The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation has launched an ambitious initiative to bridge the digital gender gap by training 100 teachers across the Savannah Region to equip 1,000 senior high school girls with essential Information Communication and Technology (ICT) skills.
The comprehensive training program took place on Monday, September 15, at the Assembly Hall of Damongo Senior High School, bringing together educators with ICT backgrounds from across the Savannah Region. This “train the trainers” approach aims to create a multiplier effect, enabling each trained teacher to impact multiple students in their respective schools.
The timing of this initiative is particularly strategic, as it prepares participants for an upcoming regional ICT competition scheduled for October 28.
Savannah Regional Coordinating Director Mr. Ebenezer Amoah emphasized the importance of the training, urging teachers to approach their preparation with dedication to ensure their students achieve success in the competition.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Communication, Mr. Augustin Hesse, Director of Policy, Budgeting and Innovation, Monitoring and Evaluation, highlighted the critical importance of digital literacy in today’s world. “The training will help equip and prepare our young girls for a better future,” he stated, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to ensuring equal access to technological education.
This initiative reflects a broader understanding that digital skills are no longer optional but essential for future career prospects. By focusing specifically on girls, the program addresses historical gender disparities in technology education and careers.
The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT plays a crucial role in supporting this initiative. Madam Abigail, representing the Centre’s Director General, announced an incentive structure designed to motivate both teachers and students. “About 20% of girls who come out as winners will be awarded, and so shall the teachers,” she revealed, encouraging educators to maximize their efforts.
The Centre has also committed to providing essential resources, with computer logistics being identified as a top priority to ensure teachers have the necessary tools for effective instruction.
The strong backing from educational authorities was evident in the participation of Savannah Regional Deputy Director of Education Madam Sheila Author, who represented the Savannah Regional Director of Education. Her presence and endorsement of the program as a priority initiative demonstrates the alignment between the Ministry of Communication and the Education sector.
“It is with great pleasure that we train the trainers of our girls in ICT,” she remarked, expressing appreciation for the collaborative effort while emphasizing the importance teachers should place on this training opportunity.
This initiative represents a significant investment in Ghana’s digital future, particularly in empowering young women to participate fully in the technology-driven economy. With 100 trained teachers ready to impact 1,000 girls across the Savannah Region, the program has the potential to create lasting change in digital literacy rates and career aspirations.
The success of the upcoming October competition will serve as an important measure of the program’s effectiveness and may inform similar initiatives in other regions across Ghana. As digital technology continues to reshape global industries, programs like this ensure that Ghanaian girls are not left behind but are instead positioned to lead in the digital economy of tomorrow.
