Section of the students. INSET: MTN CEO
CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has stated that a total of GH₵17.6 million has been invested in the National Girls in ICT initiative to bridge the gender digital gap.
Speaking during an engagement with participants from the National Girls in ICT Initiative, Mr. Blewett said the investment is in affirmation of the company’s commitment to gender equality, digital inclusion, and the empowerment of young girls through technology education.
“Since 2021, MTN Ghana has invested GH₵17.6 million into the initiative, which has impacted more than 37,700 girls across the country over the past five years. We want to ensure that the next big idea, the next innovation, the next CEO of MTN Ghana can come from one of you. With hard work, focus, and commitment, you can become like the amazing women you’ve interacted with today—or even more,” he told the girls.
He encouraged the young girls to envision themselves as future innovators and leaders, saying, “The National Girls in ICT initiative is a flagship programme aimed at encouraging more girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as part of a broader national efforts to enhance digital inclusion and participation, so you need to take advantage of the opportunities.”
He further reiterated that MTN’s support for the Girls in ICT initiative, indicating that the support goes beyond financial investment, “it’s a deliberate effort to bridge the gender gap in technology and shape a more inclusive digital future.”
Mr. Blewett, stressed that MTN has taken tangible steps within the organisation to promote gender equity, including pushing for 50% female representation across its operations and ensuring pay parity between men and women.
“There’s no reason women should be paid differently than men. It doesn’t make sense whatsoever,” he said.
As part of the engagement, MTN hosted 100 girls for a breakout session with its Women in Technology group—an internal initiative that brings together female professionals from ICT, legal, enterprise business, and network departments.
The session gave the girls an opportunity to interact with women in various career paths, learn about subject choices, and receive guidance on becoming responsible and accomplished citizens.
The programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, gives young girls first-hand exposure to working in a real-world technology environment.
Mr. Blewett encouraged the finalists, drawn from the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions, to take the opportunities seriously and embrace the challenges of the digital world with confidence.
“Be fearless.” Keep asking questions. Keep experimenting,” he urged. “When girls are equipped with skills and confidence, they transform families, communities, and entire nations.”
The MTN CEO also called on the girls to begin visualising their future selves and speak their dreams into existence.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke