The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) has formalized a partnership with Koforidua Technical University (KTU) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration is part of GI-KACE’s initiative to deliver digital skills training to communities in the Eastern Region.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony at KTU, Ing. Dr. Collins Yeboah-Afari, Director General of GI-KACE, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement. He emphasised that this partnership would facilitate the implementation of the eSkills4Jobs programme in the Eastern Region, which is aligned with Ghana’s broader digitalization agenda and the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project (GDAP).
“The eSkills4Jobs initiative aims to foster a resilient ecosystem to prepare Ghana’s workforce for the digital economy. This MoU enables GI-KACE to collaborate with KTU in offering training programs focused on digital skills and capacity development in the region,” he stated.
Optimism
Prof. John Owusu, Vice Chancellor of KTU, also conveyed his optimism regarding the partnership. He noted that the eSkills4Jobs program would significantly benefit the youth and residents of the Eastern Region.
He indicated that by introducing practical digital skills training, the initiative aims to empower students and stimulate local economic growth through the development of a digitally literate workforce.
Established over two decades ago, GI-KACE has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide by providing ICT training across rural and urban communities in Ghana. With existing branches in the Bono-Sunyani, Upper West-Bolga, and Greater Accra regions, this MoU marks a significant step toward enhancing digital skills training on a national scale. The collaboration aims to equip students and community members with vital practical skills.
The ceremony
The signing ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Frederick Yeboah, Director of Research and Innovation at GI-KACE; Kobi Hemaa Osisiadan-Bekoe, Director of Corporate Affairs at GI-KACE; Evelyn Fafa Adom, Registrar at KTU; Dr. Edward Asante, University Librarian at KTU; Dr. Frank Agyei Dwomoh, Dean of International Programs and Institutional Linkages at KTU; Franklin Odoom, Deputy Registrar in charge of the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat at KTU; and Emmanuel Opoku Debrah, Head of ICT.
The eSkills4Jobs training commenced on October 14, 2024, across several regions, including Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Volta, Bono, Northern, Upper East, Western North, Eastern, and Bono East. The program focuses on equipping participants with practical skills in areas such as Web Technology, Data Analytics with Power BI, Data Science, Graphic Design & Multimedia Technology, Microsoft AI, Cybersecurity Operations, Digital Marketing, AI for Office Productivity, and Blogging.