President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled the groundbreaking One Million Coders Programme (OMCP), a transformative digital initiative aimed at training one million Ghanaians in vital digital skills such as coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, and networking. This ambitious project, which spans the next four years, seeks to position Ghana as a competitive force in the global digital economy.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, April 16, President Mahama described the OMCP as more than a campaign promise—it is a strategic investment in Ghana’s youth. “These are not just technical abilities; they are economic passports—pathways to decent jobs, entrepreneurship, and long-term socio-economic inclusion,” he emphasized.
The President highlighted the programme’s potential to dismantle socio-economic and digital barriers, creating opportunities for Ghanaians to thrive globally. He underlined the government’s commitment to fostering a people-centered, innovation-led, and future-focused recovery for the nation.
Early Success and Inclusivity
In just 48 hours after the programme’s application portal opened, over 50,000 young Ghanaians registered their interest. The inaugural cohort of 560 trainees, selected from Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, reflects a deliberate focus on gender balance and regional inclusivity
To further ensure equitable access, President Mahama announced plans to establish training centres in every Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly. Special attention will be given to rural areas, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, ensuring that no one is left behind in Ghana’s digital transformation.
Infrastructure and Global Inspiration
President Mahama assured the nation of the government’s commitment to building the necessary digital infrastructure to support OMCP. This includes broadband expansion, the provision of digital devices, and the development of e-learning platforms.
Citing global examples, he pointed to Estonia, a pioneer in digital innovation since making coding compulsory in primary schools in 2012. He also referenced the UK, Finland, Japan, and the US, which have integrated coding into their educational systems, nurturing generations of critical thinkers, problem solvers, and digital creators.
“We are studying these best practices,” he said. “If Ghana adapts similar strategies, we can redefine our national narrative.” He commended the collaborative efforts of Mr. Sam Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, Innovations, and Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, in integrating digital literacy into university and technical curricula.
Positioning Ghana in the Global Digital Economy
According to President Mahama, Ghana’s strategic location, English-speaking population, and tech-savvy youth make it well-positioned to tap into the $410 billion global Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) market, projected to grow to $490 billion by 2029. By equipping the youth with digital skills, Ghana can compete with countries like India and the Philippines in areas such as software development and customer support.
The OMCP will not only prepare Ghanaians for international opportunities but also empower them to create homegrown solutions for challenges in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, driving socio-economic development.
A Call to Action
In closing, President Mahama called on Ghanaian youth to seize this opportunity. “To our young people, this programme is for you. Own it. Let this be your launchpad into innovation, entrepreneurship, and global relevance. You are not just participants in this initiative—you are the architects of Ghana’s digital future.”
He expressed gratitude to the programme’s partners and stakeholders, emphasizing the shared responsibility in ensuring its success.
The One Million Coders Programme represents a bold step toward creating a digitally empowered Ghana, paving the way for a future where the nation’s youth drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth on a global scale.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
