‘Youth need tools, not speeches’ – Minority slams Mahama’s digital agenda

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, criticized President John Dramani Mahama's One Million Coders Programme. He called it empty rhetoric without real support for Ghana’s youth.

During a press conference on May 8, he questioned the impact of the President’s digital transformation agenda. This agenda is part of the administration’s 120-day performance review.

Afenyo-Markin argued that speeches and ceremonies won't create the needed digital revolution. He emphasized that young Ghanaians need concrete tools and resources to succeed. They require more than just “talking points” in today’s tech landscape.

He stated, “We, the mighty minority, remind the president that digital transformation cannot be downloaded through beautiful speeches.” He repeated that Ghana’s youth need tools, not just words.

His comments came after the launch of the One Million Coders Programme. This initiative aims to train one million Ghanaians in coding and digital skills. While the government promotes it as a step toward progress, the Minority believes it lacks substance and fails to address young people's immediate needs.