deployment pipeline - a critical skill every modern developer needs!

Wrapping Up Our Web Journey

Our Web Series journey started in February 2025 with the basics of Django, continued with a deeper dive into Django’s core concepts in March, and now culminated with learning how to confidently ship projects to the world.

Throughout this series, participants not only improved their backend development skills but also built real-world projects like our Community Hub app - gaining practical experience from database modeling to deployment.

🌟 A huge thank you to every participant, coach, and volunteer who made this series possible!

At Python User Group Ho (PyHo), we believe in learning by doing and growing together as a community. Whether you’re just beginning or advancing your skills, there’s always a space for you with us.

- next up, we’re diving into the future with our May meetup on Agents in AI! 🤖

It promises to be an exciting, hands-on exploration of intelligent workflows, automation, and building your first AI agents. Stay tuned

Until then - keep building, keep deploying, and keep leveling up! 🚀

Saturday, March 29, 2025, our March meetup marked session two of our planned three part Web development series using Python and Django - intended to be a hands-on, progressive learning to help attendees gain a stronger grasp of what happens under the hood working with Django.

The Deeper Look into Django

The focus of our March meetup was going a little deeper into the Django web framework, where we broke down the essential components that power every Django application. The topics covered included:

• Models – Understanding how Django models help map and manage data with ease using the ORM.

• Views – Understanding the logic layer and how to return the right responses.

• Templates – Crafting clean, reusable HTML with Django’s templating engine.

• URLConf – Routing requests cleanly and efficiently through URL patterns.

• Forms – Building and validating user input using Django Forms.

• User Authentication – Exploring built-in tools for login, registration, and user management.

More than just theory, we continued building our community hub project - implementing custom user authentication, extended Django’s default user model, and explored permission management, laying the foundation for role-based access and personalized dashboards.

Up Next?

The finale of the series will focus on deployment and DevOps basics — going from localhost to Live! 🚀 pushing Django apps to the web with tools like Digital Ocean and GitHub Actions. We’ll walk through deploying our community hub app so participants can proudly share their projects online.

We envisage our web intro series to be a great way to grow with the Python User Group Ho community and whether you are just starting out or sharpening your backend skills, there’s something for everyone. You can join us and take off from where we will be continuing with the help of dedicated members willing to help and support everyone grow.

Stay tuned and follow Python Ho on social media for updates on our next meetup!

Staring at the terminal in front of you and wondering what next - turning that app idea into reality? We've all been there so has many Python learners stumbled when it came to structuring a Django project from scratch.

Going back to the basics, we will be building a real-world application: Community Hub – a forum-like platform where members can post blog articles, learn the process of building Django apps, and grow. Think user sign-in/-up, engaging blog posts, and personalized profiles!

Project Setup, Step-by-Step

First things first: the blueprint. Setting up a boilerplate ensures a solid foundation for our Community Hub project.

# Create the project
django-admin startproject communityhub

# Navigate into the project directory
cd communityhub

# Create the app
python manage.py startapp app

Building our data Models

Next, we'll dive into defining the structure of our data with Django's powerful models.

# app/models.py
from django.db import models
from django.contrib.auth.models import User

class Profile(models.Model):
    user = models.OneToOneField(User, on_delete=models.CASCADE)
    bio = models.TextField(blank=True)

    def __str__(self):
        return self.user.username

class BlogPost(models.Model):
    title = models.CharField(max_length=200)
    content = models.TextField()
    author = models.ForeignKey(User, on_delete=models.CASCADE)
    created_at = models.DateTimeField(auto_now_add=True)

    def __str__(self):
        return self.title

Let’s add 'app' to INSTALLED_APPS in communityhub/settings.py:

# communityhub/settings.py
INSTALLED_APPS = [
    'django.contrib.admin',
    'django.contrib.auth',
    'django.contrib.contenttypes',
    'django.contrib.sessions',
    'django.contrib.messages',
    'django.contrib.staticfiles',
    'app', # Add your app here
]

And then we run our migrations:

python manage.py makemigrations
python manage.py migrate

Writing Our Views

Writing our view logics that handles user requests, process data and returns a response.

# app/views.py
from django.shortcuts import render
from .models import BlogPost

def blog_list(request):
    posts = BlogPost.objects.all()
    return render(request, 'app/blog_list.html', {'posts': posts})

Matching our URLs to Views

We will have to map our URLs to specific views, to help access and navigate our application.

