Ursula Owusu-Ekuful launches 'eSkills4Jobs' for job initiative

The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has launched the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative as part of the government’s digitalisation agenda, aimed at equipping over 5,000 Ghanaian youth, particularly women in marginalized communities and People with Disabilities (PwDs), with essential digital skills.

Speaking at the official launch of the initiative at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) auditorium, Owusu-Ekuful emphasized that ‘eSkills4Jobs’ is designed to empower individuals by providing them with the digital capabilities necessary to thrive in today’s global job market.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between GI-KACE, the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD), and the World Bank, seeks to bridge the digital skills gap and promote inclusive digital careers among marginalized groups.

It aims to enhance employability, foster quality job creation, and stimulate innovation across the digital economy.

Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the government’s commitment to investing in the youth, stating, “The skills acquired through the ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative will not only enhance individual employability but will also contribute to the overall growth of Ghana’s economy.”

She envisions a Ghana where every citizen, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to engage, innovate, and succeed in the digital age. By expanding employability and fostering innovation, the government aims to create quality jobs that uplift communities and drive economic growth.

“The digital economy has come to stay, and we must ensure no one is left behind. eSkills4Jobs will focus on providing tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources that will allow participants to develop relevant skills,” she remarked.

She charged Ghanaians to renew the mandate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by voting massively in support of Dr Bawumia’s vision for a digitally empowered nation.

She stressed that the NPP has demonstrated a clear dedication to harnessing technology to improve lives, enhance public services, and drive economic growth.

Ing. Dr. Collins Yeboah-Afari, Director-General of GI-KACE, announced that the initiative has already begun in eight regions of Ghana: Bono, Eastern, Ashanti, Northern, Volta, Central, and Upper West.

Participants will receive extensive training in critical areas such as Web Technology, Data Analytics, Graphic Design, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, and Professional Blogging.

He also commended the World Bank for funding this initiative and the MoCD for its commitment to ensuring inclusivity in the digital revolution.

Kwame Owusu, Board Chairman of GI-KACE, underscored the importance of digital skills in building a modern, inclusive, and prosperous society.

He stated that there is an urgent need for all Ghanaian youth to actively participate in the fully-funded ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative. “As technology reshapes industries and influences nearly every aspect of our lives, it is GI-KACE’s responsibility to ensure that Ghanaians, especially our youth, are empowered with the necessary skills,” he asserted.

The ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative represents a significant step towards empowering Ghanaian youth to actively engage in the 4th Industrial Revolution driven by technology. GI-KACE is proud to contribute to a cause that transcends traditional training by fostering innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

The ‘eSkills4Jobs’ initiative is set to make a positive impact on the youth, communities, and the nation as a whole.