Ursula Owusu, Communications Minister, in handshake with Ing. Dr Collins Yeboah Afari, GI-KACE Director General, while (middle) Mr. Kwame Owusu, board chairman of GI-KACE, looks on
The government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, has launched the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative, as part of the government’s digitalisation agenda aimed at equipping over 5,000 youth, particularly women in marginalized communities and People with Disabilities (PwDs), with essential digital skills.
Speaking during the official launch of the initiative at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) auditorium yesterday, the sector Minister, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, emphasised that ‘eSkills4Jobs’ was designed to empower individuals by providing them with the digital capabilities necessary to thrive in today’s global job market.
She explained that the initiative was a collaborative effort between GI-KACE, the Communications Ministry and the World Bank to bridge the digital skills gap, and promote inclusive digital careers among marginalized groups. She added that it aims to enhance employability, foster quality job creation, and stimulate innovation across the digital economy.
Commitment
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in the youth, stating, “The skills acquired through the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative will not only enhance individual employability but will also contribute to the overall growth of Ghana’s economy.” She envisioned a Ghana where every citizen, regardless of their background, would have the opportunity to engage, innovate, and succeed in the digital age. By expanding employability and fostering innovation, the government aims to create quality jobs that uplift communities and drive economic growth.
“The digital economy has come to stay, and we must ensure no one is left behind. eSkills4Jobs will focus on providing tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources that will allow participants to develop relevant skills,” she remarked. She charged Ghanaians to renew the mandate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by voting massively in support of Dr Bawumia’s vision for a digitally empowered nation. She stressed that the NPP had demonstrated a clear dedication to harnessing technology to improve lives, enhance public services, and drive economic growth.
Ing. Dr. Collins Yeboah-Afari, Director-General of GI-KACE, announced that the initiative had already begun in eight regions: Bono, Eastern, Ashanti, Northern, Volta, Central and Upper West.
Training
He said participants would receive extensive training in critical areas such as Web Technology, Data Analytics, Graphic Design, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, and Professional Blogging. He commended the World Bank for funding this initiative and the Communication Ministry for its commitment to ensuring inclusivity in the digital revolution.
Kwame Owusu, Board Chairman of GI-KACE, emphasised the importance of digital skills in building a modern, inclusive, and prosperous society. He stated that there is an urgent need for all Ghanaian youth to actively participate in the fully-funded ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative. “As technology reshapes industries and influences nearly every aspect of our lives, it is GI-KACE’s responsibility to ensure that Ghanaians, especially our youth, are empowered with the necessary skills,” he asserted.
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