Ghana Getting Ready for 2025 Regional ICT Event For Girls in Upper West Region
In a bid to advance inclusive digital transformation and foster gender equality, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MOCDTI) in Ghana has announced the launch of the Girls-in-ICT initiative. This programme aims to train 3,000 girls across the Volta, Upper West, and Savannah Regions, with the Upper West Region expected to have 1,000 beneficiaries.
The initiative was kick-started with an inception meeting held in the Upper West 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.
The Girls-in-ICT programme provides technical training, mentorship, and exposure to ICT career opportunities. It is part of the Ministry's wider digital empowerment agenda, which includes the One Million Coders initiative. The programme is inspired by the International Telecommunication Union's global Girls-in-ICT Day.
Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq., Minister of the Upper West Region, expressed gratitude for the selection of his region and emphasized the importance of a digital economy that empowers girls and young women. He called for collaboration from stakeholders to create a safe and supportive environment for girls in ICT.
The Girls-in-ICT initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5, focusing on Quality Education and Gender Equality. It seeks to encourage and increase the participation of girls and young women in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education and careers, empower them with digital literacy, coding, and technology innovation abilities, and raise awareness among stakeholders about the importance of girls in technology.
While precise metrics for the impact of the Ghana Girls-in-ICT initiative from 2023 to 2025 are not yet available, similar initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa have shown promising results. Targeted training, mentorship, and visibility have led to increased enrollment of girls in ICT fields, improved confidence, and the creation of women-led tech startups.
For more detailed official statistics or reports specifically from the Ghana Girls-in-ICT initiative for 2023–2025, consulting Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, Ghana-Industry ICT associations, or UNESCO Ghana offices would provide the most precise data.
As the Girls-in-ICT initiative gains momentum, it is expected to play a significant role in bridging the gender digital divide in Ghana and empowering girls and young women to seize opportunities in the digital economy.
