The Volta Region kicked off a week-long Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop at Adonai University in Ho, as part of Ghana’s national “Girls in ICT” initiative.
The program, targeting 100 ICT teachers from across the region, aims to equip educators with advanced digital skills to mentor young women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The opening ceremony on Monday drew regional education officials, Ministry representatives, and partner agencies. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI), in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE), the initiative seeks to narrow the digital gender gap and inspire girls to pursue STEM careers.
Mr. Austin Hessin, Director of PPBME, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Hon. Minister for Communication, stressing the urgency of addressing the global digital divide. “Nearly 250 million more men are online than women worldwide,” he said, referencing the International Telecommunication Union’s 2023 Strategic Report.
Hessin highlighted that over 14,981 girls and 1,192 teachers nationwide have already benefited from the program, positioning Ghana as a leader in digital transformation. “This is about creating a generation of innovators, not just users of technology,” Hessin said.
Representing the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, tied the initiative to the government’s educational goals.
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“With over GH¢1.2 billion allocated for teacher training in the 2025 Budget, this program aligns with our focus on STEM and digital literacy,” he said. Awity urged the teachers to fully engage in the training and prepare to mentor 1,000 girls across 18 constituencies in the region. “You are the vanguards of an educational revolution,” he told participants.
Mr. Francis Yao Agbemadi, Volta Regional Director of Education, emphasized the program’s role in addressing digital disparities. “Girls in Ghana face greater barriers to mobile internet access compared to the global average, limiting their opportunities,” he said. The initiative aims to create supportive environments that boost girls’ confidence and inspire STEM aspirations.
Running from June 2 to June 6, the workshop, facilitated by KACE experts, focuses on practical ICT skills and teaching techniques. Teachers will be equipped to deliver digital training to girls in their communities, fostering a new generation of tech-savvy leaders.
The ceremony closed with gratitude to sponsors MTN Ghana and American Towers Corporation, as well as the local planning committee and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for their support. In a stirring final note, Hessin urged the teachers to approach their task with dedication, saying, “Let us work as if we are working for God.”
