ATC Ghana, a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, has reaffirmed its commitment to being a strong partner to Ghana’s digitalization drive.

The Chief Executive of the Company, Ashutosh Singh, at the ribbon cutting ceremony of their latest Digital Communities ICT Learning Centre at the premises of the Ghana Girls’ Guide Training Center said the company was committed to the development of highly skilled professionals for Ghana's telecommunications industry.

“This is important to us because as the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure to support network connectivity in Ghana, the availability of highly skilled professionals is key to the sustainability of our operations. The digital communities, therefore, are positioned strategically to pick up the interest of pupils in ICT at a young age,” he said on Wednesday, November 23.

The Digital Communities ICT Learning Centres are computer-equipped learning centers that utilize uninterrupted power supply and broadband connection from ATC tower sites to provide access to information and communication technology services and training to basic school pupils and residents in underserved communities.

ATC Ghana which is a leading owner and operator of communications sites for the wireless and broadcast industries said their flagship programme, the Digital Communities Learning Centres, is geared towards addressing global challenges and improving lives by building a more connected world.

“We recognize the reach and benefits of internet connectivity are limited in many developing areas due to factors such as inadequate infrastructure and unreliable electrical grids. American Tower is in a unique position to bridge this divide, as our infrastructure enables wireless communication, which continues to transform the lives of millions by providing opportunities for educational advancement, increasing employability through skills development and access to online job sites, and improving personal well-being as well,” Ashutosh Singh said.

He added "The program is also in line with the Government of Ghana's business to digitise all aspects of the Ghanaian economy under its Digital Ghana agenda. We at ATC Ghana are proud to play a role in supporting this vision of an inclusive digital economy, while encouraging many brilliant young people to go into the Stem space in Ghana.

“We believe that supporting digital literacy, especially in communities where we operate as part of a sustainability goal, is the right thing to do. We therefore remain committed to building more digital community centers in the years to come.”

The Chief Commissioner for the Ghana Girl Guides Association, Zakiya Abdul Wahab, said the 33-seater Digital Communities ICT Learning Centre could not have come at a better time.

She stated that to take advantage of current world trends towards digitization, her outfit has been training girls in STEM-related courses, particularly in ICT-related courses.

“We have an existing curriculum on internet safety in partnership with our global movement, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts called Save Smart, which is currently engaging some 20 young women to be advocates on the issue of internet safety, and also training some 100 leaders on the toolkit to impart over 1000 to 2000 girls and young women across the various regions in Ghana,” she said.

She was confident the ICT facility will be put to good use to benefit members and non-members, as Girl Guides remains steadfast in their commitment to give more girls and young women the opportunity for STEM education and e-learning.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Education, Maamle Andrews, who was representing the Education Minister, Yaw Adutwum, at the event, said the partnership between ATC Ghana and the Ghana Girl Guides was a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering girls across the country through ICT training.

She stated that ATC Ghana’s drive to provide ICT training to young people across the country particularly in underserved and rural areas ties in with the Ministry’s STEM policy agenda to prepare young Ghanaians for the 21^st century.

“As we celebrate this milestone, let us not forget that the true value of these digital communities lie in the impact they will have on our people, on the lives of our people. So we urge you, as young students, as girls, as children, to take good advantage of this facility and leverage on it. Develop your skills, hone your skills in the area of ICT,” she added.

Meanwhile, guest speaker at the event, the American Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, said ATC Ghana’s flagship programme is a reflection of the United States’ commitment to supporting girls and women as equal partners in the workforce, in Ghana’s economy and the world economy.

“If a girl is successful, her family is successful, her community is successful and her nation is successful. So there is truly nothing more important. I think, the girl child education and, and STEM education now. And ICT education is really essential to success in the modern economy. So this effort is just wonderful,” she said.

She added that with current world trends focusing on cloud computing, big data, and other tech-centered jobs, it has become more imperative for governments, organisations and individuals to create pathways for young Ghanaians to succeed and access ICT-related opportunities.

“And being able to use and adopt technology will remain a key driver of individual business and social transformation for years to come. You guys are the future of your beautiful country,” she said.

The event was also graced by the CEO of ATC Africa, Marek Busfy, the founder of Our Genetic Legacy, Shellie Baxter and her team of students, and a team from GVI Ghana.

The 33-seater center at the Ghana Girls Guide Association will be available to all basic schools in the area.