52% women out of 859 participants already trained in Mahama’s one million coders pilot
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Sam George, has outlined key achievements and future priorities of the ministry as part of the Government Accountability Series, highlighting progress made under the Mahama administration’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the Minister, over 90,000 applications were received within the first 48 hours of launch. The pilot phase, implemented in Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, has already trained 859 participants—52% of whom are women. The programme aims to train an additional 50,000 learners by the end of 2025.
Speaking during the latest update, the Minister detailed significant strides in digital skills development, affordable internet access, regulatory reforms, and the rollout of Ghana’s national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy.
1 Million Coders Programme in Full Gear
A major highlight of the update was the successful rollout of the 1 Million Coders Programme, launched in April 2025 by former President John Dramani Mahama. The flagship initiative seeks to equip one million young Ghanaians with digital skills.
Strategic partnerships with global tech giants Google and Huawei have been secured, each committing to train 100,000 Ghanaians through both online and in-person courses. The initiative is designed to be inclusive, working through local assemblies, ICT centres, schools, and MPs to ensure nationwide access.
Lower Data Prices, Better Network Quality
Sam George also announced a major reduction in mobile data prices effective July 1, 2025. MTN, Telesel, and AirtelTigo have increased the volume of data offered within their existing price points—MTN’s GH₵399 bundle now offers 214GB, up from 92GB previously.
This development is part of broader reforms, including a national spectrum review, new licensing conditions, and regulatory engagement with mobile network operators (MNOs). The top three telcos have pledged a combined $150 million in network investments to improve service quality by year-end.
The Minister acknowledged ongoing public concerns about fast-draining data and assured Ghanaians that a taskforce has been set up at the National Communications Authority (NCA) to investigate all complaints. He emphasized that most cases reviewed so far have shown no evidence of pricing manipulation, attributing issues to user behavior.
Massive ICT Legal Reforms Underway
The Ministry is currently drafting 15 new ICT-related laws as part of a comprehensive legal overhaul. These include updates to the Data Protection Act, new cybersecurity regulations, and the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill.
These reforms aim to modernize Ghana’s ICT framework and support innovation, digital trade, AI, and cloud services. The Ghana Startup Bill, now in its final drafting phase, will offer legal clarity, tax incentives, and regulatory support to local startups.
Ghana has also been selected to host the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Accra this November, which is expected to attract over 100,000 innovators and investors.
AI Strategy and Digital Blueprint Ready for Implementation
The Ministry has completed the drafting of Ghana’s first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, created in partnership with UNESCO, the UNDP, KNUST, and the British High Commission. The strategy is undergoing final cabinet review and will guide ethical, inclusive deployment of AI in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Additionally, the National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy, launched in May 2025, will guide the integration of emerging technologies across the economy.
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