
Success Joycelyn Dadzie, a 10-year-old Basic 6 pupil from Hwidiem M/A Basic School in the Asante Akyem North District, has been crowned the winner of the 2024 Girls in ICT program, sponsored by MTN Ghana.
Competing against 1,000 girls, Success clinched the top spot, earning a cash prize of GHS 3,000, a laptop, a plaque, and a certificate.
Top Performers Honored
The second position went to Michelle Boakyewaa Boakye, a 12-year-old JHS 2 student from Atwima Kwanwoma District. Michelle received GHS 2,500, a laptop, a plaque, and a certificate.
Amponsah Yaa Darkowaah, a 13-year-old JHS 2 student from Ejisu Municipality, secured third place, taking home GHS 2,000, a laptop, a plaque, and a certificate.
The awards were presented on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Business School, marking the climax of the 2024 National Girls in ICT celebration in the Ashanti Region.
Certificates and special awards were also given to other participants and teachers who demonstrated outstanding performance during the training.
Joyful Reactions from the Winner
Success Dadzie, visibly elated, shared her journey after receiving the award. She recalled how her ICT teacher had sought her mother’s permission to enroll her in the program.
“When I began the training, I decided to pay close attention to everything taught. Not even the presence of older girls could distract me. I prayed after the exams, and God surprised me with this victory,” she recounted.
She expressed gratitude to the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, for spearheading the initiative.
Minister’s Remarks
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful emphasized the importance of the "Girls in ICT Trust" initiative, which aims to empower young women and girls in technology. She noted that the program is part of Ghana’s strategy to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry by fostering digital literacy and creating career opportunities for girls.
MTN Ghana’s Support
MTN Ghana, a key partner in the Girls in ICT program, has invested GHS 15.6 million in the initiative since 2021, training over 10,000 girls and 1,000 teachers in basic ICT skills.
Sophia Tandoh, from MTN’s Corporate Services Division, highlighted the program's impact. “At this young age, these girls are being exposed to ICT, sparking their interest in the field. MTN Ghana is proud to support such a transformative initiative,” she said.
Promoting STEM and Bridging the Gender Gap
The Girls in ICT program, inspired by the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Resolution 70, seeks to support the education of girls and women in ICT, arouse interest in STEM studies, expose girls to opportunities in the ICT sector and bridge the gender digital gap.
Celebrated annually on International Girls in ICT Day, the initiative aims to inspire girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM fields and engage in the digital sector.
The success of the 2024 edition underscores the program's potential to shape the future of young Ghanaian girls in technology and beyond.