By Deborah Asantewaah SARFO
The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has highlighted her confidence in girls’ potential to lead the tech industry – highlighting their participation in the Girls-in-ICT training programme as a demonstration of excelling in the space.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful made this known during her visit to five selected Girls-in-ICT training centres in the Ashanti Region, aimed at motivating the girls and cultivating gratitude among the Girls-in-ICT initiative’s beneficiaries.
“I believe in every one of you and I know that you have the potential to become leaders in the tech industry. Your participation in the Girls-in-ICT me is a testament to your curiosity and determination,” she noted.
She emphasised the potential of technology and encouraged people to use it for helping bring about constructive change in their local communities.
“Whether it’s developing apps, creating digital art or solving real-world problems, the possibilities are endless,” she said.
The programme – aligned with the International Telecommunication Union’s Resolution 70 – focused on empowering girls and women by equipping them with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
Through this initiative, the girls are exposed to new tech skills and trained in diverse modules – Computer Programming, Game Development, Animation, Scratch, Website Development and Foundational Digital Skills.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful emphasised the significance of mentorship in career development, urging the girls to tap into the experience and expertise of women leaders in the industry.
“The tech industry is constantly evolving and it’s essential to stay curious and keep learning,” she noted, urging them to embrace continuous learning to remain relevant in the industry.
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed their appreciation – highlighting increased awareness of ICT opportunities, improved technical knowledge and strong confidence in using digital tools.
The minister’s visit reaffirmed government’s dedication to promoting gender equity and empowering young girls in ICT. She advised participants to utilise the Ghana Knowledge Skills Bank Portal to access an extensive range of online library archives, educational resources and tools to stay updated in various fields of study.
