The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has officially opened the 2025 Girls-In-ICT Open Day, challenging young girls to embrace technology, innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) to play a leading role in Ghana’s digital transformation.
The five-day programme brings together 100 outstanding beneficiaries of the 2025 Girls-In-ICT initiative, comprising 50 girls each from the Volta and Upper West Regions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister described the Girls-In-ICT programme as a strategic national investment in Ghana’s future, saying it was designed to equip young girls with the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to become the next generation of technology leaders.
He noted that women continue to be underrepresented in critical areas of the digital economy, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering and data science.
According to him, providing girls with the right digital skills would not only expand their opportunities but also contribute to the development of their communities and strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Mr. George urged the beneficiaries to move beyond being consumers of technology and instead become creators, innovators and problem-solvers capable of developing solutions to real-world challenges.
“Do not let anyone convince you that technology is reserved for other people,” he told the girls, encouraging them to see themselves as future software developers, AI researchers, technology entrepreneurs and digital leaders.
The programme is being held under the theme, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” with a strong focus on preparing participants for an increasingly technology- and AI-driven world.
Throughout the five-day programme, the girls will interact with ICT institutions and technology companies while participating in mentorship sessions with female professionals in the technology sector.
They will also receive hands-on training in emerging technologies, coding, leadership, career development and entrepreneurship, alongside team-building activities designed to strengthen their confidence and problem-solving abilities.
The Minister further encouraged the girls to promote the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies, particularly in areas such as privacy, cybersecurity, misinformation, fairness and bias.
He urged the beneficiaries to become ambassadors for other young women by sharing their experiences and encouraging more girls to pursue careers in ICT, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and AI.
He charged the participants to “learn, innovate, lead and succeed” as they prepare to take an active role in Ghana’s digital transformation.
The Director-General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE), in his remarks, also encouraged the beneficiaries to see themselves not simply as consumers of technology but as creators capable of developing digital solutions that can contribute to national development.
He said the growing influence of artificial intelligence in education, business and public services made it increasingly important for young people to acquire the necessary skills and confidence to shape the technology-driven future.
The Director-General expressed appreciation to teachers, trainers, mentors, partners and sponsors for their continued support and investment in the Girls-In-ICT programme.
The initiative is expected to inspire more young girls to explore opportunities in technology and help bridge the gender gap in Ghana’s rapidly evolving digital sector.
