Digital equality key to Ghana’s development – Sam George

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George has called for deliberate and strategic action to bridge the gender digital divide, as Ghana joined the global community to mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD).

He made this at the high-level stakeholder event in Accra, under the theme, “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation,” which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Mr. George He noted that this year’s celebration was not merely a moment of reflection, but a call to challenge the status quo and catalyse meaningful change.

Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, Mr. George highlighted the Girls-in-ICT Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at equipping girls with STEM and digital skills.

“Just three weeks ago, I reiterated my Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the Girls-in-ICT Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at bridging the gender digital divide by equipping girls with skills in STEM, this initiative is not charity; it is strategy. A digital economy that excludes women is one that limits its own potential. I urge all stakeholders, public and private alike, to invest deliberately in the futures of our girls”, he mentioned.

He described the programme as a strategic investment, not charity, stressing that a digital economy that excludes women ultimately limits its own potential.

He called on both public and private sector stakeholders to commit resources to the initiative and the broader goal of digital inclusion for girls.

Citing global statistics, the Minister pointed to persistent disparities in digital access. While 62% of men are online globally, only 57% of women have internet access.

Mr. George also noted the success of the One Million Coders Programme, which has achieved gender parity in participation in its pilot phase in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga.

He suggested three critical areas for action to ensure gender-inclusive digital transformation: early mentorship and consistent support for girls in technology; improved infrastructure and internet access in underserved areas; and enhanced participation of women in digital leadership and policymaking.

On Ghana’s broader digital development, the Minister shared updates on infrastructure projects such as the National Information Highway, which is powered by 5G and fibre optics and aims to connect schools, businesses, and communities nationwide.

“ICTs are not merely tools – they are gateways to opportunity. But those doors must open equally for everyone. If we are serious about building a digitally empowered nation, then we must be equally serious about gender equality in digital spaces. The cost of inaction is not borne by women alone – it is a loss for all of us. Every girl excluded from technology is a potential innovator, engineer, or leader the world will never know”, he reiterated.

He also announced that the Ministry is finalising a National Digital Policy to guide the ethical and inclusive deployment of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, with strong cybersecurity frameworks and protections for women in digital spaces.