Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Launches Girls-In-ICT Training of Trainers in Upper West Region
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has embarked on a significant initiative aimed at bridging the digital gender divide in Ghana, with the commencement of the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop under the National Girls-in-ICT Programme in the Upper West Region. The training is taking place from September 18th to 22nd, 2025, at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies in Wa.
The primary objective of this workshop is to equip 100 selected teachers from all 11 districts of the Upper West Region with essential ICT skills. These teachers, upon completion of the intensive one-week training in digital skills and computer literacy, are expected to transfer the knowledge gained to 1,000 selected girls from Primary Four to Junior High School across the region. This cascading approach is designed to inspire and nurture the next generation of female innovators in technology.
The Girls-in-ICT Programme is a strategic intervention by the Ministry aimed not only at closing the digital gender gap but also at empowering young girls with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq., commended the Ministry for selecting the Upper West Region as a focal point for this important training. He urged the participating teachers to approach the exercise with utmost commitment, emphasizing their crucial role as mentors and role models in shaping the digital future of Ghana.
The Director of Policy, Planning, Budgeting Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME) at the Ministry, Mr. Austin Hesse, highlighted the transformative nature of the Girls-in-ICT initiative. He noted that since its inception, the programme has trained over 15,981 girls and 1,292 teachers nationwide in ICT, coding, machine learning, and other digital skills. This underscores the Ministry’s commitment to creating opportunities for young girls to participate actively in the digital technology sector.
The Training of Trainers workshop includes intensive sessions aimed at enhancing the digital skills of the participating teachers. Following the training, these teachers will be expected to impart their knowledge to the selected girls, fostering a culture of digital literacy and innovation among young females in the region. The programme will culminate in a competition, mentorship sessions, and an awards ceremony where the best-performing 100 girls will receive laptops. Additionally, the top three achievers will be awarded further prizes, recognizing their excellence and encouraging continued pursuit of digital skills.
The Training of Trainers in the Upper West Region follows similar exercises conducted in the Volta Region. The Savannah Region is scheduled as the next to host the programme, indicating the Ministry’s broader strategy to extend the benefits of the Girls-in-ICT initiative across various regions of Ghana.
The Girls-in-ICT Programme represents a vital effort by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations to promote digital inclusion and empower young girls in Ghana. By equipping teachers with ICT skills and enabling them to train girls, the initiative seeks to create a ripple effect of digital literacy and innovation, contributing to the country’s development in the digital age.
