Julius Debrah urges One Million Coders Programme to focus on job creation

Dr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, has emphasized that the success of Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme hinges on its ability to create tangible job opportunities and entrepreneurship pathways for the youth. Speaking at the MOBEX Africa 2026 forum, Dr. Debrah argued that the initiative must move beyond merely providing training and certificates to ensuring that participants can transition into the digital economy as productive contributors. He noted that the ultimate goal of such digital transformation is economic empowerment.

During his address, Dr. Debrah commended the Minister for Communications for expanding the reach of the programme. He highlighted the government's commitment to supporting this growth by providing additional laptops to equip new learning centers across the country. He noted that investment in both human capital and digital infrastructure is critical for digital transformation to translate into real economic opportunities for the younger generation, ensuring that the necessary tools are available for effective skill acquisition.

The Chief of Staff stressed that the effectiveness of the programme should be measured by employment outcomes rather than the volume of certificates issued. He called for a strategic shift where training is closely aligned with the specific needs of the private sector. By fostering collaboration with businesses, the programme can create technology-driven solutions and ensure that young coders are prepared to solve real-world problems in various industries, thereby bridging the gap between education and industry requirements.

Looking ahead, Dr. Debrah reiterated that the goal is to advance a robust digital economy where no young person is left behind. He urged stakeholders to prioritize investments that foster innovation and enable entrepreneurship. By focusing on job creation as the primary metric of success, the One Million Coders Programme aims to become a cornerstone of Ghana's strategy to harness the potential of its youth in a rapidly evolving global technological landscape.