Communications Ministry holds Girls-In- ICT Inception Meeting with Stakeholders

The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD) in partnership with the Ghana Indian Kofi Anna Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has organized the Girls-In-ICT Initiative inception meeting with the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the lineup activities of the programme which is scheduled from 10th June to 10th July 2024 in Accra.

The aim of the meeting was to brief the Regional Minister, the Municipal and District Assemblies, Girl Child Educators, Regional Education Director as well as other stakeholders on the programme objectives, the roles and expected outcomes required by all partners.

A statement read on behalf of the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, by the Chief Director, Mr. Alexander Yaw Arphul, mentioned that the Girls-In- ICT initiative seeks to equip young girls with essential ICT skills, stating, “promoting gender equality in ICT will not only bridge the gender gap but also drive innovation and economic growth.”

Mr. Arphul said that the comprehensive training will cover basic computer skills, programming fundamentals, and website creation over a three-week period. The initiative will provide training to 1,000 girls from public schools across 29 districts in the Greater Accra region.

According to the Chief Director, the ministry’s effort aims to inspire more girls to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and forms part of “our commitment to bridging the gender digital gap in the ICT sector”.

“The 2024 Girls in ICT Initiative promises to create a more inclusive environment, empowering young girls in Greater Accra to explore the vast opportunities in the digital world, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to the country’s technological and economic advancement”, he added.

He noted the programme was in alignment with the International Telecommunication Union’s Girls in ICT Day initiative, established in 2012 and since made a lot of impact on training young girls in ICT skills.

In his remarks, the Greater Accra Regional Minister at RCC, Hon. Daniel Titus Glover, emphasized the importance of gender equality in ICT, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5 which focus on quality education and gender equality.

“Investing in ICT education and training are not only a strategic imperative for economic development but also a vital component of social equity and progress,” he stated.

The Minister extended appreciation to MoCD and its partners and pledged the full support of RCC to ensure a successful implementation of the programme in the Greater Accra Region.