For more than a decade, Telecel Ghana has sustained efforts to promote female participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through its sponsorship of an annual academic prize at the University of Ghana (UG).

At this year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Awards ceremony held at the university’s Great Hall, Kathleen Nicole Brown was named the 2024/2025 recipient of the Telecel Ghana Prize for the Best Graduating Female Student in Computer Engineering.

The award recognises exceptional academic performance in one of the institution’s most demanding programmes, which blends advanced study in software and hardware systems.

Ms Brown, who successfully completed the rigorous four-year programme, described her achievement as the result of discipline and consistency.

She credited her success to a structured study plan, collaborative learning, and sustained academic focus.

She also acknowledged the role of mentorship and industry exposure received through Telecel’s support initiatives.

“I’m very excited because a lot of work went into this over the last four years. I’m grateful it has paid off,” she said, expressing appreciation to Telecel for its guidance during her final year.

In 2024, Ms Brown was among ten beneficiaries of Telecel’s Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme (FESSP), which provides tuition support, mentorship and professional development opportunities to promising female engineering students.

Another beneficiary of the programme, Marie-Pearl Yaa Nono Akoto, was also honoured separately as the Best Student in Computer Science.

The FESSP initiative forms part of Telecel’s broader strategy to bridge the gender gap in technical education by addressing barriers that often discourage young women from entering engineering fields.

Beyond financial assistance, the programme connects students to experienced female professionals, offering insights into career pathways and strengthening Ghana’s future technical workforce.

Vice-Chancellor, Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, noted that the awards scheme continues to expand in scope, recognising both academic and co-curricular excellence.

She disclosed that 189 prizes were presented to 151 students this year, including 82 female recipients.

For Telecel Ghana, the prize represents a long-term investment in nurturing female talent for the country’s digital economy.

Human Resource Director, Rachael Appenteng, emphasised the company’s commitment to inclusion, noting that recognising excellence is key to encouraging more women to pursue careers in engineering and technology.