The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping Ghanaian youth with digital skills, following the commissioning of a newly renovated ICT laboratory at Odorkor Saleria 1 Basic School in Ablekuma North.
The upgraded facility, refurbished through the initiative of the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Madam Ewurabena Aubynn, will serve as a primary training centre under the One Million Coders Programme (OMCP).
The modernised ICT laboratory would provide young people in the community with access to training in high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), coding, and cybersecurity.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, the Minister praised the initiative by the Ablekuma North MP and underscored the government’s substantial investment in digital transformation through the OMCP.
According to him, the programme represents a GH₵15 billion investment over four years aimed at preparing Ghanaian youth for opportunities within the global digital economy.
“The beauty of technology is you can still be a student and start making money with IT,” the Minister stated. “As young students, take the opportunity to get into the world of AI and the world of new technology, because that’s where the future is.”
Mr George further acknowledged the growing demand for digital training opportunities in the constituency and announced the Ministry’s plans to establish an additional learning centre in Ablekuma North.
Mr George personally inspected the laboratory to ensure the OMCP portal was functioning effectively and that the laptops provided were fully operational.
Delivering the keynote address, Madam Ewurabena Aubynn described the refurbished laboratory as a symbol of collective commitment towards securing the future of children and ensuring that no Ghanaian child was excluded from the digital age.
“Today is not simply about opening a building or computers. Today represents our collective commitment to the future of our children, the future of Ablekuma North, and the future of Ghana,” she noted.
She also encouraged students to make full use of the facility to develop their talents and pursue careers in technology and innovation.
The commissioning forms part of the nationwide rollout of infrastructure and equipment under Phase One of the One Million Coders Programme, following the distribution of digital equipment to Regional Ministers and Members of Parliament across the country.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
