Accra, Ghana – In a landmark moment for Ghana’s digital evolution, President John Dramani Mahama officially launched the One Million Coders Programme on Wednesday, April 16. The initiative, hailed as a transformative leap for the nation, fulfills a key promise made during his 2024 electoral campaign.
“We are not just launching a programme; we are laying the foundation for a vibrant blue economy,” President Mahama declared to a packed audience at the launch event. “This initiative signals to our youth, our communities, and the world that Ghana is ready to lead in the digital age. The future is here, and we are committed to shaping it together.”
The One Million Coders Programme is a cornerstone of the government’s “Reset Ghana Agenda,” aimed at equipping Ghanaians with the critical digital skills needed to thrive in the 21st-century global economy. President Mahama underscored the strategic importance of the initiative, describing it as “a deliberate and bold investment in our human capital, designed to foster innovation, create jobs, and position Ghana as a leader in technology on the continent.”
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
The launch event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including key figures from the technology sector, government agencies, academia, and international development partners. Among the distinguished speakers was the Minister for Communications, Digital Innovation, and Technologies, Hon. Sam Nartey George, who highlighted the urgency of the initiative.
“We are at a pivotal moment in Ghana’s digital transformation,” Hon. George stated. “This programme is not just an idea—it’s a call to action. A call to harness science, technology, and innovation as tools for inclusive economic growth. The One Million Coders Programme is our bold step to prepare Ghana’s workforce for a future defined by technology.”
He emphasized the programme’s role in creating sustainable employment opportunities and driving inclusive development. “Our goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in this digital revolution,” Hon. George added.
A Bold Step Forward
The One Million Coders Programme seeks to empower Ghanaian youth by providing training in essential coding and digital skills, with a focus on web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and mobile app development. It aims to produce a generation of tech-savvy professionals who will drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana and beyond.
As Ghana positions itself as a hub for digital innovation in Africa, the programme is expected to catalyze economic growth and attract global investment. By fostering partnerships with private tech companies, international organizations, and local communities, the initiative aims to build a robust ecosystem that supports continuous learning and innovation.
President Mahama concluded the ceremony with a rallying call to action: “To the youth of Ghana, I say this is your time. Take this opportunity, and let’s build a future together where Ghana stands tall as a beacon of digital excellence.”
The launch of the One Million Coders Programme marks the beginning of a bold chapter in Ghana’s journey towards a digitally empowered future, offering hope, opportunity, and innovation for generations to come.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
