The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) has created a significant partnership with Koforidua Technical University (KTU) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This alliance is part of a broader effort by GI-KACE to deliver digital skills training to various communities, specifically focusing on the Eastern Region of Ghana. During the MoU signing ceremony held at KTU, Ing. Dr. Collins Yeboah-Afari, the Director General of GI-KACE, expressed his excitement over the agreement. He highlighted that this collaboration will bolster the implementation of the eSkills4Jobs program in the region, aligning closely with Ghana’s overarching digitalization goals and the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP).
Prof. John Owusu, the Vice Chancellor of KTU, echoed Dr. Yeboah-Afari’s sentiments, mentioning the potential of the eSkills4Jobs program to significantly enhance the lives of the youth and other local residents. Through the introduction of practical digital skills training, the initiative is designed to empower students and spur local economic growth by developing a workforce that is proficient in digital literacy. This program aims not only to impart technical skills but also to create job opportunities that can transform the economic landscape of the Eastern Region.
During his visit to the ongoing eSkills4Jobs training center at KTU, Ing. Dr. Yeboah-Afari urged the youth of Ghana to take full advantage of this training program. He stressed the importance of acquiring digital skills and fostering awareness of emerging technological trends. As the digital world rapidly evolves, he believes that it is crucial for young people to adapt and develop the necessary expertise to thrive in this environment, thereby enhancing their employability and productivity.
The memorandum formalizes a long-term collaborative relationship between GI-KACE and KTU, aiming to offer comprehensive digital skills training and dynamic capacity development initiatives throughout the Eastern Region. This strategic partnership is hoped to enrich local training initiatives and extend the availability of digital education, which is vital in today’s technology-driven society. By joining forces, GI-KACE and KTU seek to maximize the effectiveness of training programs and ensure that they meet the needs of the community.
Established over two decades ago, GI-KACE has been a pioneer in bridging the digital divide in Ghana by providing ICT training to both rural and urban communities. With existing branches in regions such as Bono-Sunyani, Upper West-Bolga, and Greater Accra, this new MoU represents a critical advancement in their mission to enhance digital skills training across the nation. By fostering collaboration with educational institutions like KTU, GI-KACE aims to create a more digitally literate population that can navigate and succeed in a world increasingly reliant on technology.
Overall, the collaboration between GI-KACE and KTU presents a promising opportunity to advance digital skills training in Ghana, particularly in the Eastern Region. The eSkills4Jobs program is set to empower students, foster local economic growth, and support the nation’s digitalization drive. By equipping community members with essential practical skills, this partnership remains a significant step toward ensuring that the youth of Ghana are well-prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving digital landscape, ultimately contributing to national development.
