American Tower Corporation (ATC) Ghana, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, has trained and mentored over 100 talented girls in information communication and technology (ICT) under the ‘Girls in ICT’ programme.
The programme was held in Accra and aimed at encouraging the beneficiaries, drawn from the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions, to take advantage of possibilities in the field of information communications technology. It also sought to expose them to the company’s operations and help build and strengthen their capacity in ICT.
As part of their training, the mentees were made to tour the company’s cell sites, observe the indoor monitoring systems and also have an interactive session with employees to gain direct experience of ICT and engineering – after which they were introduced to robotics and given an opportunity to ask questions regarding the company’s operations.
The Chief Executive Officer of ATC Ghana, Ashutush Singh, in his opening address highlighted the need to increase female participation in ICT – adding that this will help close the gender skills gap and promote inclusion.
“Our girls represent the future of ICT, and therefore their success in the field is of critical importance,” he added.
He observed that it has become necessary to empower more girls, especially those in underserved areas, to have first-hand experience with ICT: “This initiative also aligns with our digital communities sustainability project, wherein we have built 10 fully-equipped ICT learning centres across the country to provide ICT education for schoolchildren and residents in underserved and unserved communities; and plans are underway to build more digital communities this year.
“As part of efforts to achieve our objectives, we have worked closely with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and remained a key sponsor and stakeholder of this initiative,” he further said.
While acknowledging the significant strides being made in bridging the gender gap in the tech sector over recent years, he admitted that there is still much work to be done, saying: “I believe that this disparity is not due to lack of talent or capability, but rather a lack of opportunities and encouragement. That is why programmes like Girls in ICT are very crucial. We, as a company, are here to provide you with support, encouragement and resources needed to pave your path to the industry.
“There is a place for each one of you in this ever-evolving digital realm, and your contributions will help shape the future of society. I want to tell you that you belong in this field as much as anyone else, so do not ever let anyone tell you otherwise,” he further noted.
He encouraged the girls to aim high and pursue their interests fearlessly, irrespective of any challenges that they may encounter.
While lauding the teachers for instilling in the girls a belief of achieving greatness, he congratulated the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, led by Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, for the amazing work done in the area of Girls in ICT.
Founded in 1995, American Tower Corporation – one of the largest global real estate investment trusts (REITs), is a leading independent owner, operator and developer of wireless and broadcast communications in real estate. The company’s global portfolio includes more than 220,000 communications sites – including more than 43,000 properties in the United States and Canada, and approximately 177,000 properties internationally.
