The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has embarked on a significant initiative to empower young girls in the Upper West Region of Ghana with essential digital skills. This endeavor takes the form of a week-long Training of Trainers workshop, held from September 18th to 22nd, 2025, at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies in Wa. The program’s core objective is to equip 100 teachers from all 11 districts of the region with comprehensive training in information and communication technology (ICT), digital literacy, and related skills. These educators will then serve as mentors and instructors, cascading their newly acquired knowledge to 1,000 girls from Primary Four to Junior High School. This cascading effect aims to maximize the program’s reach and impact, creating a ripple effect of digital literacy throughout the region’s young female population. This initiative represents a crucial step towards bridging the digital gender gap and fostering a new generation of female innovators in Ghana.
The program’s significance lies in its strategic approach to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the technology sector. By targeting young girls at the primary and junior high school levels, the initiative aims to cultivate an early interest in ICT and related fields. This early intervention is crucial for nurturing confidence and breaking down stereotypes that often discourage girls from pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and careers. The selection of teachers as the primary recipients of training ensures the sustainability and long-term impact of the program. By empowering teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program creates a network of local mentors who can continue to guide and inspire young girls in their pursuit of digital literacy.
The opening ceremony of the workshop was marked by strong endorsements and expressions of hope for the program’s success. The Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq., commended the Ministry’s decision to focus on the region, highlighting the importance of digital literacy for the region’s development. He urged the participating teachers to fully embrace the training opportunity and recognize their critical role in shaping the future of Ghana’s digital landscape. Their dedication and mentorship will be instrumental in empowering young girls to become active participants in the digital economy and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.
Mr. Austin Hesse, Director of Policy, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, underscored the transformative potential of the Girls-in-ICT program. He highlighted the program’s national reach and impact, revealing that since its inception, over 15,981 girls and 1,292 teachers across the country have benefited from training in ICT, coding, and machine learning. This national scope demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the digital gender gap across all regions of Ghana and ensuring that young girls throughout the country have access to the opportunities presented by the digital age.
The Girls-in-ICT program is more than just a training initiative; it’s a comprehensive platform designed to inspire and motivate young girls to embrace technology. The program culminates in a competitive event where the participants can showcase their newly acquired skills and compete for exciting prizes. The top 100 performing girls will be awarded laptops, providing them with essential tools to continue their learning and exploration of the digital world. Further recognition and incentives will be given to the top three achievers, encouraging excellence and fostering a spirit of healthy competition. This competitive element adds an engaging and motivating dimension to the program, further stimulating the girls’ interest in ICT.
The Upper West Region training is part of a larger national rollout of the Girls-in-ICT program. Following a similar successful implementation in the Volta Region, the Savannah Region is next in line to benefit from this transformative initiative. This phased approach allows for effective resource allocation and ensures that the program is tailored to the specific needs and context of each region. The ongoing expansion of the Girls-in-ICT program reflects the Ministry’s commitment to making digital literacy accessible to all young girls across Ghana, regardless of their geographical location. This commitment is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable digital future for the nation.
