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100 Teachers Undergo Digital Training in Ho
The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI), in collaboration with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, has commenced a week-long Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop under the National Girls-in-ICT initiative.
The training aims to equip 100 selected teachers with essential Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills to mentor 1,000 girls across 18 districts in the Volta Region.
The workshop is designed to build the teachers’ capacity in areas such as Web Development, Cybersecurity, Coding, Game and Animation Development, and general ICT literacy.
This initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader effort to close the gender digital divide by empowering girls with the skills and confidence to thrive in a digital world.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, the Director of Policy, Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation (PPBME), Mr. Austin Hessin, underscored the importance of the initiative in addressing gender disparities in digital access and education.
Citing the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) 2023 Strategic Report, Mr. Hessin revealed that nearly 250 million more men than women are online globally, with Ghanaian girls particularly affected in accessing mobile internet and digital tools.
“Despite improvements in access and affordability, a significant digital gender gap persists. This programme is more than a training exercise—it is a transformational agenda that shapes futures,” he said.
He highlighted that the Girls-in-ICT programme, spearheaded by the Ministry in partnership with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE), and other stakeholders, has so far trained 14,981 girls and 1,192 teachers nationwide.
Mr. Hessin added that the current training is being facilitated by experts from KACE and focuses on both technical skills and pedagogical approaches to enable the teachers to become effective mentors in their communities.
He acknowledged the financial support of MTN Ghana and American Tower Corporation, as well as the logistical backing provided by local government agencies.
“Our goal is to build a generation that leads in innovation—not one left behind by it,” he noted, urging participants to approach their roles as digital mentors with purpose and commitment.
The Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Augustus Awity, also addressed the gathering. He linked the Girls-in-ICT initiative to broader national education priorities, highlighting that over GH¢1.2 billion has been allocated for teacher training in the 2025 National Budget.
“This training marks the beginning of a transformative journey for thousands of girls. You are the vanguards of this educational revolution,” Mr. Awity remarked.
Mr. Francis Yao Agbemadi, Volta Regional Director of Education, stressed the importance of fostering supportive learning environments that build confidence and inspire girls to pursue careers in technology.
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