# communityhub/urls.py
from django.contrib import admin
from django.urls import path, include

urlpatterns = [
    path('admin/', admin.site.urls),
    path('', include('app.urls')), # Include app's urls
]

And now, we create app/urls.py:

# app/urls.py
from django.urls import path
from . import views

urlpatterns = [
    path('', views.blog_list, name='blog_list'),
]

Templates to render our Views

Finally, we create a text-document know as templates to display our data and create a user-friendly interface. It “can generate any text-based format (HTML, XML, CSV, etc.).”

Create a templates/app directory and a blog_list.html file inside it:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Blog Posts</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Blog Posts</h1>
    <ul>
        {% for post in posts %}
        <li>
            <h2>{{ post.title }}</h2>
            <p>By: {{ post.author.username }}</p>
            <p>{{ post.content }}</p>
            <p>Created: {{ post.created_at }}</p>
        </li>
        {% endfor %}
    </ul>
</body>
</html>

Let’s not forget to configure the TEMPLATES setting in communityhub/settings.py:

# communityhub/settings.py
import os

TEMPLATES = [
    {
        'BACKEND': 'django.template.backends.django.DjangoTemplates',
        'DIRS': [os.path.join(BASE_DIR, 'templates')], # Add this line
        'APP_DIRS': True,
        'OPTIONS': {
            'context_processors': [
                'django.template.context_processors.debug',
                'django.template.context_processors.request',
                'django.contrib.auth.context_processors.auth',
                'django.contrib.messages.context_processors.messages',
            ],
        },
    },
]

Now, we run the development server:

python manage.py runserver

Our application can be accessed via http://127.0.0.1:8000/ in your browser to see the blog list but we will have to create some blog posts in the admin panel first.

In our next session, "Django Deep Dive," we will explore advanced ORM techniques, delve into authentication best practices, and master admin customization.

The Journey of PyLadies Ghana

PyLadies Ghana has been at the forefront of empowering women in tech through mentorship, bootcamps, training, and community engagement. Since our inception, we have worked tirelessly to bridge the gender gap in technology by equipping women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to excel.

Through our diverse initiatives ranging from hands-on Python workshops, Data Science Bootcamps, DjangoGirls bootcamps, cybersecurity training, and networking events we have created a platform where women can learn, collaborate, and thrive. Our goal is to ensure that more women are not only participating in tech but also leading and shaping its future.

Build, Lead, and Inspire: The Power of Investing in Women

Investing in Pythonista women is more than just providing technical training; it's about creating an ecosystem that nurtures growth, fosters leadership, and encourages innovation. When we invest in women, we enable them to build impactful solutions, lead transformational projects, and inspire future generations.

We celebrate the amazing women championing the PyLadies Ghana mission (PyLadies Ghana Leads).

Abigail Mesrenyame Dogbe - Pioneer PyLadies Ghana

Yaa Nuamah Kusi-Fordjour - Lead PyLadies Ghana

Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah - Programs and Events Lead

Joyce Dzifa Lokko - Communications Teams Lead

Abigail Afi Gbadago - Open Source and Web Development Lead

Dorothy Ewuah - Data Science and Game Development Lead

Joana Owusu Appiah - Communications Team Co - Lead

Inspiring Stories, Real Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of PyLadies Ghana’s journey is witnessing the transformation of our members. From beginners writing their first lines of Python code to experienced developers securing global job opportunities, the impact of our community-driven efforts is profound.

Many of our members have gone on to become software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and tech entrepreneurs.

Below are success stories of some amazing women:

My involvement with PyLadies Gh has been a game-changer. This amazing community has provided me with a sense of belonging and support and through PyLadies Gh, I've gained confidence in my abilities and developed valuable skills. I've connected with like-minded individuals who share my passion for technology.

Mentors and industry professionals have offered valuable guidance and support too. PyLadies connected me with mentors and professionals in the field who have offered valuable advice, guidance, and support in navigating my career in cybersecurity.

Again, the PyLadies Gh community has introduced me to inspiring women in tech. These role models and mentors have guided me in my career and personal growth and I've learned to navigate the tech industry with confidence and poise.

My experience with PyLadies Gh has been truly life-changing and I'm grateful for the support and opportunities provided by this amazing community.

