Owusu-Ekuful Urges GCTU Graduates to Leverage Their Talents and Skills to Bridge Societal Divides
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, has urged young graduates to leverage their expertise in technology and engineering to bridge the divides present in society. She called on them to use their knowledge to tackle economic, geographical, educational, and social gaps through innovative digital solutions.
In her address, Owusu-Ekuful emphasized that the graduates should focus on developing and implementing technologies that can transform key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance. She also encouraged them to explore technology-driven entrepreneurship, creating services that meet both local and global needs and enhance efficiency in everyday life.
“I am particularly proud to note that many of the digital applications in use by government agencies—from e-government platforms to digital financial systems—have been developed by young people like you. You are at the forefront of this transformation, and I urge you to continue striving for excellence as we work together to build an inclusive digital economy,” she said.
The minister delivered these remarks during the 34th congregation ceremony of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) in Accra on November 30, 2024. At the event, 1,568 students were awarded their degrees, including 1,508 undergraduates in ICT, business, and engineering fields. Additionally, 43 graduates from Coventry University, 13 GCTU graduates, and two PhD recipients were also honored.
During her speech, Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the potential of digital technologies to contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic growth. According to World Bank estimates, digital technologies could add up to $2 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025. To tap into this potential, the government is working on several initiatives that will support the digital transformation of the country.
One of the key initiatives mentioned by Owusu-Ekuful was the Ghana Rural Telephony and Digital Inclusion Project, which has already connected 1,460 out of 2,016 rural communities. This project has benefited more than 3.5 million people by expanding access to telecommunications and digital services in remote areas. The government has also introduced a National Roaming system, designed to improve connectivity in rural regions of the country.
The minister further emphasized efforts to close the gender gap in the digital sector through the Girls-in-ICT initiative. Over 14,000 girls have been trained under this program, helping to address gender imbalances and promote the participation of women in the technology field. In partnership with organizations like ITU, NORAD, and Cisco, the government has also supported the digital skills development of over 22,000 individuals, empowering them to excel in the digital economy.
The ministry has also invested in infrastructure, including the establishment of 250 Community ICT Centres and over 1,100 school cyber labs to provide access to technology in underserved areas. Furthermore, a Digital Youth Hub, set to open soon, will offer support for youth digital entrepreneurship, job creation, and global competitiveness, which will strengthen Ghana’s position in the global digital economy.
Owusu-Ekuful’s message to the graduates was clear: they must be innovative, think critically, and embrace responsibility in their pursuit of success. She encouraged them to push boundaries in their chosen fields, ensuring that their talents would contribute to the country’s progress. “No matter the field you choose, Ghana will need your skills and expertise to build a brighter future,” she said.
Professor Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, the Vice-Chancellor of GCTU, also spoke during the ceremony, providing an overview of the university’s achievements. He highlighted the institution’s efforts to address the demands of the digital era by introducing new graduate programs and forging partnerships with industry leaders. Additionally, investments in the university’s infrastructure have helped it meet the evolving needs of the digital economy.
Professor Afoakwa also emphasized that the contributions of the university, its students, and its partners have been integral in supporting Ghana’s digital transformation, ensuring that no one is left behind in the process. The ceremony concluded with a call for the graduates to apply their skills and knowledge to contribute to the nation’s ongoing digital growth and to seize opportunities in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
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