By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, Sept. 10, GNA— Mr Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, says the Girls in ICT initiative is a national investment in Ghana’s future, not just a training programme.
He said technology, innovation and knowledge shaped the future of the country. However, women remained underrepresented in the digital industry.
Mr George said this at the opening of the 2026 National Girls in ICT Day, in Accra, themed: “AI for Development: Girls shaping the digital future”.
One hundred girls selected from the Volta and Upper West Regions are participating in the week-long Open Day after excelling from among thousands in the Girls in ICT programme.
Mr George said the initiative, a flagship programme of the Ministry, sought to bridge the gap in women’s underrepresentation in Artificial Intelligence, AI cybersecurity, software engineering and data science.
He stated: “Through this initiative, we seek to give young girls the confidence, knowledge and the inspiration to become the next generation of innovators, engineers, developers and digital leaders.
“When girls are empowered with digital skills, our communities get transformed, and nations become more competitive.”
The Minister commended the girls for distinguishing themselves, saying that their presence was testimony to their dedication and exceptional performance.
He urged the girls to ask questions and take advantage of every learning opportunity.
“Never underestimate what you can achieve. Do not let anyone convince you that technology is reserved for other people. See yourselves as Ghana’s and the world’s next great software developers, AI researchers, cybersecurity experts,” Mr George stated.
He directed all staff of the sector Ministry and its agencies, from the Chief Director to junior officers, to register and complete at least one course on the One Million Coders Programme by the end of the week.
Dr Collins Afari Yeboah, the Director General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), said digital transformation could only be meaningful when it was inclusive.
He urged the girls to champion the ethical and responsible use of AI and digital technologies.
“Issues of privacy, cybersecurity, misinformation, fairness, and bias must remain central to the solutions that you will develop. I also encourage you to become ambassadors for other young girls just like you,” he added.
Mr Oluwaseun Layade, the Head of Projects and Technology Services, CWG, Ghana, advised the girls to believe in themselves and dream boldly.
He said: “Do not allow anyone to define the limits of your potential. The world of technology is full of opportunities, and there is a place for you in it.
Mr Layade said the girls’ curiosity, creativity, and determination could lead to careers in software engineering, cybersecurity, AI data analytics, and many other exciting fields.
During the five day-training, the girls are interacting with Ghana’s leading ICT institutions and technology companies,
Activities include mentorship sessions with accomplished female professionals, hands-on demonstrations of emerging technologies, coding and AI workshops, leadership development, career guidance and team building.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensa
Reporter: Priscilla Oye Ofori
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]