Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has pledged a significant focus on digital skills development as part of his party’s vision to create jobs and promote innovation in Ghana.
Speaking at the NDC’s 2024 manifesto launch in Winneba on Saturday, Mahama unveiled the “Digital Jobs Initiative,” a $3 billion investment aimed at transforming Ghana’s digital landscape.
One key element of this initiative is the “One Million Coders Programme,” which will provide training in digital skills to one million young Ghanaians.
The programme will focus on areas such as coding, web app development, and software engineering, equipping participants with the tools needed to thrive in the rapidly growing digital ecosystem.
“Through the One Million Coders Programme, we will prepare our youth for jobs in the digital sector, fostering innovation and ensuring that Ghana’s workforce is well-equipped for the future,” Mahama emphasized.
Additionally, the initiative will see the establishment of regional digital centres, modelled after the Accra Digital Centre. These centres are designed to drive the expansion of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) sectors, opening new avenues for job creation across the country.
Mahama also revealed plans to support local digital entrepreneurs with the creation of a $50 million FinTech Growth Fund. This fund will promote the growth of Indigenous FinTech companies, providing vital support to entrepreneurs in the digital finance space.
Moreover, Mahama announced the establishment of zonal ICT parks across the nation. These parks will serve as hubs for innovation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, positioning Ghana as a leading player in Africa’s tech industry. Existing ICT infrastructure, including the Dawa ICT Park, will be redeveloped into world-class centres of excellence.
“With this initiative, we are laying the groundwork for a digital revolution in Ghana. Our goal is to make Ghana the innovation hub of Africa, where digital jobs and opportunities flourish,” Mahama stated.
