The minister for communications, digital technology and innovations, Sam Nartey George, has called on telecom operators and industry stakeholders to step up financial support for the Girls in ICT initiative, warning that funding gaps threaten efforts to bridge Ghana’s digital gender divide.
Speaking at a high-level telecoms workshop on spectrum auction design and pricing strategy, the minister used his address to make a direct appeal to industry players to contribute resources towards training at least 3,000 girls this year under the programme.
He disclosed that despite the initiative’s nearly 15-year presence in Ghana, funding challenges persist, with corporate support falling short of expectations. He singled out MTN Ghana as the most consistent contributor over the years, while urging other members of the telecoms ecosystem to match that commitment.
“The Girls in ICT is an ITU initiative that has been run in Ghana for almost 15 years now, and it is critical for us to bridge the digital divide,” he stated, stressing that broader industry participation is essential to sustain and expand the programme.
The minister challenged companies across the value chain—including infrastructure providers, fintech firms and telecom operators—to invest directly in digital skills development for young girls, noting that such contributions could yield long-term innovation benefits for the country.
“You never know, a young girl will develop a solution from this training that helps solve national challenges,” he said, reinforcing the idea that investment in digital education is not just a social responsibility but a strategic economic decision.
The appeal forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda under President John Dramani Mahama, which places skills development and inclusion at the centre of Ghana’s transition from digital consumption to digital production and innovation leadership.
According to the minister, the Girls in ICT initiative remains a critical pillar within this framework, complementing programmes such as the One Million Coders Project and ongoing partnerships aimed at delivering free artificial intelligence training to young women.
He further directed industry associations, particularly the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, to mobilise their members to contribute financially, emphasising that collective action is required to scale impact and ensure equitable access to digital opportunities.
The minister’s remarks come at a time when Ghana is intensifying efforts to expand its digital economy, with a strong focus on inclusivity, innovation and workforce readiness. He maintained that empowering young women with digital skills is essential to building a resilient and competitive economy.
“As we push forward with our digital agenda, we must ensure that no one is left behind, especially young girls who represent the future of our innovation ecosystem,” he added.
