Speaking at the launch event, Augusta Andrews, Director of Legal and External Affairs at Telecel Ghana, emphasized the academy’s mission of empowering students, particularly young girls. “The Telecel Digitech Academy is not just about providing technological tools, but empowering our youth to be creators, problem-solvers, and leaders. Our goal is to give as many students as possible the opportunity to succeed in the digital economy,” she stated. The academy places a strong focus on inclusivity, ensuring that 70% of participants are girls, addressing the gender gap in STEM education across the country.

The Telecel Digitech Academy, under the Foundation’s connected learning pillar, will focus on providing practical knowledge in robotics, programming, and website development, ensuring students are not only consumers of technology but creators and innovators. The initiative is also part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering future-ready skills for students in both urban and rural areas.

In support of the initiative, the Director of the National STEM Centre Mrs. Olivia Serwaa Opare, stressed on the importance of partnership and collaboration to achieve Ghana’s digital agenda. In a speech read on her behalf, she said, “programs like the Telecel Digitech Academy are shaping Ghana’s future. To truly empower our youth and prepare them for a competitive global market, we must ensure that they do not just use technology but understand and master it,” she added that digital literacy and STEM education are no longer optional but essential for the country’s growth.

David Asumadu, CEO of Asustem Robotics, one of the implementing partners in the program, highlighted the academy’s emphasis on practical application. “We are not just teaching students how to code or build robots. We are preparing them for the future of work, where technology will be at the core of everything,” he explained. The academy’s curriculum covers website development, scratch programming, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics, providing students with the tools to innovate in various fields. He further encouraged students to embrace the skills they acquire, noting, “After this training, you’ll be able to develop websites, work on AI projects, and apply your knowledge in the real-world challenges.”

The Telecel Digitech Academy will run along the GES school term and is designed to supplement traditional classroom education with project-based learning.