The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has received its first tranche of 500 laptops as government intensifies efforts to roll out the One Million Coders Programme (OMCP) nationwide, a flagship initiative aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with essential digital and coding skills for the global economy.
The delivery, facilitated by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen digital infrastructure across tertiary institutions and training centres, enabling effective delivery of practical, job-ready ICT skills.
Launched by President John Dramani Mahama at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, the OMCP began as a pilot phase targeting 500 trainees across Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Tamale. However, overwhelming interest saw nearly 94,000 applications submitted within just 48 hours, prompting an immediate scale-up of the programme to accommodate about 1,000 trainees.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony in Accra, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, noted that insights from the pilot phase have been instrumental in refining the national rollout to ensure greater efficiency and impact in digital skills training.
Under Phase One of the programme, 130 learning centres across all 16 regions will be equipped, each receiving 50 customised laptops configured specifically for coding and digital literacy training. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with institutions such as the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications, Ghana Digital Centres Limited, and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT.
Twelve universities, including KNUST, the University of Ghana, and the University of Cape Coast, are participating in the initial phase of the rollout, positioning higher education institutions at the centre of Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
The Ministry also acknowledged key private sector support, particularly from MTN Ghana, which contributed resources valued at approximately two million US dollars to support laptop procurement for selected universities.
As part of the expansion plan, the application portal is expected to reopen soon to allow previously unsuccessful applicants to continue their registration, while new applicants will undergo a simplified verification process linked to the Ghana Card system.
Additionally, 130 constituency-level coordinators have been recruited to provide technical support and oversee training centres nationwide, ensuring effective coordination and sustainability of the programme.
The One Million Coders Programme is being described as a transformative step toward bridging Ghana’s digital skills gap, expanding youth employment opportunities, and positioning the country as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Source: KNUST.EDU
