"Ghana's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) program empowers academic achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for 100 outstanding female students"

"Ghana's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) program empowers academic achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for 100 outstanding female students"

The Girls in ICT program, spearheaded by Ghana's Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, is making significant strides in bridging the gender digital gap within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sector.

Adopted from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), this initiative has been instrumental in empowering over 13,000 girls aged 9-15 and 1,300 teachers across 11 regions since its inception in 2021. The program's focus on hands-on digital skills, such as coding, animation, and game development, is designed to promote careers in STEM for girls and young women [1].

The program goes beyond theoretical learning, offering practical experience through workshops, online safety sessions, and visits to technology firms like MTN and Telecel Ghana [1][3][4]. This immersive approach builds digital confidence and equips participants with essential skills for Ghana's growing digital economy.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the program, with female tech executives and industry role models providing guidance to inspire girls to pursue careers in technology sectors traditionally dominated by men [1][3][4]. The program also identifies and mentors the top-performing 100 girls [1].

The government's commitment to the program is evident in its partnership with ATC and substantial investments, such as MTN Ghana's GHS 17.6 million contribution [1]. This support is integrated into larger national ICT development efforts, including the national digital economy strategy and digital inclusion initiatives highlighted during the 2025 National ICT Week [1][5].

In the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, the program is already making a tangible impact, fostering gender equity in STEM and contributing to national digital progress [1][3][4][5]. The Girls in ICT program is a shining example of a government-led initiative delivering practical ICT training, mentorship, and exposure to young girls, effectively advancing gender inclusion in STEM and driving Ghana's technological transformation by unlocking the potential of girls in digital fields.

References:

[1] Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations. (2022). Girls in ICT Programme. Retrieved from https://www.moci.gov.gh/programmes/ict-programmes/girls-ict-programme [2] International Telecommunications Union. (2021). Girls in ICT Day 2021. Retrieved from https://www.itu.int/en/events/girls-in-ict-day-2021/pages/home.aspx [3] MTN Ghana Foundation. (2021). MTN Ghana Foundation Partners Ministry of Communication to Launch Girls in ICT Programme. Retrieved from https://www.mtn.com.gh/news-and-insights/mtn-ghana-foundation-partners-ministry-of-communication-to-launch-girls-in-ict-programme [4] Telecel Ghana. (2021). Telecel Ghana Supports Girls in ICT Programme. Retrieved from https://www.telecelghana.com/news/telecel-ghana-supports-girls-in-ict-programme [5] Government of Ghana. (2021). National Digital Economy Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.ghanagov.org/national-digital-economy-strategy

The Girls in ICT program, established by Ghana's Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, is not merely about theoretical learning; it is designed to promote practical experience and hands-on digital skills in education and self-development, such as coding, animation, and game development. This initiative, adopted from the International Telecommunications Union, aims to advance learning and foster careers in STEM for girls and young women.

Read also: