Telecel Ghana Foundation has launched the third cohort of its Digitech Academy, an after-school digital skills programme designed to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education while bridging persistent digital access gaps among young learners.
Running from January to March 2026, this cohort is being implemented across five districts in five regions: South Dayi (Volta Region), Mfantsiman (Central Region), Jirapa (Upper West Region), Goaso (Ahafo Region), and Bolgatanga (Upper East Region). The programme engages students from 19 schools and is expected to reach up to 500 learners, building on the success of the previous two cohorts.
Delivered under the Foundation’s Connected Learning pillar, the Digitech Academy is run in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Ghana STEM Centre. Targeting upper primary and junior secondary students, it is a 12-week after-school programme aligned with Ghana’s national academic calendar.
“This third cohort reflects our belief that access to digital skills should not depend on location or socioeconomic background. We are expanding the Digitech Academy into more districts, particularly outside major urban centres, to equip young learners with practical, future-ready skills, supporting Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda,” said Komla Buami, External Affairs Director at Telecel Ghana.
The curriculum complements the GES ICT syllabus and covers both foundational and applied STEM topics. Students receive training in electronics, programming, and basic robotics, learning to build circuits, write code, and design functional robots. Weekly in-person sessions are facilitated by local partners Asustem Robotics and the Mingo Foundation, providing hands-on instruction and project-based learning.
GES emphasizes the importance of such STEM initiatives in supplementing classroom learning and shaping Ghana’s future. Mrs. Olivia Serwaa Opare, representing the Director of the National STEM Centre, noted during the pilot launch in Ho:
“To truly empower our youth and prepare them for a competitive global market, they must not only use technology but master it. STEM education is no longer optional but essential for Ghana’s growth.”
The programme also prioritizes gender inclusion, reserving 70% of training slots for female students to address longstanding disparities in STEM participation. Francisca, a pupil at Peki Adzokoe D.A. Junior High School in the Volta Region, said:
“I’m excited about this life-changing experience because I want to learn how to code and create my own game.”
Since its pilot phase with just 50 students, the Digitech Academy has grown significantly. Cohort One reached 700 students from 39 schools across six regions, while Cohort Two engaged 1,041 students from 47 schools in 10 regions. Participants are assessed through practical projects, with certificates awarded to all and medals given to top performers.
The Telecel Ghana Foundation said the initiative underscores its long-term commitment to youth development, digital literacy, and improved educational outcomes in Ghana.
