MTN Ghana has deepened its commitment to bridging Ghana’s digital divide and empowering young women by committing GH₵17.6 million to the National Girls-in-ICT Initiative—up from GH₵10 million in 2021.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, is a flagship government programme designed to inspire girls between the ages of 9 and 15 to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while advancing digital inclusion nationwide.
Since its inception, the programme has directly impacted over 13,700 girls and 1,300 teachers, equipping them with essential digital skills.
Speaking at an engagement session with 100 beneficiaries, MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Blewett described the company’s investment as a “long-term commitment” to building Ghana’s future workforce.
“The next big idea, the next innovation, the next CEO of MTN Ghana can come from one of you,” Blewett told the participants, urging them to embrace technology with confidence, hard work, and focus.
He stressed that equipping girls with digital skills is not only about technical know-how but also about nurturing ambition and confidence to thrive in the technology sector.
As part of the event, MTN hosted a breakout session led by its Women in Technology group, bringing together female professionals from ICT, legal, enterprise business, and network departments to mentor the girls. Discussions covered subject choices, career paths, and personal development, with an emphasis on becoming responsible citizens and future leaders.
Blewett also outlined MTN’s internal gender equity drive, which aims for 50% female representation across all levels of the company and pay parity between men and women.
“There’s no reason women should be paid differently from men. It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever,” he said, while praising MTN’s female executives for their competence and boldness.
MTN’s Head of Corporate Communications, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, highlighted that the company’s partnership with the Girls-in-ICT programme dates back nine years. She said the sponsorship covers travel, hosting, laptops, and ICT equipment, ensuring accessibility for participants across the country.
This year alone, the initiative has reached 13,000 girls nationwide, with sessions held in the Volta Region and upcoming training scheduled for the Upper West Region in September.
“Many girls shy away from STEM-related subjects because of the perception that they are for boys,” Asare Fiagbenu noted. “We are determined to change that narrative.”
MTN says its support goes beyond financial aid—it is a deliberate push towards an inclusive digital future where girls have equal opportunities to excel in technology careers.
Blewett encouraged the participants to think big and act decisively about their future.
“Introduce yourself as the person you want to be in 20 years—whether it’s a CEO, tech entrepreneur, or even the President. What you decide today will determine who you become.”
