MTN Ghana, as part of its 25th Anniversary celebration, has committed GH¢10 million to the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation in support of the Girls in ICT project.

Girls in ICT programme, an international initiative adopted in 2012 by member states of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) aims at exposing young girls to opportunities in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector and prepare them for ICT related professions.

The first part of the funds was presented to Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation at a short ceremony in Accra recently.

The funding is to cover the cost of the project over a three-year period and to encourage girls to consider studies and careers in ICT.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr. Samuel Koranteng, Chief Corporate Service Officer of MTN Ghana, said “everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life” hence the company’s commitment to ensure that “men and women benefit equally from ICT.”

“Gender Empowerment is a key strategic component of MTN’s Corporate Social Investment and over the years we have made significant contributions in this regard and because of that, we do not wait until precocious young girls become seasoned women professionals before taking an interest in them.  Our contributions start from the grassroots level,” Mr. Koranteng added.

Mr.William Tetteh, Chief Capital Projects Officer, speaking on behalf of the CEO of MTN Ghana said the company would continue to support government’s development agenda.

Mrs Owusu-Ekuful, praised MTN Ghana for joining other corporate organisations to support the initiative to empower girls in ICT.

She said the initiative for this year included a bootcamp for girls from rural communities in the Western North Region who were already undergoing programming and coding training, adding that the ministry would consider expanding the programme to reach more girls in other regions.

By Spectator Reporter