Samuel Nartey George pledges ICT labs for schools of top 10 girls

Minister for Communications Samuel Nartey George has announced that schools of the top 10 girls excelling in the "Girls in ICT" programme within the Volta Region will receive modern, well-equipped ICT laboratories. The initiative is designed to reward academic excellence and provide a practical foundation for young women to pursue careers in technology and engineering. Funding for the project has already been approved, signaling a firm commitment to enhancing digital literacy at the grassroots level.

The project aims to provide facilities that will serve as critical resources for the beneficiary schools. According to the Minister, these laboratories are expected to be fully completed by 2027, with initial phases of the rollout beginning as early as the end of this year. By decentralizing access to technology infrastructure, the government hopes to inspire more students in rural and peri-urban areas to embrace the digital economy and develop the skills necessary for the modern job market.

During the announcement, the Minister also addressed persistent internet connectivity issues in the Volta Region, which have been exacerbated by ongoing road construction. He explained that these infrastructure projects often lead to the accidental cutting of fiber optic cables, causing widespread service disruptions. To mitigate this, the Ministry is coordinating with telecommunications companies and road contractors to ensure that digital infrastructure is protected during physical construction works.

Volta Regional Minister James Gunu echoed the importance of these developments, emphasizing that reliable internet and modern ICT facilities are essential for attracting investment to the region. He noted that the "Girls in ICT" initiative is a significant step toward closing the digital gender gap and ensuring that the region remains competitive in a technology-driven world. The program continues to be a focal point of the government’s strategy to build a more inclusive and digitally proficient workforce.