The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE), has started publicity activities in the Upper West Region as part of efforts to create awareness for the ongoing Girls-In-ICT Programme.
At a media engagement session at INFO Radio 91.1 FM, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry, Ms. Naa Korkoi Essah, highlighted the purpose of the initiative, explaining that the Girls-In-ICT Programme is aimed at bridging the gender digital divide by equipping young girls with ICT skills to pursue careers in the technology space.
The initiative, she said began as part of Ghana’s commitment to global digital inclusion goals and has so far been implemented in several regions including Western, Central, Oti, Savannah, Bono, Ahafo, Eastern, Greater Accra and Northern regions.
Touching on the training structure, Ms. Essah explained that selected teachers first undergo a Training-of-Trainers (ToT) session before mentoring the girls in basic and intermediate ICT modules. The programme also integrates mentorship sessions where accomplished female professionals in STEM fields inspire the girls to pursue digital careers.
On the climax event, she revealed that the best-performing girls will be awarded laptops and other ICT tools, while teachers who distinguish themselves will also be recognized. “Our partners and sponsors play a critical role in making these rewards possible, and we continue to invite both public and private sector actors to support this initiative,” she stated.
The Upper West Regional Manager of GIFEC, Mr. Jackalia Balifiama, outlined his outfit’s contributions, noting that GIFEC provides laptops, logistics, and technical support for the training. He emphasized that the provision of devices and infrastructure ensures that girls from even the most remote districts can fully participate in the programme. “At the climax, the top performers among the girls and teachers will receive laptops, which are essential tools for continuous learning,” he confirmed.
On her part, Mrs. Priscilla Hope, the Project Manager from KACE, said her centre plays a critical role in the implementation of the ICT training. She explained that the modules used focus on coding, basic programming, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills. “We carefully designed these modules to be practical, interactive, and relevant to today’s digital economy. KACE also supervises and evaluates the training process to ensure consistency and quality across all districts,” she noted.
Mrs. Hope stressed that beyond the immediate training, the initiative is expected to have a long-term impact by nurturing a new generation of girls who will take up leadership roles in Ghana’s digital future.
