President Mahama Urges Youth to Embrace ‘1 Million Coders’ Programme
President John Mahama has called on Ghanaian youth to fully embrace the newly launched ‘1 Million Coders’ initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward national development through digital empowerment and innovation. Speaking during the official launch on April 16, 2025, he emphasized that the programme is designed specifically for young people and urged them to take ownership of it.
“This programme is for you—take it and own it,” the President declared. He encouraged the youth to see themselves not just as learners, but as pioneers shaping Ghana’s digital transformation. “You are not just participants in this initiative; you are the architects of Ghana’s digital future.”
The initiative, which aims to train one million young Ghanaians in coding and other digital skills, has already seen high levels of engagement. According to President Mahama, the first batch of 560 trainees has already started in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, reflecting a deliberate effort to maintain gender balance and regional inclusivity. Public interest has been overwhelming, with over 50,000 applications received within the first 48 hours of opening registration. Communications Minister later confirmed that the number of interested applicants had reached 90,000.
The President noted that the overwhelming interest signals the strong desire among young people for digital opportunities. To ensure equal access, he announced that training centres will be set up at community information hubs across all metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies. This decentralized model will make it possible for youth across the country, including those in remote areas, to participate in the programme.
Mahama also highlighted plans to improve Ghana’s digital infrastructure to support the initiative. This includes expanding broadband access, providing devices, and developing e-learning platforms. He stressed that the programme is built not only to equip participants with skills but also to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Closing his address, President Mahama shared a broader vision for Ghana’s future—one driven by innovation and self-reliance. “We are shifting from a country that imports technology to one that creates it, from young people waiting for jobs to those creating them. This is how we build a resilient and future-ready Ghana,” he said.
The 1 Million Coders programme is part of a wider effort by the government to empower the youth through technology and create new economic opportunities in the digital space.
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