Accra: Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, has urged beneficiaries of the Girls in ICT Initiative to use technology to solve real-life problems and improve lives. He emphasized the importance of viewing technology as a tool for national development and innovation during the opening of the 2026 National Girls in ICT Day celebration in Accra. The event, themed 'AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,' gathered 100 girls from the Volta and Upper West regions, selected for their outstanding performance in the Girls in ICT training programme.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr George encouraged the participants to envision themselves as future leaders in technology and governance, aiming for roles such as software developers, AI researchers, cybersecurity experts, or even the first female President of Ghana. He highlighted the initiative as a flagship programme of the Ministry, aimed at bridging the gender gap in fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, software engineering, and data science. The Government's investment in young girls is seen as a step towards fostering innovators, developers, and digital leaders who will drive Ghana's digital transformation.
Mr George advised the participants to dream boldly, work hard, and courageously embrace challenges. He called on them to approach every activity with enthusiasm and curiosity, becoming ambassadors of digital technology in their schools and communities. The Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to inclusive digital education through initiatives like the Girls in ICT programme and the One Million Coders Programme, ensuring no Ghanaian girl is left behind in the digital age.
Dr Collins Afari Yeboah, Director-General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, also addressed the participants, urging them to become role models and ambassadors for their peers. He emphasized the impact of empowering girls with digital skills on national development and the importance of addressing the gender imbalance in the technology sector. Dr Yeboah encouraged the girls to share their knowledge and support their peers, inspiring others to explore opportunities in technology.
The five-day programme provides participants with opportunities to interact with leading ICT institutions and technology companies across the country. Activities include mentorship sessions with accomplished female professionals, hands-on demonstrations of emerging technologies, coding and AI workshops, leadership development training, career guidance, and team-building exercises.