Telecel Ghana Launches Ashanti Codes to Empower 1,000 Youth with AI and Digital Skills

Telecel Ghana has officially inaugurated the Ashanti Codes initiative in Kumasi, marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in the Ashanti Region. This 12-week program is designed to equip 1,000 young people with essential skills in coding, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital technology. By targeting students in Kumasi and Obuasi, the initiative seeks to foster a new generation of tech-savvy leaders capable of navigating and contributing to the global digital economy. The launch underscores a growing private-sector commitment to enhancing Ghana's educational landscape through practical technological intervention.

A standout feature of the Ashanti Codes program is its commitment to gender inclusivity, with 70% of the selected participants being female. This deliberate focus aims to address the historic underrepresentation of women in the technology sector. During the launch event, students demonstrated the practical potential of their training by presenting innovative projects, including prototypes for driverless vehicles and smart toll gates. These exhibitions underscored the program's emphasis on hands-on, practical learning, proving that Ghanaian youth are ready to tackle complex engineering challenges when provided with the right resources.

High-level officials from both Telecel and the regional government voiced strong support for the initiative. Komla Buami, Telecel’s External Affairs Director, emphasized that equipping the youth with digital skills is a necessity for future-readiness in a competitive global market. To ensure the program’s long-term sustainability, the Telecel Foundation will also train local teachers to serve as digital skills trainers and provide educational kits that align with the national curriculum. Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, commended Telecel for its proactive role in supporting the government’s broader digitalization agenda, noting that such partnerships are crucial for national development.

Beyond the immediate training, the initiative is viewed as a vital catalyst for regional economic growth. Dr. Micheal Essuman of the Ghana Library Authority highlighted that digital literacy is a critical cornerstone for the country’s economic future, urging the youth to seize the opportunity provided by Ashanti Codes. As the program unfolds over the coming weeks, it is expected to create a ripple effect, empowering participants to innovate and solve local problems using global technological standards. This initiative represents a broader movement to position the Ashanti Region as a burgeoning hub for tech talent in West Africa.