Accra: The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation (MCDTI) has successfully conducted a mentorship session for approximately a thousand girls undergoing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training in the Upper West Region. This initiative was part of the celebrations for the 2025 National Girls-in-ICT Day.
According to Ghana News Agency, the session was organized in collaboration with stakeholders, including the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and MTN Ghana, under the Girls-In-ICT (GIICT) programme. The primary goal was to inspire the girls to develop interest and confidence in pursuing careers within the ICT sector.
Female ICT professionals from the region shared their personal journeys in the ICT field, motivating the young participants to overcome challenges and excel. Professor Hamida Darimani, Vice-Chancellor of Dr Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), chaired the session and praised the initiative for empowering girls to explore opportunities within the ICT industry.
The programme offered a platform for the girls to learn from industry experts, network with peers, and gain practical insights into the transformative power of ICT skills. Professor Darimani, also an Engineer, commended the Ministry and its partners for their sustained efforts since 2012 in bridging the gender gap in ICT through national programmes like this one.
Mentors at the event encouraged the girls to cultivate a strong interest in ICT, aiming to become active participants and leaders in the rapidly changing digital landscape. Miss Emilia Naa Adoley Anang, Controller of Retail Experience at MTN Ghana’s Wa office, shared her experiences, emphasizing determination and practice as key to success in ICT.
Miss Anang recounted her challenges, including limited access to computers during her training, but stressed the importance of seizing every learning opportunity. She urged the girls not to be discouraged by obstacles, such as the lack of ICT tools, and to maintain a positive mindset towards their capabilities.
Mrs Rahmaa Issahaq-Pelpuo, a Legal and Regulatory Expert at the National Communications Authority (NCA), also encouraged the girls to leverage opportunities like the GIICT initiative to reach their potential. She highlighted the relevance of ICT across various sectors, including health, business, education, and agriculture.
The mentorship session featured contributions from several other professionals, including Musherifa Mohammed from MTN, Mrs Nana Esigyan Khim-Burns from Telecel, and Zariatu Tiffere Osman, an ICT enthusiast. Additional mentors included Ms Rukayat Bakare from Dynamic Data Solutions Ltd, Anisatu Ahmed, a Digital Inclusion expert, and Diana Aazane from AirtelTigo.
The event concluded with a cultural performance by the Dagaaba Nuoriyeni cultural troupe, witnessed by participants including Members of Parliament, District and Municipal Chief Executives, and Heads of Departments and Agencies.