By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), June 27, GNA – Beneficiaries of the 2025 National Girls-in-ICT Programme in the Volta Region participated in a special Mentorship Day aimed at inspiring and guiding young girls to pursue careers in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
The session brought together 1,000 girls from all 18 Municipal and District Assemblies in the region who had undergone a week-long ICT training, and provided them with the opportunity to engage with experienced female professionals from various fields in tech and related disciplines.
Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, Registrar of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), who chaired the occasion, described the mentorship event as a transformational platform that was beyond certificates or one-time training.
“This programme is not just another event on the calendar—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem where brilliance is nurtured, curiosity is celebrated, and confidence is cultivated. The future of technology is not a distant dream. It is already here—and it needs you,” she said, addressing the young participants.
She noted that women remain underrepresented in global ICT professions, especially in Africa, and stressed the urgent need to empower more girls to enter and thrive in the tech space.
“What you are building here is more than a personal journey—it is the beginning of a generational shift. The certificates you receive are not just pieces of paper; they are bold declarations that you belong in this space, and you can lead in it,” she added.
Mr. Austin Hesse-O, from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation (MoCDTI), and Coordinator of the Girls-in-ICT Programme, explained that the initiative was inspired by Resolution 70 of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which seeks to empower girls and women in the ICT sector.
“As of 2024, there are about 200 million more men than women globally in ICT-related careers. That gap is alarming and unacceptable. Ghana adopted the Girls-in-ICT programme in 2012, and since then, we’ve transformed it into a national movement,” he said.
He added that Ghana now trained 3,000 girls and 300 ICT teachers annually across three regions, and had expanded the programme to include girls with disabilities through inclusive and assistive technologies.
“This mentorship component is unique to Ghana. We’ve been celebrated internationally for it,” Mr. Hesse-O said.
A diverse lineup of female mentors from academia, telecoms, engineering, marketing, and tech entrepreneurship took the stage to share their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs.
They shared how ICT transformed their lives, encouraged the girls to overcome fear and stereotypes, and emphasized the importance of perseverance and mentorship.
Ms. Ama Bawa from the National Cybersecurity Centre delivered a vital session on Child Online Protection, guiding the girls on safe internet practices and how to protect themselves from cyber threats.
The young participants expressed gratitude and excitement after the session. Many said hearing from real-life role models inspired them to stay committed to their ICT dreams.
“I never imagined becoming a Telecommunications Engineer, but after hearing the stories today, I now know it’s possible,” one participant shared.
“One day, I want to stand in front of young girls just like this and tell them I made it too,” said another.
The Mentorship Day marked not just the end of the Girls-in-ICT training, but the beginning of a new journey for these girls—as future software engineers, cybersecurity experts, web developers, and tech innovators.
The organisers encouraged the girls to stay connected with their mentors, seek out further opportunities, and build networks that would support their professional growth.
“Today is your launchpad,” Ms. Opuni reminded them. “The person next to you could be your future business partner, co-founder, or lifelong inspiration. The future of technology is not waiting—it is yours to shape.”
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie