Ghana launches Ms Geek 2024 competition to empower young women in ICT

The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has launched the Ms Geek Ghana 2024 Competition to empower young women with problem-solving skills through technology.

The programme is open to females aged 13 to 21. The competition challenges participants to develop technology-driven solutions to address key issues facing Ghana and Africa.

This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Speaking at the launching ceremony in Accra last Thursday, the sector Minister, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, called on stakeholders to support the competition, stating that, “support from stakeholders could significantly impact the future of girls and Ghana's technology sector.”

"We know that there are many young girls out there who have more brilliant ideas, so when we support them, they can win the competition in Ghana and go on to even win international competitions as well," she said.

She added, "So we have launched the Ms Geek Ghana today to unearth many of these innovative ideas, it may be simple but they can have far-reaching implications for all of us."

Selected applicants will attend a masterclass before presenting their ideas to a panel of judges.

The winner will represent Ghana at the Ms Geek Africa Competition and receive prizes including monetary awards and business support.

The Ministry hopes this initiative will help change young girls' perceptions of ICT and equip them with valuable digital skills.

Interested individuals can apply by July 18, 2024, through the Ministry's website (www.moc.gov.gh) or by emailing [email protected].