By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, Oct 17- Beneficiaries of government’s One Million Coders Programme (OMCP) have described the initiative as a practical action plan that is equipping young Ghanaians with relevant digital skills for the future.
Speaking during a monitoring tour of the programme and Rural Telephony Projects (RTPs) in the Volta Region by Mr Samuel Nartey George Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, the beneficiaries said they had started feeling the positive impacts of the programme.
Mr Nyadezor Bless Edo, a beneficiary in an interview with Ghana News Agency said the OMCP had transformed his ability to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for image and video editing and content generation.
The Information Technology (IT) student said he could execute tasks in record time with improved outcomes.
He urged the youth, yet to enrol to take advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the programme “offers not just certificates but hands-on, income-generating skills that will help reduce unemployment in the country.”
“Previously, I was not able to use AI efficiently, but with the help of the OMCP, I have been able to develop both my coding skills and my ability to use AI to the best of my potential. I can now apply AI effectively in my field. Today, any task given to me, within a short time, I can use AI to execute it with a better outcome.
My message to the youth out there is that the OMCP is truly impactful. If you are out there and think it is just a policy statement, you are missing a lot.”
Ms Yram Gati, another beneficiary and IT student of Ho Technical University commended government for the initiative, describing it as highly beneficial to students in the technology field.
She said the programme was broadening her knowledge in the current AI-driven era and called on the government to invest more resources into it to enable more people to benefit.
Mr Prince Atsu Elesi, a beneficiary training to become a Fullstack Python Developer said he started the course in no time and the impacts were already visible.
Mr Samuel Nartey George Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations said the OMCP was government’s flagship initiative under his Ministry aimed at training one million Ghanaians in digital skills, noting the programme aligned with the Ministry’s mandate to drive Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, and to empower Ghanaian youth with cutting-edge coding skills to prepare them for the future job market.
He advised beneficiaries onboard the programme to complete the full training – from the beginning to intermediate and advanced levels so as to make them more marketable and as well, get value for money.
Mr Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer, Administrator, GIFEC, an agency under the Ministry urged beneficiaries to encourage their colleagues and friends to register for the programme and train for free, reminding that an individual only needed Ghana Card to onboard.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA