News
Volta Region to Empower 1,000 Girls in ICT through “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation” Initiative
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MOCDTI) has launched the 2025 Girls-In-ICT Celebration program in the Volta Region, with the aim of equipping 1,000 girls with vital ICT skills.
The theme of the programme, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation”, seeks to bridge the gender digital divide and promote inclusive digital development.
The inception meeting, held at the Residency Conference Room in Ho, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the program’s implementation and strategies for success.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), stating that the Council would bring all relevant stakeholders on board for the successful rollout of the program.
He expressed confidence that the Girls in ICT initiative would significantly contribute to closing the gender digital divide.
The Chief Director of the Ministry, Alexander Yaw Arphul, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that it is part of the Ministry’s broader vision to equip Ghana’s youth with practical digital skills.
According to Mr. Arphul, the Girls-In-ICT initiative draws inspiration from the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Resolution 70, which established the global Girls-In-ICT Day in 2011.
The initiative aims to create an environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to explore studies and careers in ICT.
Mr. Arphul highlighted the importance of ICT skills in today’s digital world, stating that it is no longer optional but essential for individuals to perform efficiently and remain competitive in the job market. He emphasized that investing in ICT education is both an economic strategy and a pathway to social equity.
According to him, the initiative also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality) by encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM, including ICT.
The Director, PPBME, Mr Austin Hesse outlined various roles to be played by stakeholders in the local planning committee, urging them to engage actively, share their expertise and champion the cause to achieve the programs objectives.
About the 2025 GIICT
The Ministry has set a target to train 3,000 girls in the Volta, Upper East, and Upper West Regions this year, with the Volta Region expected to play a leading role.
The programme is part of the Ministry’s efforts to expand ICT education across all regions.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested several suspected drug peddlers and recovered large quantities of narcotic substances in intelligence-led operations across Kumasi.
The I.G.P. Special Operations Team, working with the Ashanti Regional Police Command, targeted locations identified as hubs for the sale and distribution of drugs within the metropolis.
At Asawase, Kwame Afriyie, 61, alias “Con Papa” also known as “American Man”, was arrested. Police recovered 33 compressed parcels of suspected cannabis from his room and 48 more from his provision shop.
-Additionally, at Asafo, Kofi Acheampong alias “Mokobiley” was arrested with 311 transparent sachets of dried leaves suspected to be narcotics, 13 compressed parcels, 10 brown paper wraps containing black rock-like substances suspected to be cocaine, and restricted pharmaceutical products.
The operations continued to Krofrom, where Michael Owusu Agyeman, 22, a National Service personnel, was arrested with 15 bottles of fruit juice suspected to be laced with cannabis.
Other operations at Atonsu-Bokuro, Krofrom, Kenyase, Asokwa, Buokrom and Asafo BB led to the arrest of Adamu Ibrahim, 44; Stanley Boahene, 24; Favour Emmanuel, 23; Abubakar Sadick, 28; Adwoa Serwaa Boamah, 36; Paul Quagraine, 40; Nana Kwasi Amo Peprah, 47; Hamdiyah Ibrahim, 37; Nicholas Adorku, 39; and Natson Yaaba, 31.
Exhibits retrieved include compressed parcels of suspected cannabis, tramadol tablets, ecstasy, amphetamine, suspected cocaine and other controlled substances. All items have been secured for forensic examination.
All suspects have been arraigned and remanded into Police custody pending further court dates.
The Police Service says the operation forms part of its ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse. It urged the public to provide credible information on drug-related activities.
The Command commended the I.G.P. Special Operations Team and Ashanti Regional officers for their professionalism and efforts to disrupt criminal drug networks and maintain public safety.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has referred former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, to its National Disciplinary Committee following petitions over recent comments he made.
The party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, announced the decision and said the petitions relate to remarks that are believed to be harmful to the party’s unity and cohesion.
According to him, the National Disciplinary Committee has been given two weeks to investigate the matter and submit its report to the party’s leadership.
“The position is that we have referred all petitions received regarding Kennedy Agyapong’s comments to the National Disciplinary Committee, and we have given them two weeks to deal with the matter,” he said.
He explained that after receiving the committee’s report, the National Executive Committee (NEC) will hold another meeting to discuss the findings and decide on the next course of action.
The petitions stem from recent comments by Mr Agyapong in which he alleged that contracts awarded under the previous NPP administration, including those linked to the construction of the 37 Military Hospital, required contractors to pay a 10 per cent kickback before securing the deals.
He also accused some party officials of engaging in practices that contributed to the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general election.
By:Jacob Aggrey
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