#PyLadiesGhana #Womenintech #technology

Grace Osei - Administrator, SOC Analyst and Content Writer at PyLadies Ghana

I'm Abigail Akua Safoa, a proud mom of two and entrepreneur behind SNE Fabrics in Ghana. Growing up in rural Ghana, I was fascinated by tech, but my path was redirected from STEM to social sciences in high school. I have a degree in psychology and Master’s in international relations, exceling in the social sciences, yet feeling an unrelenting pull towards STEM.

In 2024, I decided to rekindle my tech dreams, thanks to a friend who introduced me to PyLadies. This workshop marked the beginning of my tech journey. Despite being new to tech, PyLadies boosted my confidence, encouraging me to pursue my passion.

I enrolled in a six-week cybersecurity training program in Offensive Security organized by PyLadies Ghana, which led me to apply for the CyberHer program by GirlyTech. I was selected to continue my cybersecurity journey and am now preparing for my ISC2 certification.

I'm thrilled to have volunteered with PyCon Africa and solidified my connection with PyCon Ghana. My short-term goal is to secure a cybersecurity certification, while my long-term aspiration is to land a remote cloud security analyst position.

For me, cybersecurity is more than a career path – it's a journey that redefines my purpose.

Abigail Akua Safoa - Cloud Security Analyst

Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Women in Tech

As we celebrate International Women's Day, we reaffirm our commitment to investing in women by:

• Expanding our mentorship programs to provide guidance and career growth opportunities.

• Organizing more hands-on workshops and hackathons to equip women with practical skills.

• Strengthening partnerships with organizations that support diversity in tech.

• Encouraging more women to contribute to open source and take on leadership roles.

The future is bright, and we believe that with continued effort and support, we can create a tech industry where women are fully represented and celebrated.

Join Us!

If you are a woman interested in technology or looking for a supportive community to grow and excel, PyLadies Ghana welcomes you! Together, let’s invest in Pythonista women, build the future, lead with confidence, inspire the next generation and accelerate action.

Happy International Women’s Day! 🚀✨

#IWD2025 #InvestInPythonistaWomen #BuildLeadInspire #PyLadiesGhana #WomenInTech

Should it be about numbers, number of meet ups, project related, collaborations with others or job placement? A lot came into mind and we as a community have been hard at work taking into consideration how we can collaboratively put in our resources to

It’s a new year, and as a ritual we all have a new year resolutions - hence we do have one, a year where we want to witness quality growth as a community, build capacity in terms of skills development and engagements with other communities. Collaborate on projects and be visible in the open source space.

Where we’re headed now…

Community Contributions

1. Comprehensive Community Engagement: Members emphasized the importance of community engagement and suggested ways to improve it.

2. Introducing Hackathons: The idea of hosting hackathons was addressed - and we’re hopeful to organizing one to test the waters.

3. ⁠Positive Feedback on PyHo 2024 Conference (the regional Python community conference of the Python User Group Ho): Members shared their positive experiences and feedback from the previous conference.

4. Practical Sessions: There was a consensus on the need for more practical sessions and hands-on experience.

5. Date Selection for Future Events: Members stressed the importance of careful date selection to avoid conflicts with other events.

Event Highlights

The meet-up kicked off with an Icebreaker Game: "Truth and Lie," which helped members get to know each other better.

The community was introduced to the event theme, followed by a Community Discussion. Members shared their thoughts on community contributions, Python projects, and more.

Other highlights included:

• Python Word Association Game: Members had fun guessing the first thing that came to mind when a Python-related word was mentioned.

• Networking and Break: Members were entreated to networking/breakout session during.

• ⁠Community Announcements: Important announcements were made, and members were encouraged to participate in future events.

The meet-up concluded on a high note, with members looking forward to the next event.

The event began at 9:30am with an introduction and icebreaker session by the Python Kumasi Lead Allen Eben Tetteh which set a friendly and welcoming environment. He welcomed everyone and encouraged the attendees to network among themselves.

• Forms: We picked up where we left off, further discussing form validation and handling more complex user inputs.

• Models: Attendees got a deeper understanding of Django models, including relationships and database management best practices.

• Views: Since we didn’t finish views in the last session, we focus on creating dynamic views and efficiently connecting them with models and templates.

After the tutorials , we had lunch and snacks whiles talking about general python topics. A discussion with the atttendees was had on what to project to work on to solidify their understanding of Django and it was decided the artendees would work on a peer review system in the upcoming months.

Conclusion

The event concluded susccessfully with attendees leaving with a better understanding of Django Models,Views and Forms.

