The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has officially opened the 2025 Girls-In-ICT Open Day, calling on young girls across Ghana to embrace technology, innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) as they prepare to contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
The five-day Girls-In-ICT programme brings together 100 outstanding beneficiaries from the Volta and Upper West Regions, with 50 participants selected from each region.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Samuel George described the Girls-In-ICT initiative as a strategic national investment designed to equip young women with digital skills, confidence and opportunities to become future leaders in Ghana’s technology sector.
The Minister noted that women continue to be underrepresented in critical technology fields, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering and data science.
He stressed that providing girls with access to quality digital education and technology training would not only empower them individually but also contribute to community development and strengthen Ghana’s position in the global digital economy.
Girls Encouraged to Become Technology Creators
Samuel George challenged the beneficiaries to move beyond simply consuming digital technology and instead become technology creators, innovators and problem-solvers.
He urged the girls to use their ICT knowledge to develop innovative digital solutions capable of addressing real-life challenges facing communities and Ghana as a whole.
“Do not let anyone convince you that technology is reserved for other people.”
The Minister encouraged the participants to envision themselves as future software developers, artificial intelligence researchers, technology entrepreneurs and digital leaders.
The 2025 programme is being held under the theme “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” with a strong focus on preparing young women for an increasingly technology-driven and AI-powered global economy.
Girls in ICT Programme Focuses on Coding, AI and Digital Skills
During the five-day programme, the participants will interact with ICT institutions and technology companies while receiving mentorship from experienced female professionals in the technology sector.
The beneficiaries will also participate in practical training covering coding, emerging technologies, leadership, career development, entrepreneurship and team building.
The programme is expected to give the girls practical exposure to technology careers while helping them build the skills required to compete in Ghana’s growing digital economy.
Minister Calls for Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence
The Communications Minister also encouraged the young participants to promote the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
He highlighted important issues including online privacy, cybersecurity, misinformation, fairness and algorithmic bias, urging the girls to understand both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with emerging technologies.
Samuel George further called on the beneficiaries to become Girls-In-ICT ambassadors, sharing their experiences with other young women and encouraging more girls to pursue careers in ICT, STEM, artificial intelligence and technology.
He urged the participants to “learn, innovate, lead and succeed” as they prepare to play an active role in Ghana’s digital transformation.
KACE Director-General Urges Girls to Build Digital Solutions
The Director-General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE) also encouraged the beneficiaries to view themselves as more than technology consumers.
He urged the girls to become digital creators and innovators capable of developing technology solutions that support national development.
According to him, the growing impact of artificial intelligence in education, business and public services makes it increasingly important for young people to acquire relevant digital skills and the confidence needed to shape the future of technology.
The Girls-In-ICT programme therefore remains an important platform for promoting digital literacy among young women and creating opportunities for Ghanaian girls to pursue careers in technology, ICT, STEM, AI and the digital economy.
Source: newsthemegh.com