The government has distributed approximately 8,500 laptops to support the nationwide rollout of the One Million Coders Programme (OMCP), its flagship initiative aimed at equipping young people with digital skills to boost employability and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital economy.
The presentation marks the start of Phase One of the programme, which will see laptops deployed to 130 learning centres across the country, as well as selected universities, to facilitate training in coding, artificial intelligence and other digital disciplines.
Speaking at the launch event in Accra, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said the government undertook a thorough assessment of the pilot phase before scaling up to a national level. He stressed that the initiative is focused not only on reaching large numbers but also on delivering measurable outcomes.
Mr George explained that each of the 130 centres would receive 50 laptops, amounting to about 6,500 devices for community-based training. In addition, roughly 2,000 laptops have been secured through private sector support for distribution to universities, with further government contributions expected to increase the total.
He noted that the laptops have been specially configured to meet the programme’s requirements and will support structured training in coding and emerging technologies.
Reflecting on the pilot phase launched nearly a year ago, the Minister said it initially targeted 500 participants across four centres but saw overwhelming demand, with about 94,000 applications received within 48 hours. Ultimately, close to 1,000 individuals were trained, providing valuable insights for the full rollout.
To ensure nationwide access, Mr George said the 130 learning centres are spread across all 16 regions, with the Greater Accra Region hosting the highest number. He added that future phases aim to extend coverage to all constituencies.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to promote inclusivity. He disclosed that 50,000 slots have been allocated to persons with disabilities through the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, while others can apply through the main platform.
Mr George underscored the role of key implementing agencies, including the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications, Ghana Digital Centres Limited and the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, in executing the programme. He also noted that Phase One will be rolled out across 12 universities, supported by enhanced digital infrastructure.
He commended the private sector, particularly MTN Ghana, for contributing to the procurement of laptops, stressing that such partnerships are vital to the programme’s success.
Beyond training, the initiative is designed to create employment opportunities. Mr George revealed that agreements have been reached with industry players to absorb graduates into remote and outsourcing roles.
“We’ve signed a memorandum of understanding with II Africa to place 100,000 graduates in remote jobs,” he said, adding that the Business Outsourcing Services Association Ghana is also exploring opportunities to engage an additional 100,000 participants.
He further indicated that each learning centre will be managed by a newly recruited technical officer, creating 130 jobs for young people in the first phase.
Mr George emphasised that the programme will go beyond training numbers, with systems in place to track participant demographics, completion rates and employment outcomes to ensure accountability and real impact.
“This initiative is not just about fulfilling a political promise; it is about building, scaling and strengthening the next generation of Ghana’s ICT professionals,” he stated.
