By: Mohamed Suhuyini Shaharan/Tolon Radio
The Digital Access for Rural Empowerment (DARE) Program has successfully launched three innovative digital platforms in the Gushegu Municipality, marking another major milestone in efforts to promote digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment among women and youth in Northern Ghana.
The launch event, held on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, brought together participants from traditional authorities, opinion leaders, development partners, assembly officials, and community members to witness the unveiling of the EMI Platform, Caregivers App, and Financial App digital solutions designed to improve access to markets, caregiving opportunities, and financial management tools.
The DARE Program is being implemented by a consortium comprising GI-KACE Consult Ltd, UNESCO, and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, with a focus on equipping women and youth in underserved communities with practical digital, entrepreneurial, and employability skills.
Municipal Chief Executive Commends Participants
The Municipal Chief Executive for Gushegu Municipality, Hon. Abdul-Hafiz Adam, who attended the event, expressed excitement about the level of digital knowledge acquired by participants within a relatively short period.
According to him, the transformation witnessed among beneficiaries demonstrates the importance of investing in digital skills development and inclusive empowerment initiatives within rural communities.
He commended the DARE Consortium for introducing innovative interventions that are helping women and young people gain confidence, improve their livelihoods, and position themselves for sustainable economic opportunities.
The MCE further encouraged participants to continue utilizing the digital platforms and skills acquired under the program to strengthen their businesses and contribute positively to the development of the municipality.
Trainer Shares Life-Changing Experience
One of the highlights of the event was the testimony shared by Abdul-Karim Naila, one of the trainers under the digital skills component of the DARE Program in Gushegu.
Naila described her journey with the program as transformative, explaining that prior to joining DARE, she was unemployed and had limited exposure to digital technology and computer-based work.
“Before joining the DARE Program, my digital skills were very limited. The program has helped me a lot, especially in digital skills. I can now type on a computer, transfer files from a computer to my phone, and support others to learn how to manage their businesses online and use their phones and computers effectively,” she stated.
Beyond the technical skills gained, she emphasized the personal fulfillment she derives from mentoring and supporting other young women in the community.
“I feel blessed because I can now stand among people who are able to help others learn. Whenever someone learns from me, I feel very happy, and it encourages me to strengthen my knowledge further so I can continue helping more people,” she added.
Her story reflects the broader impact of the DARE Program in building confidence, creating local leadership opportunities, and empowering women to become agents of change within their communities.
Digital Platforms Designed to Expand Opportunities
During the launch, participants were taken through live demonstrations of the three digital platforms and guided on how to access and utilize the applications effectively.
The EMI Platform serves as a digital marketplace that allows entrepreneurs and small business owners to promote and sell their products and services to wider markets.
The Caregivers App connects trained caregivers to families and institutions seeking caregiving services, creating structured pathways to employment and income generation.
The Financial App supports users with practical financial management tools including budgeting, savings tracking, and income monitoring to help improve financial discipline and planning.
Participants engaged actively during the demonstration sessions, asking questions and exploring how the apps could support their businesses, careers, and daily lives.
Community Leaders Celebrate Impact of the Program
Traditional leaders and opinion leaders who attended the launch also expressed satisfaction with the visible impact the DARE Program has had on women and youth in the municipality.
They particularly highlighted the growing confidence, financial independence, and improved outlook among many of the female participants who have benefited from the program’s training and empowerment interventions.
Community leaders further encouraged beneficiaries to remain committed to applying the skills and opportunities gained through the initiative to improve their livelihoods and support community development.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were the Municipal Chief Executive for Gushegu, Hon. Adam Abdul-Faiz; the Youth Employment Agency Director, Abdulai Abdul-Mumin; opinion leaders Ziblim Abdul-Kudus and Adam Sofu; as well as traditional leaders including Jakpehi Gushe-Naa and Kombilimahi Naa. Representatives of the DARE Consortium were also in attendance.
Strengthening Rural Transformation Through Digital Inclusion
The launch in Gushegu concludes the rollout of the three digital platforms across the DARE intervention districts of Somanya, Bekwai, and Gushegu.
The consortium efforts in assisting women with the integration of digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, and technology-enabled platforms will continue to create sustainable opportunities for women and youth while strengthening economic resilience and digital participation within rural communities across Ghana.
