'One Million Coders' programme is for you, take it and own it – President Mahama tells youth

President John Mahama has urged Ghana's youth to embrace the 1 Million Coders programme. He believes it is vital for national transformation through digital skills and innovation.

At the programme's launch on April 16, he said, “This programme is for you. Take it and own it.” He encouraged young people to use this opportunity for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Mahama emphasized that they are not just participants. “You are the architects of Ghana’s digital future,” he stated.

The first cohort includes 560 trainees from Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga. This group reflects a commitment to gender balance and regional inclusivity.

Public interest in the programme has been high. Within 48 hours of opening applications, over 50,000 young Ghanaians registered. The Communications Minister later updated this number to 90,000.

“This response shows the hunger for opportunities,” Mahama noted. He highlighted the urgency of providing these opportunities.

To ensure equal access, training centres will be set up at community information centres. This approach allows everyone to access the programme, whether in cities or remote villages.

He also mentioned efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure. “We are expanding broadband and providing devices and learning platforms,” he explained.

Every aspect of this initiative aims for skill development and sustainability.

In closing, President Mahama shared his vision for Ghana’s future.

“We are shifting from limitations to limitless potential,” he said. He envisions a country that creates its own technologies instead of consuming imported ones.

He wants young people to transition from waiting for jobs to creating them. “This is how we build a resilient and future-ready Ghana,” he concluded.