In recent years, Ghana has seen a surge of innovative initiatives aimed at equipping young girls with the skills and confidence needed to navigate and succeed in the digital economy. Among these, the Legacy Spark Series at Accra Girls High School stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment.
Organized to inspire and educate, this event brought together remarkable thought leaders such as Claudia Twum, founder of the Studentpreneur Africa Network (SAN) and Jeremy Acquaah, along with other industry experts, to ignite a passion for technology and entrepreneurship among Ghanaian high school girls.
Fostering Innovation
The overarching goal is to foster a generation of female innovators capable of creating their own startups and transforming their communities.
This initiative aligns with the broader global movement to bridge gender gaps in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and to encourage young girls to see themselves as active participants in the digital economy.
The theme, “Relevant Skill Sets for Today’s IT Market,” emphasized that future-ready entrepreneurs need more than just basic digital literacy; they require critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to innovate using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
Claudia Twum, whose work with SAN has been instrumental in nurturing young entrepreneurs, highlighted that early exposure to technology and entrepreneurial skills can significantly shift girls’ perceptions about what they can achieve.
She advocates for creating accessible platforms where girls can learn, experiment and develop solutions tailored to their unique challenges. Twum’s belief is that when girls are empowered with the right knowledge, they are more likely to pursue careers in tech, start their own businesses and contribute to economic growth.
Beyond Consuming Technology
Jeremy Acquaah’s inspiring challenge to the students was to go beyond being mere consumers of technology. He urged them to become creators, innovators and critical thinkers.
His message was clear: “Don’t wait for permission to innovate. Start where you are, with what you have.”
This encouragement is crucial for young girls in Ghana, many of whom face social and economic barriers that may discourage them from exploring technological fields or entrepreneurship. Acquaah emphasized that innovation does not require perfect resources or extensive infrastructure but mindset and initiative.
The panel also discussed the importance of developing relevant skill sets for today’s rapidly evolving IT market. These include coding, AI literacy, digital marketing, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Olivia Wiredu and Yvonne Ahlie shared insights on how mastering these skills can help young girls identify opportunities to solve local problems, such as access to education, healthcare or financial services and develop viable solutions that can be scaled into successful startups.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes
The case for engaging girls in technology-driven entrepreneurship is compelling. Studies show that diverse teams are more innovative and women entrepreneurs often focus on social impact, which can benefit entire communities.
When girls acquire digital skills and business know-how early, they are more likely to establish startups that address pressing societal issues, creating jobs and fostering economic resilience.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Legacy Spark Series are instrumental in challenging gender stereotypes that have historically limited girls’ participation in STEM. By showcasing role models and providing hands-on experiences, these programs help break down societal barriers and inspire girls to envision themselves as future tech leaders and entrepreneurs.
The exposure to real-world industry insights, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities can ignite ambitions that might otherwise remain dormant.
Resources and Funding
It is also vital to recognize the role of local ecosystems such as schools, government agencies, private sector partners and non-profits in supporting girl-focused tech initiatives. Providing access to resources such as affordable internet, coding bootcamps, entrepreneurial mentorship and seed funding can accelerate their journey from learning to launching startups.
Encouraging family and community support is equally important, as societal attitudes towards women in tech can influence girls’ confidence and aspirations.
The ripple effect of empowering young Ghanaian girls through such initiatives extends beyond individual success stories. As these girls grow into women entrepreneurs, they can serve as role models for the next generation, creating a virtuous cycle of empowerment and innovation.
Inclusive Economic Development
Their startups can generate solutions tailored to local needs, fostering inclusive economic development and technological advancement within Ghana.
In conclusion, initiatives like the Legacy Spark Series exemplify the transformative power of targeted education and mentorship in unlocking girls’ potential in technology and entrepreneurship. By providing young girls with AI literacy, digital skills, and the confidence to innovate, Ghana can build a future where women are equal partners in shaping the digital economy.
As Jeremy Acquaah wisely noted, the future belongs to those who dare to ask bold questions and build brave solutions. It is imperative that Ghana continues to invest in such initiatives, ensuring that girls are not only future consumers of technology but also its creators and leaders.
The path to a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous Ghana begins with empowering its young girls today.
