Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has inaugurated the 2025 Girls-In-ICT Open Day, encouraging young girls to embrace technology, innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) as Ghana advances its digital transformation agenda.

The five-day programme has brought together 100 beneficiaries of the 2025 Girls-In-ICT initiative, comprising 50 girls from the Volta Region and another 50 from the Upper West Region.

The initiative is focused on strengthening the participants’ digital skills, confidence and leadership abilities while introducing them to opportunities available within Ghana’s technology sector.

At the opening ceremony, George described the programme as an investment in the future of Ghana. He pointed to the continued underrepresentation of women in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering and data science, stressing that giving girls access to digital skills could help strengthen communities and enhance Ghana’s role in the global digital economy.

The Minister encouraged the participants not to limit themselves to using technology but to develop the capacity to create, innovate and solve real-world problems. “Do not let anyone convince you that technology is reserved for other people,” he told the girls, urging them to consider career paths including software development, AI research, technology entrepreneurship and leadership within the industry.

Organised under the theme “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” the programme will give participants opportunities to visit ICT institutions and technology companies. The girls will also receive mentorship from female technology professionals and participate in practical sessions focused on emerging technologies and coding.

Other activities planned for the programme include leadership and career development sessions, entrepreneurship training and team-building exercises.

George also stressed the importance of using artificial intelligence and other digital technologies responsibly and ethically. He urged the participants to understand and consider issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, misinformation, fairness and algorithmic bias as they advance their technology knowledge and skills.

The Minister further encouraged the girls to serve as ambassadors for other young women by sharing what they learn and experienced through the initiative. He called on them to inspire more girls to pursue opportunities in ICT, STEM and AI.

As they prepare to take on a larger role in Ghana’s digital development, George challenged the participants to “learn, innovate, lead and succeed”.

Source: techafricanews.com