MCDTI mentors 1,000 girls in Upper West to inspire ICT careers under Girls-in-ICT 2025 programme

The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation (MCDTI) has held a mentorship session for about a thousand girls undergoing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training in the Upper West Region to mark the 2025 National Girls-in-ICT Day.

The mentorship, organised in partnership with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and MTN Ghana under the Girls-In-ICT (GIICT) programme, sought to inspire interest and confidence among girls to pursue careers in ICT.

Female ICT professionals in the region shared their life journeys and experiences in the technology space, urging the girls to overcome barriers and strive for excellence in the digital field.

Professor Hamida Darimani, Vice-Chancellor of the Dr Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), who chaired the event, described the initiative as a significant step toward empowering girls to explore vast opportunities within the ICT sector. She noted that the mentorship session provided a platform for the girls to learn from industry experts, network with peers, and gain hands-on insight into how ICT could transform their futures and communities.

Prof. Darimani, also an engineer, commended the Ministry and its partners for their consistent efforts since 2012 to bridge the gender gap in ICT, urging participants to take the mentorship seriously.

The mentors emphasised the importance of determination and consistency in acquiring ICT skills, noting that girls must cultivate a strong interest to become active participants and leaders in the digital world.

Miss Emilia Naa Adoley Anang, Controller of Retail Experience at MTN Ghana’s Wa office, recounted her personal journey in learning ICT skills, highlighting that practice and determination were key to her success. Despite lacking access to a computer during her training, she said she made extra effort to practice whenever she had the opportunity.

“I want you to have the mentality that you can do it. Do not let anything discourage you. Even if you do not have a laptop, do not give up. The world is growing, and you need to grow with it,” Miss Anang encouraged.

Mrs Rahmaa Issahaq-Pelpuo, a Legal and Regulatory Expert at the National Communications Authority (NCA), urged the girls to leverage opportunities such as the GIICT initiative to unlock their potential. She explained that ICT cuts across all professions and drives every sector of the economy, including health, business, education, and agriculture.

Other mentors included Musherifa Mohammed, Customer Care Representative at MTN Wa; Mrs Nana Esigyan Khim-Burns from Telecel; Zariatu Tiffere Osman, ICT Enthusiast; Ms Rukayat Bakare, Network Operating Centre Support Engineer at Dynamic Data Solutions Ltd; Anisatu Ahmed, Digital Inclusion Expert; and Diana Aazane, Customer Care Officer at AirtelTigo.

The event, attended by Members of Parliament, District and Municipal Chief Executives, Heads of Departments, and other dignitaries, featured a cultural performance by the Dagaaba Nuoriyeni troupe, adding colour to the mentorship session.