For over a decade, Telecel Ghana has demonstrated its commitment to encouraging female participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by sponsoring the annual academic prize to the best graduating female student in computer engineering at the University of Ghana.

At this year’s Vice Chancellor’s Academic Awards ceremony at the university’s Great Hall, the Scholarships and Academic Awards Committee announced Kathleen Nicole Brown as the winner of the Telecel Ghana Prize for the Best Graduating Female Student in Computer Engineering for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Ms Brown won the Telecel Ghana prize after completing a four-year rigorous academic programme that combines advanced study in the design and operation of software and hardware systems.

“I’m very excited because a lot of work went into this achievement over the last four years. I'm so grateful to God that it all paid off. What worked for me was having a good study plan, a good study group and performing well consistently in my academics,” Ms. Brown said after receiving her award.

“I’m also grateful to Telecel for giving me the industry exposure and mentorship in the past year.”

In 2024, Ms. Brown was one of ten recipients of Telecel’s Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme (FESSP), an initiative designed to support promising, final year female engineering students in tertiary institutions through tuition assistance, mentorship and professional exposure.

Another FESSP alumnus, Marie-Pearl Yaa Nono Akoto received a separate prize for the Best Student in Computer Science.

The FESSP programme is part of Telecel’s broader effort to help close the gender gap in technical education by reducing some of the barriers that discourage young women from pursuing engineering.

Beyond tuition fees and tech support, FESSP connects awardees to female engineers in the business for mentorship and practical insights into career pathways, to build a stronger pipeline of female technical talent for Ghana’s workforce.

The Telecel Ghana Prize, which includes financial support, tech gadget and branded gifts, recognises the outstanding female academic performance in one of the most technically demanding disciplines.

It has steadily become one of the notable recognitions attached to the university’s graduation awards, particularly for its focus on encouraging female excellence in engineering and digital technology.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her welcome address, said the awards scheme has been expanded to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of deserving students in academic and co-curricular endeavours.

“The ceremony is to recognise and applaud students who have distinguished themselves in both academic and co-curricular activities in the 2024/2025 academic year. We are delighted to present 189 prizes to 151 deserving recipients, with 82 of them being female,” Prof. Amfo said.

For Telecel Ghana, the annual prize forms part of a wider effort to support female participation in technical careers, linking higher education recognition to the company’s broader inclusion agenda in STEM.

Rachael Appenteng, the Human Resource Director at Telecel Ghana, said the telecom operator views the award sponsorship as part of a long-term investment in talent development.

“We believe recognising academic excellence is one practical way of building the pipeline of female talent needed for Ghana’s digital future. This prize reflects our commitment to encouraging young women who are choosing underrepresented fields such as computer engineering to be more visible, equipped and supported to lead in technology, engineering and innovation,” Mrs Appenteng said.

Ms. Brown added that she hopes her recognition carries meaning beyond academic distinction by helping to shift perceptions for younger girls considering careers in engineering.

“I hope this prize inspires more girls to believe in themselves and pursue engineering or any course they want. They just need to have the mindset that they can do it. With that mindset and determination to learn, you can pursue any programme. So don't be scared, just start and do it.”

Looking to the future, Ms Brown said she is interested in delving more into machine learning, embedded systems, and hardware security.

“I'm building my knowledge and career by looking to take extra courses in these new frontiers of technology and learning from people who are already in the field, before pursuing a graduate programme.”