Ghana on the process of becoming ICT giant – Deputy Communications Minister

Ghana is progressing steadily in becoming a tech-force around the globe as it has received several proposals from development partners to undertake ICT initiatives, the Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ama Pomaah Boateng has said.

According to her, the quest by the Ministry to bridge the ICT gap has seen the implementation of the annual girls in ICT initiative in 3 regions this year with 2 yet to be done.

Speaking to journalists after the Mentorship session at the Girls in ICT event in the Ahafo Region, Mrs. Pomaah Boateng hinted that all efforts are being made for Ghana to catch up with the Technology world.

“On a daily basis the world of technology is changinging and Ghana as a country cannot continue doing things on a slow pace so we have decided to speed up matters of digital skills for our students in order to meet the growing demand globally.

“We used to train 1000 girls in a year but we are training 5000 basic school girls nationwide and about 500 teachers this year because our agencies and development partners are ready and willing to help so we could expand the scope. Once Ahafo region is completed, the Ministry will then move to train girls in the Savannah region” Mrs. Pomaah Boateng told the journalists.

Career Path

The Juaben Constituency lawmaker further charged basic school pupils to pursue ICT for global positioning.

Mrs. Pomaah Boateng affirmed government’s resolve to support students pursuing STEM/ICT programs.

“Traditional businesses are being modernized in this technology world and economy. I can assure you that venturing into business or entrepreneurship after school with knowledge in ICT will set you apart” she said

“The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation is working assiduously to secure more sponsorships for ICT students and professionals in the country.  ICT is needed in all facet of life; ie. automobile, health etc.” she added

She urged the teachers to continuously guide the girls in choosing ICT career paths. 1000 basic school girls from the Ahafo Region are participating in the National Girls in ICT initiative.

Mentors were drawn from various ICT agencies including the National Communications Authority, MTN and academia to mentor the girls on ICT skills and the need to take up courses in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, STEM.

The Cyber Security Authority also used the platform to educate the girls on some internet vices that are punishable by law and how to stay away from such practices online.

Awards to be given to the girls include cash prizes, laptops, establishment of ICT labs for schools of the first 20 girls.

About the initiative   

The Girls in ICT Programme, organized by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, with support from GIFEC, KACE, NCA and MTN, will be in five (5) regions this year namely, Bono East, Bono, Ahafo, Savannah and Northern Region

In all, 5000 girls will be trained (1000 in each region). Between April and May, 3000 girls have been trained in Bono East, Bono and Ahafo regions, meanwhile all the 300 teachers, 100 each from Bono East, Bono and Ahafo regions have all been trained.

The training of the 1000 girls in Ahafo region will be concluded with Mentorship and climax events on 30th and 31st of May 2022 at Acherensua SHS in the Asutifi South District.

Before the year ends the Ministry would have trained additional 1000 girls and 100 teachers each in Savannah and Northern Regions making a total of 5000 girls and 500 teachers.

The global theme for this year’s celebration is “Access and Safety”.

The Program will bring together female achievers in the ICT Industry to mentor the girls.

Trainings were held amidst competitions in all the 6 districts of the region to select and award the 100 most outstanding Girls.

Awards will include cash prizes, laptops, establishment of ICT labs for schools of the first 20 girls (winners).

Girls-in-ICT is an initiative of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and enhanced and expanded by the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation.