ACCRA — President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana is prepared to lead Africa’s digital transformation, as he officially launched the One Million Ghana Coders Program (OMCP) in partnership with India on Wednesday.
Speaking at the launch on April 16, Mahama described the initiative as a foundational step toward building a new digital economy.
“We are not merely launching a program—we are laying the foundation to a new economy,” Mahama said. “We are saying to our youth, to our communities, to the continent and to the world: the future is here and we will be part of shaping it.”
The OMCP forms part of Mahama’s broader Reset Ghana Agenda and fulfills a campaign promise made ahead of the 2024 general elections to train one million Ghanaians in coding.
The program aims to equip citizens with digital literacy and technical skills essential for 21st-century work and innovation.
“This is not just a fulfilled promise,” Mahama said. “It is a strategic pillar designed to empower Ghanaians with digital skills critical for life and work in today’s global economy.”
The president referenced countries like Estonia, the United Kingdom, Finland, Japan, and the United States, which have integrated coding into education systems to drive economic transformation.
He argued that Ghana could position itself as Africa’s premier hub for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) by adapting these models.
“The global BPO market is valued at $410 billion and is projected to reach nearly $490 billion by 2029,” Mahama said. “Countries like India and the Philippines dominate this space. Ghana has the potential to join them by offering services in software development, data management, customer support and more.”
Beyond economic growth, Mahama said the OMCP would promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive development, while encouraging lifelong learning.
“Digital transformation must not leave anyone behind,” Mahama said.
He added that the program represents a shift in Ghana’s national mindset—from one of limitations to one of boundless potential. “Instead of waiting for jobs, Ghanaian youth will create jobs,” Mahama said.