Ing. Dr. Collins Yeboah-Afari, the Director-General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), has recently urged the youth of Ghana to take full advantage of the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ training program. This initiative is aimed at building digital skills and increasing awareness of emerging technological trends among young people. During a visit to Koforidua Technical University (KTU), a key training center in the Eastern Region, Dr. Yeboah-Afari articulated the importance of equipping young Ghanaians with the digital competencies necessary for navigating the global job market. He stressed the pressing need for youth to develop these skills to effectively respond to the challenges posed by a rapidly changing digital landscape.
One of the most significant aspects of the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative is its commitment to inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups. Dr. Yeboah-Afari pointed out that the training program emphasizes empowering women and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), who face substantial obstacles in accessing digital technologies and opportunities. This focus on inclusivity resonates with a broader aim of bridging the digital divide in Ghana, ensuring equitable access to technological resources and education for all. By addressing the specific needs of these communities, the program seeks to create a more inclusive digital environment, thus facilitating broader participation in the nation’s technological advancements.
During his visit, Dr. Yeboah-Afari formalized a partnership with KTU by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aims to enhance the delivery of digital skills training and capacity development programs throughout the Eastern Region. The strategic alliance between GI-KACE and KTU is anticipated to bolster local training initiatives and extend the reach of digital education, thereby addressing the pressing demand for skilled individuals in the workforce. The formalization of this partnership marks a significant milestone in adapting education and training methodologies to the evolving needs of the job market.
Professor John Owusu, Vice Chancellor of KTU, lauded the collaboration and emphasized the potential benefits of the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative for the youth and the wider community in the region. He expressed optimism that the practical digital skills training introduced through the program will not only empower students but also stimulate local economic growth. By cultivating a digitally literate workforce, the initiative aims to contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region and enable students to become competitive in a globalized job market.
Established over two decades ago, GI-KACE has played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide across Ghana by providing crucial ICT training to both rural and urban populations. While its presence has been limited to three regions—Bono-Sunyani, Upper West-Bolga, and Greater Accra—signing the MoU with KTU represents a significant step towards expanding digital skills training initiatives throughout the country. This partnership serves as a means to reach untapped areas and provide youth with essential skills necessary for future job opportunities in an increasingly digital world.
As Ghana continues to confront both challenges and opportunities presented by digital advancements, initiatives like ‘eSkills4Jobs’ are critical for preparing the upcoming generation to meet the demands of the global economy. The commitment to inclusivity and a focus on marginalized groups ensures that the benefits of technological progress extend to all segments of society, thereby mitigating disparities and fostering widespread participation in the digital revolution. Through such collaborative efforts, Ghana aims to cultivate a robust workforce equipped with the digital competencies required to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
