The 2025 Girls-in-ICT celebration culminated in a vibrant event held at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, Volta Region, Ghana, underscoring the critical importance of bridging the gender digital divide and empowering girls with essential digital skills. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, educators, and the young girls themselves, to celebrate achievements, highlight challenges, and chart a future course for greater inclusivity in the digital realm. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, emphasized that mere connectivity isn’t sufficient for true digital transformation. He stressed the need for accessibility, affordability, and security as crucial pillars in bridging the existing gap and ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to thrive in the digital age.
The event served as a platform to address the significant underrepresentation of women in the digital space. Mr. George cited alarming statistics from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) revealing 189 million fewer women online globally. This stark reality underscores the urgency of initiatives like Girls-in-ICT, designed to equip girls with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate the digital world and contribute meaningfully to national development. The Minister’s commitment to introducing 15 new ICT-related bills in the upcoming parliamentary session signals a proactive approach to aligning Ghana’s digital policies with international standards, further solidifying the country’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, echoed the importance of collaborative efforts and sustained investment in empowering girls through digital literacy. He recognized the Girls-in-ICT program as a powerful catalyst for transformation, emphasizing its potential to equip beneficiaries with skills that are increasingly vital in today’s rapidly evolving job market. This year alone, over 3,000 girls and 300 ICT/STEM teachers across three regions will benefit from the program’s comprehensive training in key areas like web development, cybersecurity, game development, animation, and coding. This extensive reach demonstrates the program’s commitment to fostering a generation of digitally literate young women capable of contributing significantly to national progress.
Mr. Gunu pledged continued support from the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, highlighting his close monitoring of the program’s progress. He encouraged parents and educators to nurture the aspirations of these young girls, recognizing their potential to become innovators and leaders in the digital sphere. The recognition of the top 100 performing girls with laptops served not only as a reward for their hard work but also as a tangible investment in their future, providing them with the tools to continue exploring and innovating within the ICT field. This support system involving government, educators, and families is crucial for creating an enabling environment where girls feel encouraged and empowered to pursue their digital ambitions.
Representing the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, Togbe Ayim Diokoto II emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to actively support girls’ participation in ICT. He underscored the importance of digital skills for competitiveness in the modern job market, positioning investment in girls’ ICT education as both an economic and a social imperative. The private sector, educators, and parents must join the government in fostering an inclusive digital landscape where girls have equal access to opportunities and are empowered to reach their full potential.
Togbe Diokoto II urged the award recipients to view their laptops not merely as prizes but as gateways to innovation and self-empowerment. His message resonated with the overarching theme of the celebration, encouraging all girls to embrace the opportunities presented by the digital age and strive to become creators, innovators, and leaders. The Girls-in-ICT program serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of education and mentorship in equipping young women with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the ever-evolving digital world. The commitment of stakeholders at all levels signals a promising future for greater inclusivity and empowerment in Ghana’s digital landscape.