Event Highlights

The event got started with a welcome from the Python Kumasi Lead Allen Eben, setting the stage for an engaging and informative session. Attendees, ranging from beginners to seasoned developers, gathered to explore Django foundational concepts and gain practical insights into how to build web applications with it.

Attendance

Python Kumasi Team 1

Participants 12

Total = 13

Introduction to Django

The first session was an introduction to Django, where we explored the history, philosophy, and key features of the framework. We discussed how Django simplifies web development by providing a high-level, open-source framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design.

Hands-On Workshop: Building a Simple Web Application

Next, we moved on to a hands-on workshop. Participants were guided through the process of setting up a Django project. We built a simple web application step-by-step, covering essential concepts like:

1. Project Setup: Installing Django and setting up a new project.

2. App Creation: Creating a new app within the project.

3. Models: Defining models and using Django's ORM to interact with the database.

4. Views and URLs: Creating views and mapping URLs to views.

5. Templates: Using Django's templating engine to render HTML pages.

6. Admin Interface: Leveraging Django's built-in admin interface for managing data.

Participants followed along, coding in real-time, and had the opportunity to ask questions and get immediate feedback. The collaborative environment was buzzing with energy as everyone worked together to build their first Django application.

Break and Networking

After the intense coding session, we took a well-deserved break. This was a perfect opportunity for participants to network, share experiences, and discuss potential collaborations. The meetup provided a platform for developers to connect and learn from each other, fostering a sense of community.

Q&A and Open Discussion

To wrap up the day, we had an open Q&A session where participants could ask questions about any challenges they faced or clarifications they needed. The interactive discussion highlighted common issues and best practices, providing valuable insights for everyone.

Join Us

If you missed this meetup, don't worry! Stay tuned for our future events by following us on our social media channels and joining our mailing list. Let's keep the Python spirit alive and thriving!

This event capped off our data series, which began with Datacraft Ignite webinar series. At that event, Afi Kwaeyakyie Blebo and Joshua Obeng delivered insightful talks on “How to Get Started with Data Science” and “The Roles of Data Science and AI in Industry.” Following that, Derek Degbe led a more advanced session on “Managing and Building an ETL Pipeline,” diving deeper into the complexities of data science. A snippet from one webinar can be found below.

The latest Python Accra Build Session focused on practical applications of data analysis, data science, data engineering, and machine learning. Participants engaged in building a simple project using linear regression, guided by Daniel Atsibre. By the end of his session, everyone had successfully created a linear regression model, equipping them with a solid foundation to advance their skills further.

Julius brought energy and expertise to his session on leveraging the Gemini API for intelligent data analysis. He demonstrated how to optimize the data analysis process and work more efficiently. Participants explored using the Gemini API in their IDEs, implementing data analysis solutions with Python at the core. This session not only enhanced their technical skills but also encouraged smarter approaches to data analysis.

The build session's lightning talks covered a range of topics, from technical challenges to business strategies. Seidu discussed managing multiple Python versions on one machine, while Selasie Pecker introduced machine learning with Python. Nana Kweku explored how microservices can benefit businesses, and Jason Quist delved into reinforcement learning. Zenas Awuku wrapped up with a session on data analysis using Python. Each talk offered practical insights, sparking interest and inspiration among the audience. Each talk was packed with valuable information, leaving the audience inspired and eager to explore these topics further.

Overall we had an amazing session with good feedback we continue to empower the Python community in Accra!

Visit here to view images from the event.

Event Highlights

The event began at 10:30 AM with an introduction and icebreaker session, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the day. Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah, the Lead for PyLadies Programs and Events, gave a comprehensive presentation on PyLadies Ghana, including its mission, past activities, leadership team, and the rationale behind relaunching PyLadies Ho. She also shared a sneak peek into the chapter's future events and initiatives.

Following this, Kafui Kwasi Alordo, the Lead of Python Ho, provided an overview of their achievements and future plans. The focus was on creating a sense of community and belonging, especially since many participants were beginners or at an intermediate level in their Python journey.

Attendance

PyLadies Ghana Team 2

Python Ho Team 1

Participants 15

Total = 18

Tutorial Sessions

The tutorial sessions were highlights of the meetup, featuring beginner-friendly content led by Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah.

Command Line Interface (CLI):

Theresa introduced the Command Line Interface, discussing its benefits, uses, and both pros and cons. Participants got hands-on experience by running several CLI commands, helping them gain practical skills and a deeper understanding.

