By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), June 27, GNA – The 2025 National Girls-in-ICT Initiative climaxed with a grand celebration in the Volta Region, honouring 1,000 girls from all 18 Municipal and District Assemblies for their successful participation in the programme.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation on the theme: “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation.”
It marked the culmination of two weeks of intensive ICT training aimed at equipping girls with practical digital skills and narrowing the gender gap in technology.
Mr. Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, praised the participants and highlighted the urgency of promoting digital inclusion, especially among young girls.
“The world is being reshaped by technology—AI, machine learning, data analytics, and coding are now the engines of prosperity. But despite this progress, one-third of the world remains unconnected, and the digital divide is heavily gendered. In 2024, there were 189 million fewer women than men online,” he said.
He emphasised that real digital transformation required more than just connectivity—it must be accessible, affordable, and secure for all.
The Girls-in-ICT programme, he noted, is a vital initiative that empowers girls to become active contributors to the digital economy.
“Many of the girls we’re celebrating today had never used a computer before this programme. Now they’re building games, coding websites, and solving real problems. That’s the transformative power of opportunity,” Mr. George added.
Since its inception in 2012 under the Mills-Mahama administration, the Girls-in-ICT initiative has trained over 15,981 girls and 1,492 ICT and STEM teachers, established 97 cyber labs, and distributed over 2,150 laptops. In 2025, the programme also expanded to include the Upper East and Upper West Regions.
Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, commended the initiative and stressed the importance of sustaining the momentum through continued investment in internship, mentorship, scholarships, and job opportunities.
“This year’s celebration wasn’t just about training—it was about discovery and reshaping what is possible for the Ghanaian girl. These girls are not just learners; they are the digital age itself,” she said.
She urged the private sector, educators, and development partners to join hands in building sustainable pathways for girls in technology and innovation.
Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, described the programme’s theme as a call to action for equitable digital empowerment.
He praised the Ministry and partners including MTN, KACE, and GIFEC for their continued support, and tied the programme’s success to national development goals.
“This initiative aligns with the 2025 Budget’s focus on innovation and digital transformation, including the ‘National Coders Programme and the Women’s Development Bank. These are strategic investments in human capital,” he noted.
He congratulated the 100 top-performing girls who were awarded laptops, calling the devices “tools of transformation” and encouraging the girls to continue learning, innovating, and aspiring higher.
Togbe Ayim Dzokoto II, Paramount Chief of Takla, speaking on behalf of Togbe Afede XIV, reaffirmed the commitment of traditional authorities to education and technology access, especially for girls.
He urged the government and partners to invest more in ICT infrastructure, particularly in rural schools, and implement targeted scholarships and mentorship programmes for girls in STEM.
A total of 154 laptops were presented during the ceremony to outstanding participants, ICT teachers, girl-child coordinators, and special awardees.
The overall best-performing student was 13-year-old Wosilatu Mohammed from the Akatsi South Municipality, who emerged as the top achiever among the 1,000 girls trained.
Mr. George reminded the girls: “You are not here by accident. You are here because you are capable. Let no stereotype or fear stopped you. Your journey in ICT is just beginning—and it is full of limitless possibilities.”
The event concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration across all sectors to ensure that girls across Ghana are not just users of technology, but innovators, leaders, and creators in the digital space.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie