Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has outlined four strategic benefits that Ghana is set to gain following the launch of the Government's One Million Coders Programme. Speaking at the programme's launch in Accra, the President emphasized its role in job creation and economic growth. He highlighted that the global Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) market, valued at $410 billion this year, is projected to grow to nearly $490 billion by 2029. Countries like India and the Philippines currently dominate this space, offering services in software development, data management, and customer support, among others.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama noted Ghana's potential to become Africa's premier BPO hub due to its strategic location on the Greenwich Meridian, English-speaking population, and vibrant, tech-savvy youth. He asserted that with the right digital skills and infrastructure, Ghanaian youth could attract well-paying outsourced jobs from around the world, benefiting families and communities locally.
The President identified entrepreneurship and innovation as the second benefit of the Coders Programme. He explained that coding skills would empower the youth to create apps, launch startups, and develop digital solutions for local challenges in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and governance. He emphasized that in the digital era, one idea could transform an entire community and one startup could create hundreds of jobs.
Education and lifelong learning were cited as the third benefit of the Coders Programme. Through the OMCP (Online Marketing Certified Professionals Company), the government aims to scale the youth and reshape the national approach to learning. The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, is collaborating with the Minister of Education to integrate digital literacy and coding into the country's university and technical school curriculum. The goal is to make digital education a permanent, strategic part of Ghana's educational system.
Inclusion was identified as the fourth point, with the President stating that digital transformation must not leave anyone behind. The OMCP programme emphasizes equity, ensuring access for rural communities, women, and persons with disabilities. The first cohort of 560 trainees, participating in the launch across Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, reflects a commitment to gender balance and regional inclusivity. Within just 48 hours of opening applications, over 50,000 young Ghanaians registered their interest, a figure that reportedly increased to 90,000.
President Mahama mentioned that the next phase of the programme would involve activating training and community information centres across all metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies. This decentralized approach aims to provide access to the One Million Coders Programme, regardless of location. The government is also building the necessary digital infrastructure, including broadband expansion and the provision of devices and learning platforms.
The President commended Mr. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, for his efforts in realizing the Million Coders Programme. He acknowledged the programme's potential to change Ghana's narrative from one of limitations to limitless potential.
President Mahama urged the youth to take ownership of the Government's One Million Coders Programme, positioning it as a launchpad into innovation, entrepreneurship, and global relevance. He emphasized the role of the youth as architects of Ghana's digital future. Mr. Samuel Nartey George described the initiative as bold and transformative, marking a new chapter in Ghana's digital journey.