Introduction to Python - Python 101:

The Python session began with an introduction to the language's history and core concepts, such as variables. Theresa explained the significance of variables, providing examples and comparing their use in Python with other languages like Java, JavaScript, and C++. Participants practiced coding in both interactive terminal mode and Visual Studio Code (VSCode), making the learning experience dynamic and engaging.

Primitive Types and Data Structures:

The session also covered primitive types in Python, such as integers, booleans, strings, and floats, along with various data structures like lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets. Participants learned about their use cases and practiced writing code to solidify their understanding.

Control Flow

Theresa introduced control flow concepts, including conditional statements (if, elif, else), loops (for, while), and the use of control flows to manage the execution of code blocks. This session provided a foundational understanding of how to direct program flow in Python.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

The session covered the basics of OOP, explaining its principles like inheritance and polymorphism. This was an introductory look into OOP, setting the stage for more advanced learning.

Functions, Exceptions, and Testing:

Participants learned about defining functions, differentiating between functions that perform tasks and those that return values. The session also covered exception handling and the importance of testing, including an introduction to testing frameworks like Pytest and unittest. Practical exercises helped participants grasp these critical concepts.

Conclusion

The event concluded with a Q&A session, group photos, and networking opportunities. It was an insightful experience that reinforced the sense of community among the participants. PyLadies Ghana continues to empower tech enthusiasts, particularly women, by fostering a supportive environment to learn and appreciate Python. Our movement has been pivotal in connecting women across the country, and we look forward to hosting more such enriching experiences in the future.

PyLadies Ghana organized a one-month cybersecurity workshop on Offensive Security, held both in-person and virtually. The workshop ran from May 25th to June 22nd, 2024. Sessions began at 12:30 PM at SB Incubator on the first day, continued from 10 AM to 2 PM virtually via Zoom on subsequent days, and concluded with an in-person session from 9 AM to 5 PM at SB Incubator, Accra, on the final day.

Workshop Details

Facilitators:

• Derick Brown: Cybersecurity Trainer

• Faiza Seidu-Adam: Information Security and Privacy Analyst

Organizers:

• Joyce Lokko: PyLadies Ghana Communications Lead

• Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah: PyLadies Ghana Programs and Events Lead

• Yaa Nuamah: PyLadies Ghana Lead

Participants:

• Media: 2 members

• Trainees: 15 participants

• Professionals: 4 additional professionals

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Inaugural/Boarding Session

The workshop kicked off with a welcome address by Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah, followed by an icebreaker session where participants introduced themselves and shared two truths and one lie. An onboarding session and installation party followed, where participants downloaded VirtualBox, Kali Linux, and PicoCTF for practice. Facilitator, Derick Brown and Faiza Seidu-Adam covered the following topics:

• Introduction to cybersecurity concepts: confidentiality, integrity, and availability

• Basics of Kali Linux: dual booting, using VMware, file and directory management

• First scripting lesson in Kali Linux

Example Commands:

• ls - list files

• mkdir - create directory

• cat - display file contents

• touch - add file to a folder

• ifconfig - find IP address

• nmap - network scanning

• echo - add text to files

Day 2: Ethical Hacking

Facilitator Derick Brown provided an overview of ethical hacking and steps to penetration testing. Topics covered included footprinting, email and password vulnerabilities, and reading Google Maps for location data.

Day 3: Network Topology and Scanning

Participants learned about network topology, using nmap for network scanning, and specific commands to scan particular ports.

Example Commands:

• nmap - general network scanning

• nmap -p 21-30 - scan a specific range of ports

Day 4: Metasploit and Password Cracking

The session focused on setting up Metasploitable, hacking into vsFTP, and password cracking techniques.

Day 5: Closing Ceremony

The final day began with re-introductions and a recap of the cybersecurity journey. An icebreaker session, led by Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah, had participants share the craziest and most interesting things they’ve done and sing a song by their favorite artist. Facilitators Derick and Faiza then led a recap of the Capture the Flag (CTF) activities, highlighted assignments, and conducted a practical session. This was followed by lunch and the distribution of swag.

A panel discussion featured six tech professionals from diverse backgrounds:

• Joyce Dzifa Lokko: Software Engineer

• Abigail Afi Gbadago: Software Engineer and Proposal Writer

• Faiza Seidu-Adam: Security Analyst

• Dorothy Ewuah: Software Engineer

• Derick Brown: Cybersecurity Instructor

The discussion, moderated by Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah, covered topics such as reasons for choosing tech careers, interesting and challenging moments, the importance of tech communities, and final words of advice.

