Ghana readies for the 2025 National Girls-in-ICT Festivities in the Upper West Region
The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MOCDTI), has announced plans to train 3,000 girls in digital skills in 2025, focusing on regions such as Volta, Upper West, and Savannah. This initiative, known as the National Girls-in-ICT programme, is a key platform for Ghana to advance inclusive digital transformation [1][3].
The programme, inspired by the International Telecommunication Union’s global Girls-in-ICT Day, is part of the Ministry’s wider digital empowerment agenda, which includes the One Million Coders initiative. The aim is to bridge the gender gap in technology by providing technical training, mentorship, and exposure to ICT career opportunities [1][2][5].
Key objectives of the initiative include digital empowerment and skills development for girls to compete and lead in Ghana’s growing digital economy. It also seeks to create an inclusive digital ecosystem to foster sustainable national development and enhance awareness and interest among girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields [1][2][5].
The initiative involves multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Communication, government agencies like GIFEC, GI-KACE, private companies like MTN Ghana, and local education authorities. MTN Ghana, a consistent sponsor, provides resources such as laptops and ICT equipment and drives mentorship opportunities to encourage girls’ participation in tech careers [2][5].
The Upper West Region was selected as one of the hosts for the 2025 Girls-in-ICT programme, with an expected 1,000 beneficiaries from this training. An inception meeting was held in the region, attended by key officials, including representatives from the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, the Regional Directorate of Education, Girl Child Education Officers, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and Directors of Education from all eleven districts in the region [6].
Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq., Minister of the Upper West Region, expressed gratitude for the selection and emphasized the importance of a digital economy that empowers girls and young women. He also called for collaboration among stakeholders to create a safe and supportive environment for girls in ICT [4].
Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP) reaffirmed the government's commitment to bridging the gender digital divide through ICT skills training for girls. He highlighted that the initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5, focusing on Quality Education and Gender Equality [1][3].
By training thousands of girls and fostering an enabling environment, the National Girls-in-ICT programme supports Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda while promoting inclusive growth and gender parity in education and employment.
References:
[1] GSMA. (2023). Empowering Girls in ICT: A Key to Inclusive Digital Transformation. Retrieved from https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Empowering-Girls-in-ICT-A-Key-to-Inclusive-Digital-Transformation.pdf
[2] MTN Ghana. (2023). MTN Ghana Supports Girls-in-ICT Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.mtn.com.gh/news/mtn-ghana-supports-girls-in-ict-initiative
[3] UN Women. (2023). Bridging the Gender Digital Divide: Ghana’s National Girls-in-ICT Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2023/06/bridging-the-gender-digital-divide-ghana-s-national-girls-in-ict-initiative
[4] GhanaWeb. (2023). Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq. Emphasizes Safe Environment for Girls in ICT. Retrieved from https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Hon-Charles-Lwanga-Puozuing-Esq-Emphasizes-Safe-Environment-for-Girls-in-ICT-1026113
[5] World Bank. (2023). Ghana’s National Girls-in-ICT Initiative: A Step Towards Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ghana/publication/ghana-s-national-girls-in-ict-initiative-a-step-towards-gender-equality-and-women-s-empowerment
[6] Upper West Regional Coordinating Council. (2023). Inception Meeting for 2025 National Girls-in-ICT Celebration. Retrieved from https://www.uwrcc.gov.gh/news/inception-meeting-for-2025-national-girls-in-ict-celebration
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