In a continued demonstration of its commitment to bridging the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Telecel Ghana has officially announced the induction of 10 female engineering scholars into the 2026 cohort of its Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme (FESSP). The announcement, made public this week, marks another significant milestone in the company’s decade-long journey to empower young Ghanaian women to pursue and excel in the fields of engineering and technology.
The 2026 cohort, comprising 10 exceptional students, will receive comprehensive financial and mentorship support as they pursue their engineering degrees. This initiative is part of Telecel Ghana’s broader strategy to increase female representation in an industry traditionally dominated by men. The program is designed to alleviate the financial burden of tertiary education and provide scholars with the resources, practical experience, and professional networks they need to thrive as future leaders in Ghana’s technological landscape.
Having been described as a “real pathway” by the Director of External Affairs at Telecel Ghana, Komla E. Buami, the FESSP program serves as a direct response to the need for more women in technical roles. Alongside other major initiatives like the CAMFED scholarship and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, the FESSP is recognized as a key resource for girl-child education in Ghana and is part of a talent pipeline connecting female engineers with the telecommunications industry.
Telecel Ghana’s commitment to Education
Telecel Ghana’s commitment to education extends far beyond the FESSP. The company has developed a robust and diverse portfolio of initiatives aimed at enhancing digital skills, promoting STEM education, and supporting the broader educational ecosystem in Ghana.
One of the company’s landmark infrastructure investments was the recent donation of a fully equipped 42-unit ICT laboratory to the University of Ghana in July 2026. This facility, delivered under the company’s CSR program, is a significant upgrade to the university’s digital learning resources. The partnership between Telecel Ghana and the University of Ghana dates back to 2010, showcasing a long-term commitment to supporting the institution with internet connectivity and digital infrastructure.
In addition to infrastructure, Telecel has launched widespread digital education programs. A major recent development is the Startocode initiative, a nationwide digital education program offering free coding and tech training to thousands of Ghanaian youths. This program is part of Telecel’s support for President H.E. John Mahama’s “One Million Coders” initiative, and is run in partnership with the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digitalisation, led by Hon. Samuel Nartey George. The focus is on equipping young Ghanaians with the foundational skills required for the digital economy.
The Telecel DigiTech Academy is another flagship program designed to introduce younger students to technology. The program offers practical training in robotics, website development, and mobile application development to students in senior primary and Junior High School (JHS). The fourth cohort of the DigiTech Academy was recently expanded to five regions: Northern, North East, Savanna, Western, and Western North.
Empowering Women in tech
The FESSP program is one of many initiatives encouraging and supporting women in technical roles. The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (KACE), has been implementing the Girls-In-ICT Programme across multiple regions. The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) also launched the Women in Mining Communities (WomCom) Scholarship scheme in June 2024, supporting female students from mining communities to pursue STEM education, particularly in mining-related disciplines. In September 2025, 45 students from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) received scholarships totaling GH₵460,000.
The unveiling of the 10 engineering scholars for the 2026 FESSP cohort is not an isolated event but a testament to a sustained strategy of investing in human capital. By focusing on infrastructure, digital skills, and gender equity, the private and public sector of Ghana is helping to build a workforce that will drive the country’s future economic growth and technological innovation.