Conclusion

The facilitators emphasized hands-on and practical demonstrations, ensuring active participation from all attendees. The workshop concluded with the presentation of awards to the top five participants and closing remarks by Theresa Seyram Agbenyegah.

Key Highlights:

• Interactive and practical sessions

• Engaging and informative discussions

• Recognition and awards for outstanding participants

This workshop was a valuable experience for all participants, providing deep insights into offensive security and practical skills that will benefit their future endeavours in tech.

This event promises to be a fantastic opportunity for learning, networking, and sharing knowledge with a diverse and passionate community. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting your Python journey, PyCon Africa is the place to be.

Make sure to check out our website at https://africa.pycon.org/ for all the latest updates and announcements. Follow on Twitter/X at @pyconafrica to stay in the loop with news and releases.

And here's a little reminder: Ticket sales are currently open. Head over to our website for more information and secure your spot at this major conference!

Mark your calendars for September 24th - 28th – we look forward to seeing you there!

Johanan Oppong Amoateng

A veterinary student and a backend developer gave a thought-provoking talk on VetDataHub a project he is working on which aims to centralize all the publicly available veterinary data into a single repository to aid in research and analytics. He shared the core principles of his project which included data accessibility, ethical use, and ensuring quality, and why open veterinary data was important.

After the presentation, there was a tutorial session on file handling and Exception handling. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask Allen Eben questions related to Python and its technologies and programming in general. The meetup was a success and it closed at 2 pm.

Stay Tuned!

We're excited to continue providing informative and engaging meetups, so stay tuned for upcoming events and connect with fellow Python enthusiasts in our community.

Python UserGroup Kumasi on Github is now on GitHub, follow our page and contribute to our community effort. A lot more is coming. Let's build a vibrant community together.

Hope to see you in the next one.

In an engaging kickoff Allen Eben and Martin Arbogeh organized a tutorial session on lists, functions and classes and their applications in real world codebases. The eager learners and attendees were able to appreciate when and how to use these concepts and had the opportunity to use them to build mini projects.

A break was given for attendees to network and introduce themselves. This introductory period allowed the attendees to connect ensuring everyone had made a new friend or a connection.

After the break Mark Awuku a consultant in AI and ML Engineering took to the stage and shared his insights and experiences on AI and ML Engineering. He passionately delved into why Python is the choice for building Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems

The session wrapped up around 2pm leaving participants inspired and ready to apply their newfound knowledge in Python, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.To continue the journey and stay connected, participants were encouraged to join the Python Kumasi WhatsApp community, where they could share ideas, seek assistance, and collaborate with fellow Python enthusiasts.

The attendees were excited about attending our next meetup scheduled on May 25th. Python Kumasi continues to be a hub for fostering collaboration, learning, and growth within the Python and tech community. Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to expand your skills and connect with like-minded individuals.

The meetup kicked off with an enthusiastic welcome from the organizers, setting the stage for an engaging and informative session. Attendees, ranging from beginners to seasoned developers, gathered to explore Python's foundational concepts and gain practical insights into its usage across various domains.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction to Python: The meetup began with an overview of Python, highlighting its simplicity, versatility, and widespread adoption in the tech industry. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of Python's core principles and its role as a powerful tool for solving real-world problems.

Syntax and Basic Concepts: Participants dived into Python's syntax and basic concepts, learning about variables, data types, control flow structures, and functions. Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, attendees gained confidence in writing Python code and understanding its behavior.

Exploring Python Ecosystem: The meetup showcased Python's rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks, including web development with Flask and Django, data science with NumPy and Pandas, and machine learning with TensorFlow. Attendees were introduced to various resources and tools available for exploring Python's capabilities further.

Engaging Discussions: The meetup fostered vibrant discussions and knowledge sharing among participants. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences, and seek guidance from industry experts and fellow enthusiasts. The collaborative atmosphere encouraged networking and collaboration, fostering a sense of community among attendees.

Looking Ahead: As the meet up concluded, participants left with a newfound appreciation for Python's versatility and a desire to further explore its vast ecosystem. The event served as a springboard for attendees to continue their journey in Python, whether through personal projects, further study, or participation in future meet ups and workshops.

Conclusion: The meet up at Kumasi was a valuable opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of Python programming and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about technology through engaging discussions. We look forward to hosting more enriching events in the future and continuing to support the vibrant Python community in Kumasi.