Kumasi: The Slamm Foundation, in partnership with the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) and the National Youth Authority (NYA), has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the country's digital transformation by equipping young people with essential skills in cybersecurity and Information Technology (IT).
According to Ghana News Agency, the week-long Cybersecurity and IT Training Programme, held in Kumasi, gathered over 120 young participants and provided practical instruction in cybersecurity monitoring and policy, basic networking, IT audit, digital forensics, and investigative tools. Dr. Samuel Boateng, Chief Executive Officer of Slamm Foundation, stated that the initiative is part of the Foundation's long-term vision to empower African youth with technology-driven skills relevant to the global digital economy. Having acquired cybersecurity and IT knowledge over the past 25 years, Dr. Boateng expressed his belief in sharing that knowledge to contribute to the digital revolution, especially in Africa and Ghana.
Dr. Boateng shared that Slamm Technology, founded in 2007 by him and his wife, has trained more than 200,000 young people in the past five years, with a goal to train one million within the next ten years. The training aligns with the global Cybersecurity Awareness Month, aiming to help the youth develop digital competencies to create jobs, start technology-driven enterprises, and contribute to national development. He emphasized targeting the youth to build technology ideas and create employment opportunities, thus building a stronger digital Ghana.
Mrs. Francisca Boateng, the Founder of Slamm Foundation, expressed her commitment to providing further support to the participants and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained in their communities. She congratulated the participants, encouraging them to make the most of their learning and offering support through internships and job opportunities.
Mr. Samuel Twum, Deputy Director of Administration at the ARCC, representing the Ashanti Regional Minister, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful amidst rising technology and innovation challenges. He highlighted the training's coverage of key cybersecurity concepts, practical demonstrations, and hands-on exercises that enhanced participants' skills. Mr. Twum expressed appreciation to the Slamm Foundation and its partners for their continuous investment in Ghanaian youth, emphasizing ARCC's commitment to collaborating with such organizations to strengthen the nation's digital future.
Mr. George Owel Amponsah, Ashanti Regional Director of NYA, praised the programme's success, highlighting its role in promoting digital literacy and responsible online behavior among young people. He acknowledged the empowerment the training provided to young people to thrive in the digital age and expressed gratitude to all supporting organizations. He added that the NYA would continue collaborating with partners to connect graduates with firms for internships and job opportunities, encouraging participants to gain experience and grow into their dreams.
Participant Fathia Chindo Yahaya shared that over the past five days, they gained knowledge on cybersecurity, networking, and risk management, enhancing their ability to identify and address system threats early. She expressed confidence in helping women in her community, particularly market women, to be vigilant and use strong passwords to protect their financial accounts.
