The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD) has organized the “Girls in ICT” open day event today at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) to encourage and mentor the 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 (MP), 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 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 provides an 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 on Tuesday, 30th July 2024 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, of 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.
