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.