The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has pledged the Ministry’s support for Plan International Ghana’s upcoming Digital Skills Project, describing it as a timely initiative that complements government’s drive to build a digitally skilled workforce.
Speaking during a courtesy call by officials of Plan International Ghana, Hon. Nartey George commended the organisation for aligning its project with national priorities such as the ‘1 Million Coders Programme’ and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. He emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring gender balance and inclusivity, with a 50:50 male-to-female participation ratio and a 10 percent quota for persons with disabilities.
He assured the delegation that government agencies, including the Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence, would be made available to provide technical and institutional support to the project.
Plan International Ghana’s Country Director, Mr.Constant Tchona, outlined that the project, implemented in partnership with Nokia, will focus on training young people in coding, cybersecurity, and digital solutions development.
He noted that participants would also be encouraged to explore applications in healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning, creating innovative responses to some of Ghana’s most pressing challenges.
According to him, the training will be conducted in four-month batches across multiple centres, including Accra, Tamale, and Kumasi, with 50 percent of beneficiaries being women. The first cohort is expected to commence by the end of this month. Adding that provisions were also being made to include persons with disabilities to ensure full inclusivity.
He, explained that the project will employ distance learning platforms to extend opportunities to young people nationwide, making participation flexible and accessible. “Through this initiative, we are not just creating jobs; we are equipping young people to become problem-solvers in their communities,” he said.
