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Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications has presented 550 laptop computers to support the rollout of the government’s One Million Coders Programme in the Upper East Region.
The laptops, described as the first physical deployment of devices under the initiative in the region, will be distributed to 11 selected training centres, including senior high schools, community ICT centres, and youth skills centres located in Bolgatanga, Bawku, Navrongo, and surrounding districts.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Martin Aberba said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to ICT infrastructure and digital services in underserved communities.
He explained that the One Million Coders Programme, being implemented under the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation in partnership with international technology companies, aims to equip one million young Ghanaians with coding, software development, and other digital skills within two years.
According to him, the programme is expected to create employment opportunities for young people in the region by preparing them for roles such as freelance web developers, software support assistants, mobile app testers, and remote digital workers.
Aberba added that the initiative would also help local businesses, farms, and district assemblies benefit from digital solutions created by locally trained coders.
The laptops were officially handed over to Akamugri Donatus Atanga for onward distribution to the selected centres.
Receiving the equipment, Mr Atanga praised the government for investing in youth digital skills development but appealed for more training centres, noting that only 11 centres currently serve the region’s 15 districts.
He also cautioned managers and coordinators against misusing or hoarding the devices, stressing that the laptops are public resources intended to benefit young people across the region.
Meanwhile, Francis Tobig described the initiative as timely, especially for rural communities where access to digital training opportunities remains limited.
He assured that district assemblies would monitor the use of the laptops to ensure they are used for their intended purpose of empowering young people with digital skills.
The One Million Coders Programme forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at building a technologically skilled workforce and promoting inclusive digital development nationwide.
Source: citinews
