By: Gloria Anderson
The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Ghana Chapter, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has officially launched its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan along with the second phase of its joint project in Accra. The launch marks a significant step toward expanding access to tertiary education and technology-driven skills development for marginalised Ghanaian youth, particularly girls and persons with disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Policy Advisor Samuel Ofosu Ampofo emphasised the critical role of digital skills in preparing Africa’s youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He noted that the rapid growth of e-commerce, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science presents enormous opportunities, which must be made accessible to young women across the continent.
“The continent must be in a position to competently deploy appropriate technology. FAWE is on the right track in identifying skill sets required for the technology-intensive future and linking young women with employers,” he said.
Mr. Ofosu Ampofo added that several heads of tertiary institutions in Ghana have already indicated their willingness to develop tailored pathways to support the project’s targeted beneficiaries.
He officially launched the FAWE-Ghana Strategic Plan and the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II programme on behalf of the Vice President, calling for strengthened partnerships among development actors, government institutions, and communities to ensure sustainability and inclusivity.
Giving an overview of the new Strategic Plan, FAWE-Ghana National Coordinator Richard Amoani stated that the plan targets youth aged 15 to 25 years, with 5 percent of beneficiaries drawn from persons with disabilities. He stressed that community ownership of FAWE’s initiatives will be vital in sustaining the gains of the programme.
Mr. Amoani disclosed that an estimated budget of 20.3 million US dollars is required to fully implement the Strategic Plan over the next five years.
“FAWE must go beyond what it has already achieved. We are calling on government, civil society, and development partners to support this vision. We cannot do it alone,” he said.
Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi, who spoke on behalf of the Minister for Education, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the partnership. She highlighted the alignment of the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation initiative with Ghana’s Education Strategic Plan (2018–2030), particularly in promoting equity and access to STEM education for disadvantaged groups.
“Since its inception in 1992, FAWE has been the torchbearer for gender equity in education across Africa. In Ghana, FAWE has made measurable strides in enhancing opportunities for girls and young women,” she said. Professor Dzisi also mentioned that the Ministry has designated a focal person to ensure effective implementation of the project as outlined in the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding.
Among those present at the launch were students and young beneficiaries of the FAWE-Mastercard Foundation programme. Many shared how the initiative had positively impacted their lives.
One beneficiary, Mary Sassa, now done with her PhD, said:
“I never imagined I could learn something like this. Through FAWE, I gained not only the technical skills but also the confidence to speak up and lead.”
Mental Health and Disability Advocate, Martha Kwofie, also commended the initiative, describing it as timely and transformative.
“It’s very important—this programme speaks directly to gender advocacy and disability inclusion. It shows that there is more hope, and we might experience a different paradigm shift in our education and how we empower women.”
The launch event brought together policymakers, education stakeholders, civil society organisations, and international partners—all affirming a shared commitment to advancing gender equity, inclusivity, and quality education in Ghana.
The Mastercard Foundation has been a pivotal partner in advancing the mission of FAWE-Ghana, particularly in promoting inclusive and equitable access to education for marginalised youth. Through its strategic support, including funding and technical guidance, the Foundation has enabled FAWE to implement impactful programmes focused on second-chance education, digital skills training, and leadership development for young women and persons with disabilities.
The Foundation’s commitment has not only strengthened FAWE’s capacity but also expanded its reach, empowering thousands of Ghanaian youth to pursue tertiary education and gain industry-relevant skills for the future.
