Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has vigorously defended the government’s One Million Coders Programme, rejecting claims that the initiative was hastily conceived.
During an interview on Morning Starr on April 20, 2025, George asserted that President John Mahama’s coding vision resulted from six years of meticulous planning, tracing its origins to a 2019 proposal.
“John Mahama is a leader with unparalleled foresight,” George stated. “This program is not a knee-jerk reaction. It was first announced in 2019, and since then, we’ve spent six years refining the model, understanding its scope, and building partnerships.” He emphasized the initiative’s goal to equip Ghanaian youth with digital skills critical for competing in a global tech-driven economy. The program aims to train one million citizens in coding, software development, and related fields by 2030, aligning with broader efforts to reduce unemployment and stimulate innovation.
George, who also referenced his personal commitment to delivering results, linked the initiative’s credibility to his track record in public service. “Those familiar with my work know I don’t engage in projects destined to fail. Time always vindicates my efforts,” he said.
The minister briefly addressed recent fiscal policy changes, including the removal of a contentious 10% tax on betting activities, which critics argued stifled a growing industry. “The betting tax was counterproductive. Its elimination fosters economic flexibility and supports sectoral growth,” he explained.
The One Million Coders Programme joins a series of digital transformation policies under Mahama’s administration, such as expanding broadband access and promoting tech startups through grants. However, past government-led tech projects, including a 2022 digital literacy drive, faced challenges in execution due to funding gaps and logistical hurdles.
Industry analysts acknowledge the potential of coding education to address youth unemployment a pressing issue in a country where 60% of the population is under 25. Yet, questions linger about infrastructure readiness and private-sector collaboration. “Scaling such programs requires sustainable investment and alignment with industry needs,” noted Kofi Asare, director of Accra-based EdTech Africa. “Without buy-in from tech firms, even the most well-intentioned initiatives risk underdelivering.”
The government has yet to disclose specific funding details or pedagogical frameworks for the coding initiative. Officials, however, stress that partnerships with international organizations and local universities will play a central role. For now, the spotlight remains on whether Ghana can translate its digital ambitions into tangible opportunities for a generation eager to shape the continent’s technological future.
