These teachers will later extend the training to 1,000 girls, ensuring wider access to digital skills.

The initiative seeks to expand ICT education, strengthen teaching capacity, and create new opportunities for the girl child.

According to Bawah Shaibu, the Deputy Head of Training at GIFEC, the program goes beyond training by providing computers and establishing training centres.

To motivate excellence, GIFEC will reward the best 100 students with laptops. The top three female students will also receive cash prizes of GHC3,500, GHC3,000, and GHC2,500.

“The best 100 students will receive laptops. Then, the top 3 girls will go home with cash prizes.
The first best female student will go home with 3,500 Ghana cedis. The second, 3,000 Ghana cedis. And the third, 2,500 Ghana cedis,” he said.

In addition, schools of top-performing girls will benefit from upgraded ICT labs or new labs where none exist. Ten teachers will also be recognised and rewarded based on merit.

Bawa Shaibu stressed the importance of teachers in safeguarding the laptops and supporting the program’s success. The initiative highlights GIFEC’s commitment to empowering students, especially girls, with ICT skills that will prepare them for future careers in digital technology.

Mr. Abdul Razak Korah, Upper West Regional Director of Education, touted the initiative as an ambitious one but vital in ensuring that girls are not excluded from digital learning.

He emphasised punctuality, commitment, and teamwork as key to making the program a success and urged teachers to uphold the region’s reputation by outperforming the Volta and Savannah regions, where the program is also being implemented.

Mr. Korah highlighted the importance of extending ICT to deprived schools, where many children have never seen a laptop or tablet. He encouraged teachers to simplify ICT concepts for beginners and to serve as role models in their classrooms after the training.

He stressed that the goal is not only to train students but also to multiply the knowledge among teachers across districts. He called on teachers to stay committed, seeing the program as an opportunity to transform lives through ICT.

The Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, stressed that no nation can thrive if women are excluded from digital transformation.

He said the government is therefore training teachers to equip girls with ICT skills, enabling them to participate in an interconnected world, saying, “When girls gain digital skills, they uplift their families and communities.”

The minister urged teachers to approach the program with commitment, as they serve as mentors and role models who break stereotypes and nurture potential.

He pledged the commitment of the Regional Coordinating Council’s full support to ensure ICT opportunities reach all districts and empower girls to succeed in the digital age.