The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD) has launched training for the Third batch of 1,000 girls in the Ashanti Region as part of the “Girls-in-ICT” program.

This training initiative, covering 47 districts, is organized in three batches.

Currently, the beneficiary districts are Oforikrom Municipal, Asokwa Municipal, Nhyiaso Sub Metro, Afigya Kwabre South, Afigya Kwabre North, Suame Municipal, Manhyia North Sub Metro, Manhyia South Sub Metro, Asokore Mampong Municipal, Kwabre East Municipal, Old Tafo Municipal, Subin Sub Metro, Bantama Sub Metro, and Atwima Nwabiagya North.

The beneficiary districts for the second batch were Ejura Sekyedumasi, Mampong Municipal, Sekyere Central, Sekyere South, Sekyere East, Sekyere Afram Plains, Ejisu Municipal, Juaben Municipal, Atwima Nwabiagya South, Atwima Mponua District, Bekwai Municipal, Bosomtwe District, Sekyere Kumawu, Kwadaso Municipal, and Atwima Kwanwoma District.

Earlier, the first batch of girls received training in the following districts: Offinso North, Offinso South, Ahafo Ano North, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano South East, Adansi South, Adansi Asokwa, Adansi North, Bosome Feho, Asante Akyem South, Asante Akyem Central, Asante Akyem North, Amansie West, Amansie South, Adansi Akrofrom, Obuasi East, Amansie Central, and Obuasi Municipal.

The training covers areas like basic ICT skills, coding, website design, social media, internet safety, game development, and animation.

This year’s global theme, “Leadership,” aligns with Ghana’s goal to empower women and girls for leadership roles both locally and globally.

As ICT skills become essential across sectors—from healthcare to finance—Ghana has been celebrating Girls-in-ICT since 2012, training over 13,981 girls and women. “Through such initiatives, Ghana is making strides toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, supported by the ICT4AD Policy to bridge the gender digital divide”, stated Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.

Key components of the program include:

Teacher Training: 100 teachers from the selected region receive specialized training.

Student Training: 1,000 girls from across all districts in the selected region participate in ICT education.

Mentorship Session: Women in the ICT sector share personal and professional experiences to inspire the girls in their career pursuits.

Climax Event: The program concludes with awards for the top 100 performers, remarks from coaches and mentors, a keynote speech by the Honourable Minister, and certificates for all participants. Prizes like laptops, modems, and cash are awarded to outstanding girls, and top-performing schools receive ICT labs.

Open Day in Accra: The top 100 girls from the region are invited to Accra for a week-long experience, touring the offices of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), ICT companies, and MoCD agencies, with opportunities to interact with women professionals in the industry.

This initiative continues to encourage girls to pursue ICT, providing them with the skills and inspiration needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Watch George Ayisi’s interview with Adam Bonaa on the recent unrest in Bawku below: