By Christabel DANSO ABEAM
MTN Ghana, in a collaboration with Thrive and Shine – a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has organised a significant conference aimed at equipping Ghanaian youth with digital skills, mentorship and practical experience in technology-driven solutions.
Speaking at the event dubbed ‘Closing the digital divide: Advancing AI literacy through STEM education’, Kwame Adu Manu, Manager-Digital Analytics and Reporting MTN Ghana, described artificial intelligence (AI) as the next frontier while establishing that MTN joined the course with Thrive and Shine to have an opportunity to mentor students who participated in the programme.
“Additionally, we want to provide internship opportunities to these scholars. The internship will run for an initial three-month period with the possibility of extension, allowing students to work in departments such as Digital Analytics and Monetisation – where they get to use data to build machines for learning and AI solutions that will benefit the lives of Ghanaians and MTN customers,” he added.
On bridging the gender gap in technology, Mr. Manu underscored MTN’s commitment to closing it. He said the company is actively connecting female students with mentors through its Women in Technology initiative to help inspire young women to pursue careers in tech.
He again emphasised MTN’s track record in digital inclusion, citing the company’s investment of GH¢17.6million for the Girls in ICT programme which has trained more than 15,000 girls aged 9 to 15 in web development, coding and mobile app development. He also mentioned MTN’s AI Day initiative.
Co-founder of Thrive and Shine Yvonne Dumor Boakye-Manu also described the conference as an avenue to address talent gaps in STEM and AI education.
She disclosed that Thrive and Shine currently supports nine students – three females and six males drawn from six to seven universities across the country including the University of Ghana, University of Development Studies (UDS), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Kumasi Technical University (KTU).
Ms. Boakye-Manu emphasised that formalising the organisation has enabled partnerships with corporate institutions such as MTN to expand opportunities for young talents across Ghana.
“Our goal is to reach more talented individuals, provide mentorship and bridge the gender gap,” she noted.
Senior Education Specialist-World Bank Eunice Yaa Brimfah Ackwerh noted that sub-Saharan Africa is projected to have 230 million digital skills jobs by 2030 and highlighted the importance of investing in digital competencies.
She highlighted ongoing efforts to develop Ghana’s EdTech Strategy and AI policy, expected to be launched this quarter, alongside initiatives that have trained over 70,000 teachers in digital literacy through distance learning.
National Coordinator – Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition, Bernice Mprere-Gyekye further stressed that bridging the digital divide must go beyond access to devices and connectivity but should include equal access to AI skills and inclusive policies that support rural learners and persons with disabilities.
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