Accra, April 8, GNA – Ecobank Ghana has completed its three-year commitment to support digital learning at the University of Ghana, with the donation of the final batch of laptops under the institution’s “One Student, One Laptop” initiative.
The latest consignment of 100 laptops brings the total number supplied to 300 since 2023, fulfilling a pledge aimed at enhancing digital learning and equipping students with essential technology skills for an increasingly digital world.
Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, Mrs Abena Osei-Poku, said the milestone underscored the bank’s commitment to education, youth empowerment and digital inclusion.
“In 2023, we committed to providing 300 laptops over three years, and today we are proud to have fully honoured that pledge,” she said.
She noted that the initiative began with the first delivery of 100 laptops in April 2023, followed by another batch in 2024, and concluded with the final donation this year.
Mrs Osei-Poku stressed that access to digital tools had become a necessity rather than a luxury in modern education.
“As a technology-driven pan-African bank, we believe digital access is critical for learning, innovation and preparing students for the world of work,” she said.
Ecobank said feedback from earlier beneficiaries indicated that the laptops had already made a significant impact, particularly for students who previously lacked access to personal computers.
The bank expressed confidence that the final batch would further strengthen students’ academic experience and digital competencies.
Beyond the laptop donations, Ecobank highlighted its broader partnership with the University of Ghana, including the provision of digital payment platforms and productivity tools to support students, faculty and the wider university community.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, said the initiative was partly inspired by challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many students struggled to participate fully in remote learning due to lack of personal devices.
“That period exposed a critical gap. Many students simply did not have the tools needed to fully engage in academic work,” she said.
She emphasised that digital literacy was now a non-negotiable requirement for graduates, regardless of their field of study.
“No matter what students come here to study, they must leave as digitally savvy graduates,” the Vice-Chancellor added.
Professor Appiah Amfo noted that the collaboration with Ecobank aligned with the University’s strategic priorities, particularly in improving student experience and strengthening partnerships with industry.
She said the University was also upgrading computer laboratories and expanding digital infrastructure to support the growing use of computer-based assessments.
Looking ahead, she called for stronger collaboration between academia and industry, especially in areas such as internships and practical skills training.
“We cannot fully prepare students for the job market on our own. Industry partnerships are essential to bridging the gap between theory and practice,” she said.
Ecobank said the initiative formed part of its broader corporate purpose of creating long-term value through investments in education, digital inclusion and skills development.
The bank noted that for beneficiaries, the laptops represented more than just devices, but vital tools for learning, innovation and opportunity, as Ghana continues to advance its digital transformation agenda.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade