UTAS and Let’s Go North Empower Upper East Youth through Digital Media Influence Bootcamp

Students and young professionals in Ghana’s Upper East Region have been equipped with vital skills for the modern digital economy following the successful conclusion of the Digital Media Influence Bootcamp 2025. Hosted by the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Let’s Go North, the initiative was designed to transform participants from passive consumers into active, responsible creators and entrepreneurs. The program highlights a strategic shift in regional educational focus toward practical, market-ready expertise that addresses the specific demands of the 21st-century job market. The bootcamp offered hands-on training across a variety of disciplines, including digital media monetization, storytelling, blogging, and digital marketing. Beyond technical skills, the sessions also tackled critical modern challenges such as cybersecurity awareness and the fight against online misinformation. By providing tools for immediate application, organizers aimed to foster a new generation of digital innovators who can leverage the internet for economic growth while maintaining a professional and ethical online presence. Vice-Chancellor of UTAS, Professor Albert Luguterah, emphasized the university’s commitment to providing students with life-changing skills that extend beyond conventional academic qualifications. He noted that such practical competencies are essential for ensuring that graduates remain competitive on a global stage. Supporting this vision, Ms. Maltiti Sayida Sadick, the founder of Let’s Go North, encouraged the youth to begin building their digital careers as early as possible, stressing that the barriers to entry in the digital space are lower than traditional industries if one possesses the right skill set. This initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide that often persists between Northern Ghana and the southern sectors. By nurturing a localized ecosystem of content creators and digital business owners, UTAS and its partners hope to drive regional development and youth employment. Looking forward, both UTAS and Let’s Go North have signaled their intention to expand these training programs, reaching more youth across the region to ensure that the Upper East remains a hub for digital innovation and responsible social media influence.