MTN Mentors Girls-In-ICT Beneficiaries

As part of activities for Girls-In-ICT (Open Day) Programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), a total of 100 girls benefited from a mentorship session organized by MTN Ghana.

The event offered the 100 selected girls the opportunity to experience hands-on operations of career women working in Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) field.

The girls, aged between 10 and 15, were selected from the Girls-In- ICT programme which was held last year at Savannah, Northern and Eastern regions.

During their tour to the MTN Ghana facilities, the girls were treated to an engaging and informative day filled with hands-on experiences that offered a glimpse into the diverse world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

The event was also aimed at equipping the young girls with the requisite knowledge in the ICT sector through mentorship programs, workshops, and open-day activities to prepare them for ICT-related professions in the future.

Speaking at the event, MTN Ghana’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Madam Adwoa Wiafe said the mentorship session and other celebration activities were aimed at increasing the girls’ understanding of the nature of the world of employment in the ICT business.

The sessions also provided a platform for women working in the ICT field, to share their personal life stories and professional experiences, with the young girls. It also encourages and guides the girls in their future career choices.

Open Day Celebration

The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD) has organized the ‘Girls in ICT’ open day event at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) to encourage and mentor 100 girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The girls were selected from the three beneficiary regions (Savannah, Northern, and Eastern) in last year’s GIICT programme.

The Deputy Minister, Hon. Charles Acheampong (MP), speaking on behalf of the Sector Minister, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, said the event is to encourage the girls to embrace challenges and strive for excellence.

“You can do anything and everything you set your mind to with the right support,” he assured them.

Hon. Acheampong reiterated that the initiative aims to bridge the gender digital divide and prepare the girls for the global digital job market, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education and gender equality.

According to him, the Open Day event provide the avenue for the girls to tour the National Communications Authority (NCA), National Information Technology Agency (NITA), MTN Ghana, American Tower Corporation (ATC), Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL), Cyber Security Authority (CSA), TELECEL and AT with the aim of enabling them meet professional ICT industry women and also use the opportunity to explore the limitless options available.

The Director-General of Ghana-Indian Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), Dr. Collins Afari-Yeboah, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of empowering girls with digital skills.

“The best way to predict your future is to create it,” he said, emphasizing the role of education in shaping the next generation of female leaders in ICT.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at ACT Ghana, Mr. Ashutosh Singh, expressed his excitement for partnering with the Ministry for the laudable initiative.

He noted that, ATC was looking forward to welcoming and engaging with the girls at their office, promising that the girls will have hands-on exposure to technology such as Robotics and electronics.

In attendance were the Chief Director for the Ministry, Mr Alexander Yaw Arphul; Director for Finance and Administration, Mr. Alfred Nortey, Director for Information Technology, Mr. Joseph Tetteh; the CEO, for Ghana Digital Centres Limited Hon. Kojo Baah Agyeman; the Director-General for Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), Mr. Eric Asumun, the Deputy Director- General for NCA, Madam Olivia Quartey; Representatives from CSA, MTN, ATC as well as staff of the MoCD.