President John Dramani Mahama recently launched the One Million Coders Programme (OMCP), an ambitious national initiative designed to equip Ghana’s youth with essential digital skills to drive the country’s technological transformation. The launch, held at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, has already exceeded expectations, attracting a staggering 90,000 applications within just 48 hours of opening the registration portal.
In his keynote address, President Mahama emphasised that the initiative was more than just a coding training program. It represents the foundation of a new economic era where innovation and digital skills will propel Ghana to the forefront of Africa’s tech industry. Mahama stressed that the country’s youth would be at the helm of this transformation, shaping the future of the nation through the power of technology.
"We are not just teaching code; we are rewriting Ghana’s future," the President declared. Drawing parallels with global success stories such as Estonia’s tech-savvy education system and India’s dominance in the outsourcing sector, Mahama highlighted Ghana’s potential to become the continent’s leading tech hub, leveraging its strategic location and English-speaking population.
The One Million Coders Programme has been hailed as a game-changer in Ghana’s digital landscape. In an era where digital skills are becoming increasingly important for employability and economic growth, this initiative aims to prepare young Ghanaians for jobs in high-demand sectors such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development. The program also seeks to empower local entrepreneurs to develop solutions for critical challenges in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and governance.
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, revealed that the programme’s unexpected success had led to a rapid expansion of the first cohort, initially set at 560 trainees. With over 91,000 applications already received, the programme will now enrol a significantly larger number of students to meet the overwhelming demand. In collaboration with global tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and MTN, the OMCP promises world-class training that will equip young Ghanaians with the tools to not only find jobs but also create them.
The program’s modular training approach will be implemented across four regions—Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, and Upper East—with plans to extend to other parts of the country. Additionally, community information centres will be set up in rural areas to ensure inclusive access to digital skills training.
The One Million Coders Programme is expected to have far-reaching impacts on Ghana’s education system. It has been suggested that coding will eventually be integrated into the national school curriculum, ensuring that future generations are well-prepared for a digital economy. The initiative also aims to prioritise the inclusion of women, rural youth, and persons with disabilities, ensuring that every Ghanaian has the opportunity to participate in this transformative digital revolution.
With the first cohort set to begin training next month, the nation is eagerly watching as the One Million Coders Programme prepares to make history. Ghana’s bold bet on digital skills promises to be a major step toward achieving its goal of becoming Africa’s tech leader and unlocking new economic opportunities for the youth.
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