As part of its Digital Communities (DCs) initiative, the American Tower Corporation (ATC) Ghana has commissioned an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) center at the Ghana Girls Guide at Achimota in Accra.
ATC Ghana is a provider of infrastructure for wireless network connectivity. The DCs are computer-equipped learning centers that ultilise uninterrupted power supply and broadband connection from ATC Ghana’s tower sites to provide access to ICT services and training to basic school pupils and residents in underserved communities.
These centers are located close to basic schools to ensure easy access to aid teaching and learning. Before this year, ATC Ghana had 10 DCs across the country, specifically at Bator, Savelugu, Jamasi, Asuom, Makola, Bawdua, Gaduri, Berekum, Akontombra and Tarkwa. This year, ATC Ghana has completed nine DCs at Kpembi Salaga, Dromankese, Techimana, Panfokrom, Kojoaba, Bodada, Peki Tsiame, Mangu and Achimota.
The DCs are managed by partners of the corporation, including Ghana Code Club, Africa Right to ICT, Affiliate Schools, and the Ghana Girl Guides Association. These partners train the users on basic computer skills, coding, and other programming courses.
Speaking at the brief commissioning ceremony in Accra on Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of ATC Ghana, Ashutosh Singh, said the DCs programme was one of the key flagship initiatives the company was committed to to drive the development of highly skilled professionals for the country’s telecommunications industry.
He said it was also to support a digitally driven socio-economic life in line with the corporation’s sustainability commitment.
“This center here at the Ghana Girls Guide Association National Training Centre will be available to all the basic schools not just in the Achimota area but beyond. This is important to us because as the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure to support network connectivity in Ghana, the availability of highly skilled ICT and engineering professionals is key to the sustainability of our operations,” he stated.
Mr. Singh stressed that the program was also positioned strategically to pique the interest of pupils in ICT
at a young age and was also in line with the government’s vision to digitalize all aspects of the Ghanaian economy under its Digital Ghana Agenda.
He, therefore, thanked all stakeholders for their support and contributions to making the project a success.
Zakiya Wahab, Chief Commissioner, of Ghana Girl Guide Association, said the association would put the facility to good use to benefit members and nonmembers as it was aimed at at giving more girls and young women the opportunity for STEM education and e-learning.
“It says therefore on a positive note of change, development, partnership, and goodwill that I end my remarks while appreciating all stakeholders who have worked on the implementation of this project,” she added.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minster for Education in a speech read on his behalf said the partnership was not only marking a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, but it’s also empowering our girls around across the country through access to ICT education and information.
“We are all about granting access to education, empowering young children and teens to ensure that they grow up to be productive human beings contributing significantly to the development of this country. So indeed, this intervention by ATC and the Ghana Girl Guides Association is warmly welcomed by the Ministry of Education
because it resonates with us and it goes towards providing the much-needed access in terms of competencies and skills to the younger ones in the country,” he said.
Dr Adutwum urged the students to take advantage of the facility to develop their skills.
Virginia E. Palmer, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana was excited about the project and was hopeful that it would continue the positive momentum of building youth digital skills at this critical time and we wish you great success in the future.
Credit: CitiNews Room