Ghana Backs Digital Skills Project to Empower Youth in Tech
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation has officially endorsed Plan International Ghana’s Digital Skills Project, an initiative designed to train young people in coding, cybersecurity, and digital solution development.
Minister Samuel Nartey George (MP) described the project as a timely initiative that complements government programmes such as the 1 Million Coders Programme and the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy.
Gender Balance and Inclusivity at the Core
During a courtesy visit by Plan International Ghana, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to gender balance and inclusion in the digital sector.
Key highlights include:
- 50:50 male-to-female participation ratio.
- 10% reserved slots for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
- Technical and institutional support from state institutions like the Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence.
This approach ensures that youth from diverse backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate in Ghana’s growing digital economy.
Partnership with Nokia and Training Focus
According to Mr. Constant Tchona, Country Director of Plan International Ghana, the project—developed in partnership with Nokia—will provide hands-on training in:
- Coding
- Cybersecurity
- Digital solution development
The training will encourage participants to apply these skills in healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning, helping to address critical national challenges with innovative tech-driven solutions.
Nationwide Reach and Accessibility
The training will run in four-month cycles across multiple centres, including Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi.
Highlights include:
- Half of the beneficiaries will be women.
- Deliberate inclusion of persons with disabilities.
- Distance learning platforms to ensure nationwide accessibility and flexibility.
The first batch of trainees is expected to begin before the end of the month.
Driving Innovation and Job Creation
Mr. Tchona emphasised that the programme’s goal goes beyond job creation. It aims to equip young people to become innovators and problem-solvers within their communities, contributing to Ghana’s long-term vision of a digitally skilled workforce.
By investing in its youth, Ghana is positioning itself as a hub for digital innovation in Africa, preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the global digital economy.
