Ing. Dr. Collins Yeboah-Afari, the Director-General of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), has called upon Ghanaian youth to seize the opportunity presented by the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ training program, aimed at fostering digital skills and awareness of emerging technological trends.
During a recent visit to the Koforidua Technical University (KTU), one of the key training centers in the Eastern Region, Dr. Yeboah-Afari emphasized that the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative is designed to equip young Ghanaians with the digital competencies that are increasingly sought after in the global job market.
He underscored the urgent need for young people to develop these skills, positioning them to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Dr. Yeboah-Afari also highlighted the program’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly in addressing the urgent demand for digital skills among marginalized communities.
He noted that the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ training specifically targets the empowerment of women and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), who often encounter significant barriers in accessing digital technologies.
This focus aligns with broader efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technological opportunities.
As part of his visit, GI-KACE formalized a partnership with KTU by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to facilitate ongoing collaboration between GI-KACE and KTU in delivering digital skills training and dynamic capacity development programs throughout the Eastern Region. This strategic alliance is expected to enhance local training initiatives and expand the reach of digital education.
Professor John Owusu, Vice Chancellor of KTU, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative will significantly benefit the youth and broader community in the region. He expressed optimism that the introduction of practical digital skills training will empower students and stimulate local economic growth by cultivating a digitally literate workforce.
Established over two decades ago, GI-KACE has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide by providing ICT training to both rural and urban communities across Ghana.
With branches currently located in only three regions—Bono-Sunyani, Upper West-Bolga, and Greater Accra-Accra—the signing of the MoU with KTU represents a pivotal step towards enhancing digital skills training nationwide.
As Ghana navigates the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, initiatives like ‘eSkills4Jobs’ are vital for preparing the next generation to meet the demands of the global economy and ensure that no one is left behind in the technological revolution.
