The DARE programme Ghana has marked another major milestone as 200 young women and mothers in Gushegu in the Northern Region graduated after a week-long intensive training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, communication, and leadership. Implemented by GI-KACE Consult Ltd in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, UNESCO, and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), the initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap and improve job access for rural women aged 15 to 35. The recent graduation highlights the growing national impact of the programme and its role in promoting economic independence among young women in rural communities.
A Milestone Achievement for Rural Digital Inclusion
Transforming Lives Through Technology Training
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Participants completed training despite many having little or no prior digital knowledge.
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Graduates now possess essential digital and entrepreneurial skills that boost economic opportunities.
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The 200 Gushegu graduates bring the total number of rural women trained under DARE to over 300 across three communities.
Expanding National Footprint
The programme is part of a nationwide effort, with successful cohorts already in:
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Somanya (Yilo Krobo Municipality)
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Bekwai (Ashanti Region)
These communities have long faced digital exclusion, limiting economic growth. DARE’s intervention is helping reverse that trend.
What the DARE Programme Offers
Holistic and Practical Training Pathways
Participants gained hands-on training in areas such as:
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Digital marketing
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Online business management
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Branding with artificial intelligence
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Customer engagement
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Entrepreneurship
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Local business aggregation
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Virtual assistance
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Artisan enhancement
Real-World Application
Trainees participated in market activation exercises where they:
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Tested their digital services with local businesses
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Collected customer feedback
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Practised their new skills in real economic environments
This approach builds confidence and prepares participants for both local and remote job opportunities.
Quotes and Official Remarks
Programme Coordinator Highlights National Impact
Fredrick Yeboah, Project Coordinator for the DARE programme, noted the success of the Gushegu cohort as evidence of the power of community-driven digital empowerment.
“With successful outcomes already recorded in Gushegu, Bekwai and Somanya, the programme is poised to scale further, expanding its impact and deepening digital inclusion across more rural districts,”
— Fredrick Yeboah
Testimonies from Graduates
Mariama Alhassan shared how the training transformed her skills:
“Before DARE, I had never used a computer. Now I can design flyers, market products online, and support small businesses in my area.”
Barikisu Mumuni expressed her new confidence:
“DARE has given me confidence, and now I know I can build something for myself.”
FAQs About the DARE Programme Ghana
1. What is the objective of the DARE programme?
It aims to empower rural young women through digital skills training and create pathways to modern job opportunities.
2. Who qualifies to participate?
Women aged 15 to 35 in rural communities across Ghana.
3. How long is the training?
The core training programme lasts one week, featuring intensive and practical sessions.
4. What skills are taught?
Digital literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership, communication, online business tools, AI branding, digital marketing, and more.
5. Which organisations implement the programme?
GI-KACE Consult Ltd, Mastercard Foundation, UNESCO, and UGBS.
