The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has handed over 550 laptop computers to support the implementation of the government’s One Million Coders Programme in the Upper East Region.
The laptops, representing the first physical deployment of devices under the programme in the region, will be distributed to 11 selected training centres, including senior high schools, community ICT centres, and youth skills centres across Bolgatanga, Bawku, Navrongo and nearby districts.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Martin Aberba said the initiative formed part of efforts to bridge the digital divide by extending ICT infrastructure and services to underserved communities.
He explained that the One Million Coders Programme, being implemented under the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation in collaboration with global technology firms, seeks to equip one million young Ghanaians with coding, software development and digital skills within two years.
Mr Aberba said the programme would create employment opportunities for young people in the Upper East Region by enabling them to work as freelance web developers, mobile application testers, software support assistants and remote digital workers.
“For the first time, young people in remote communities can acquire the same globally relevant coding skills as their peers in urban centres, making digital inclusion a reality,” he said.
He added that the programme would also help local businesses, farms, and district assemblies benefit from digital solutions developed by locally trained coders.
The laptops were formally handed over to Akamugri Donatus Atanga for onward distribution to the designated centres.
Receiving the equipment, Mr Atanga commended the government for fulfilling its commitment to equip the youth with employable digital skills.
He, however, appealed for additional centres in the region, noting that only 11 centres currently existed across the region’s 15 districts.
The Regional Minister also cautioned managers and coordinators against hoarding or misusing the equipment.
“People should not privatise them or lock them up to the detriment of others. These are public resources meant to give access to the entire youth to come and learn,” he said.
He warned that authorities would sanction anyone who attempted to undermine the programme.
Receiving the laptops on behalf of Municipal and District Chief Executives, Francis Tobig described the initiative as timely, especially for rural communities where access to digital training opportunities remained limited.
He assured that district assemblies would monitor the use of the equipment to ensure they served their intended purpose of empowering young people with digital skills.
The One Million Coders Programme is one of the government’s flagship digital initiatives aimed at building a technologically skilled workforce and promoting inclusive digital development across the country.
Source: GNA
