Critically examining Ghana’s 1 million coders programme as a pathway to building a digitally skilled population

Introduction:

On April 9, 2025, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, announced the launch of a flagship government initiative, the One Million Coders Programme.

Introduced during a press briefing, the programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the country’s digital economy, bridge the digital divide, and empower citizens through tech-driven education and skills development.

The initiative aims to equip one million Ghanaians, particularly students, professionals, and individuals with a keen interest in technology, with in-demand digital competencies. It is designed to open doors to meaningful employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation by providing participants with structured learning pathways in high-impact areas.

As of the launch date, seven pilot courses across cybersecurity, data protection, and artificial intelligence (AI) are available on the programme’s official platform, onemillioncoders.gov.gh. The cybersecurity pathway includes the Certified Cybersecurity Professional and Certified Network Support Technician (CNST) courses. The data protection pathway offers training programmes such as Certified Data Protection Manager, Certified Data Protection Expert, Certified Data Protection Officer, and Certified Data Protection Professional.

The Artificial Intelligence pathway includes the Data Analyst Associate. The Minister emphasized that the programme is designed for learners at all proficiency levels, thus beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The only minimum requirement for participation is basic computer literacy, making the programme accessible to a broad population. However, some advanced courses may have specific prerequisites, such as prior industry experience or the authorship of scientific publications in reputable journals.

By prioritising digital skills development at scale, the One Million Coders Programme represents a transformative milestone in Ghana’s pursuit of a digital-first economy. It is more than just a training initiative; it is a strategic pillar of the national digital transformation agenda.

The programme aligns with global trends, where technology is rapidly reshaping industries, economies, and societies (Schwab, 2016). As such, it seeks to ensure that Ghanaian citizens are not left behind but are instead positioned to thrive in the increasingly dynamic landscape of digital technology.

Participants:

For participants and citizens, the One Million Coders Programme offers a unique opportunity to acquire in-demand digital competencies that are increasingly essential in both local and global job markets. Covering critical domains such as cybersecurity, data protection, and artificial intelligence, the programme equips individuals with foundational skills required for future-oriented careers.

Whether targeting students preparing to enter the workforce, mid-career professionals transitioning into the tech sector, or lifelong learners seeking self-improvement, the programme provides a flexible and accessible pathway to personal and professional advancement.

Notably, internet usage among young people in Ghana is exceptionally high, with 80% of individuals aged 15 to 29 regularly accessing the internet, followed closely by the 30 to 40 age group at 78% (World Bank, 2023).

Considering these usage patterns, the programme’s emphasis on certification is particularly impactful, as it enables participants to obtain formally recognised credentials that can significantly enhance their employability and career mobility.

However, several challenges must be addressed to ensure equitable participation. Paramount among these is the issue of digital access. Many Ghanaians, particularly in rural and underserved communities, lack reliable internet connectivity, personal computers, or smart devices, which are essential tools for participating in online training or in-person training. Internet connectivity in Ghana between 2010 and 2021 rose from approximately 13% to 80%, rural areas saw a more modest increase from 2% to 54% (World Bank, 2023).

Even among those with access, there may be variability in digital literacy levels, which could affect learning outcomes. Additionally, inclusivity remains a concern. Efforts must be made to ensure that marginalized groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and non-English speakers are not excluded.

This may require the development of localized learning content, support for multiple languages, and the implementation of assistive technologies. Long-term engagement is also crucial, as drop-off rates in digital training programmes can be high without structured support, mentorship, or incentives.

Businesses and Service Providers:

For businesses and service providers, the programme offers a direct solution to the persistent shortage of skilled digital talent that often hampers innovation and productivity. As more graduates complete the courses, organizations will gain access to a growing pool of qualified professionals who are trained in key technological areas.

This could lower recruitment costs, reduce dependency on expatriate talent, and increase the capacity of local firms to compete globally. Additionally, there are opportunities for private sector collaboration in curriculum design, mentorship, internship placements, and job placement programmes (IFC, 2019).

Training providers, particularly edtech startups and ICT training centres, may also benefit from increased demand for learning solutions aligned with national certification frameworks.

Nevertheless, businesses and providers may face challenges related to curriculum relevance and quality assurance. The rapid pace of technological change demands that course content is regularly updated to match industry needs. If this alignment is not maintained, there is a risk that graduates will be inadequately prepared for the job market.

There is also a need to establish robust mechanisms to ensure consistency in training delivery across different regions and institutions. Public-private partnerships must be strengthened to ensure sustainability and mutual accountability.

Government:

For the government, the implementation of the One Million Coders Programme is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in digital governance and policy innovation. It allows the state to reinforce its commitment to inclusive digital growth, stimulate job creation, and position Ghana as a regional centre for digital excellence.

By investing in its human capital, the government can enhance citizen trust in public services, improve national digital infrastructure, and lay the foundation for a resilient and technology-driven economy.

However, this ambitious programme also presents significant implementation challenges. These include ensuring adequate funding over multiple years, coordinating efforts across ministries and agencies, and deploying infrastructure in areas with limited connectivity.

Monitoring and evaluation frameworks must be in place to measure the programme’s impact and guide iterative improvements. Transparency, responsiveness to user feedback, and the ability to scale innovations quickly will be essential for the programme’s long-term credibility and success.

Conclusion:

The One Million Coders Programme stands as a visionary initiative with the potential to reshape Ghana’s digital landscape by fostering a culture of innovation, digital fluency, and inclusive growth. By investing in digital capacity at the grassroots level, the programme not only equips individuals with future-ready skills but also reinforces Ghana’s strategic position in the global knowledge economy.

For its long-term success, however, the programme must be supported by sustained political will, cross-sector collaboration, robust infrastructure, and a commitment to equity and quality. If these elements are addressed effectively, the One Million Coders Programme can become a model for digital transformation across Africa, unlocking economic opportunities for citizens, businesses, and the nation.

About the Author

Thomas Synaepa-Addison is a PhD student with the School of Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati. With academic training in computer science, information technology, and practical experience in research, the author provides a critical lens on national development programmes that seek to harness technology for social and economic progress. This commentary reflects an independent analysis of Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme and its implications for stakeholders across the citizen, private, and public sectors.