Samuel Nartey George affirms One Million Coders Programme standards

Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining high international certification standards for the One Million Coders Programme (OMCP). Speaking during a working tour of the Volta Region, the Minister addressed concerns from participants about the rigorous nature of the curriculum, asserting that the government would not lower requirements simply to make the programme easier to complete. He emphasized that the value of the programme lies in its global recognition, which is essential for graduates seeking remote employment with international firms.

By adhering to international benchmarks in fields like cybersecurity and software development, the OMCP ensures that Ghanaian talent meets the specific needs of the global tech industry. The Minister highlighted that the programme provides free, self-paced online courses designed to bridge the digital skills gap and empower a new generation of IT professionals. He noted that maintaining these strict standards is the only way to guarantee that Ghanaian coders remain competitive against talent from across the globe, as lower standards would risk the credibility of the certifications.

To support the transition from training to employment, the Ministry is actively engaging with Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies. These partnerships aim to facilitate job placements for successful graduates, allowing them to leverage their certifications to secure well-paying roles. This strategic alignment with the private sector is intended to create a direct pipeline for employment, ensuring that the skills acquired through the OMCP are immediately applicable in the workforce.

As part of the same regional tour, the Minister also visited the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), where he donated 200 Lenovo laptops to support tech-based training for healthcare professionals. The donation is intended to enhance digital literacy among students, preparing them for a healthcare landscape increasingly driven by emerging technologies. Vice-Chancellor Professor Lydia Aziato expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the tools would significantly improve the technical skills and research capabilities of both students and faculty.