Mrs. Kobi Hemaa Osisiadan-Bekoe, FGA
Mrs Kobi Hemaa Osisiadan-Bekoe, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, is urging teachers and parents to support children in responsibly using digital tools. She also stressed the importance of balance, advising children not to depend entirely on AI technologies but to actively develop their critical thinking skills. She was speaking during a two-day symposium organized by the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) as part of its annual Founders’ Week Celebrations in Accra on November 14, 2024.
This comes at a time when the transformative role of digital skills in shaping a modern and inclusive workforce cannot be overlooked. Focusing on the urgent need for strong literacy programs, sustainable projects, and equitable access to technology, Mrs Osisiadan-Bekoe highlighted how digital transformation is revolutionizing critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and business.
She commended initiatives like Girls in ICT and the Ghana Digital Acceleration Program for empowering underserved communities, particularly young women, with essential ICT and cybersecurity skills. These programs, she noted, inspire the next generation to become technology creators, driving national development. However, she also highlighted persistent challenges, including limited access for women, rural populations, and people with disabilities.
She acknowledged initiatives like the Ghana Tech Lab and Skills for Jobs for their role in bridging the digital skills gap. Referring to an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report stating that 90% of occupations now demand digital proficiency, she emphasized the significance of such programs. Mrs Osisiadan-Bekoe also commended the Ghana-India Centre of Excellence in ICT for providing free and subsidized training but urged policymakers to focus on tailoring these efforts to better support low-income communities.
The symposium provided a platform to inspire children and young girls, with Mrs Osisiadan-Bekoe encouraging them to take risks, be brave, and embrace digital learning opportunities. “The future of the digital world belongs to those who dare to dream and create,” she declared, urging girls to envision themselves as innovators shaping the digital landscape.
Her compelling presentation served as a rallying cry for collective action to bridge the digital divide, empowering children, young girls, and all citizens to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
