The RWESCK Auditorium buzzed with excitement on August 9, 2025, as young women in tech, mentors, and students gathered to celebrate the graduation of the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) SHECodes Cohort 3, a testament to innovation and the power of investing in women.
Prof. Emmanuel Akowuah, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, set the tone with an inspiring message. Representing the Provost of the College of Engineering, he highlighted how the institution stands as a beacon of innovation in Ghana.
"When we invest in women, the returns multiply," he said. "Globally, only 26% of top tech roles are held by women, yet their impact is undeniable. Closing this gap could add $12 trillion to the global GDP. But this isn’t just about coding, it’s about shaping a future where technology thrives because women lead it."
His words resonated deeply, reinforcing why initiatives like SHECodes matter for the participants and the future of tech in Africa.
Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of RAIL, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for hands-on skills over mere theoretical knowledge.
"The digital revolution is here, and the future belongs to nations that prepare their workforce for it," he said. "Some students excel in exams but struggle with real-world problem-solving. That’s why SHECodes is here to bridge that gap."
He also introduced RAIL’s multidisciplinary approach, leveraging AI in agriculture, health, energy, and education. Partnerships, he noted, are key, and the presence of students from St. Hubert and St. Louis SHS was a testament to the initiative’s expanding reach.
Dr. Eunice Akyereko Adjei, Women in Technology Theme Lead, shared the evolution of SHECodes since its launch in 2022. Cohort 1 mastered Arduino, Cohort 2 delved into Python, and Cohort 3 conquered Machine Learning.
What started as a coding program now includes students from Business Administration and beyond, proving that tech is for everyone. After 16 intense weeks, 60 graduates stood ready to take on the tech world.
Four brilliant projects presented by the graduates:
- Smart Energy Monitoring System – Optimising energy demand and supply.
- AI-Powered Telemedicine Bot – Detecting pneumonia in remote areas.
- EduPath AI – Guiding JHS students into SHS with personalised recommendations.
- Tomato Health Analyser – Using AI to diagnose tomato diseases.
The winning team, EduPath AI, received high praise, with suggestions to expand it for SHS students transitioning to tertiary education. They received medals and a cash prize. All graduates had certificates together with their facilitator.
As Prof. Kponyo closed the ceremony, his message was clear: "The future is bright, but it demands excellence, integrity, and the right attitude."
