The STEM Coordinator for the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) Education Directorate in Ghana’s Central Region, Ms. Benedicta Ampofo, has urged government to step up investment in ICT infrastructure and teacher training across basic schools to help spark greater interest among girls in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) careers.
She made the appeal during a digital skills training programme held at Nyanfeku Ekroful Methodist Basic School to mark International Girls in ICT Day, a global initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) aimed at encouraging girls and young women to pursue studies and careers in technology.
The event, themed “Empowering Girls through Technology,” brought together female pupils from seven basic schools within the AAK District. Participating schools included Pra Ewusi D/A Islamic, Nyanfeku Ekroful Methodist Basic, Nyanfeku Ekroful Catholic, Gyandokrom D/A Basic, Abuenu D/A Basic, Crown of Glory School, and Asebu Oxford Academy. The students received hands-on training in robotics as well as practical lessons in Microsoft Word.
Speaking in an interview, Ms. Ampofo stressed that while awareness creation is important, limited access to ICT facilities in many schools—particularly in underserved communities—continues to hold girls back.
She noted that without reliable access to computers, internet connectivity, and other digital tools, efforts to close the gender gap in ICT education will remain a challenge.
“Girls have the potential to excel in technology, but they need the right environment and encouragement,” she said. “Equipping schools and training teachers to guide and mentor female students is key to changing the narrative.”
Ms. Ampofo further emphasised the important role teachers play in shaping students’ interests, calling for targeted capacity-building programmes to help educators effectively deliver ICT lessons and mentor girls to develop confidence in the field.
She also expressed concern about the declining number of girls who pursue ICT as they progress through higher levels of education, attributing the trend to inadequate resources and limited practical exposure. According to her, ICT is a highly practical subject, and the lack of proper tools often makes it appear difficult for female students to continue with it.
She called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, the Ghana Education Service, and private sector partners to develop policies and programmes that actively promote girls’ participation in ICT education.
Madam Beatrice Danso, an ICT teacher at Nyanfeku Ekroful Catholic School and guest speaker at the event, encouraged girls to cultivate curiosity and confidence, noting that innovation in technology is driven largely by curiosity.
She also advised parents and guardians to encourage their daughters to take on technical tasks at home, such as exploring basic repairs and handling gadgets like phones, laptops, radios, and other electronic devices, to build familiarity and interest in technology.
At the end of the training, several students expressed excitement about the experience, saying it had boosted their interest in ICT and strengthened their desire to pursue careers in the technology field.