By Peter Agengre
The Upper East Region has received 550 laptops under the One Million Coders Programme, a government initiative aimed at equipping young people with digital skills for employment.
At a brief ceremony in Bolgatanga, the Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, expressed gratitude to the government for fulfilling its promise to empower the youth.
“And today we have been given a large quantity of laptops to train our youths in the digital world. We thank His Excellency, President John Mahama, and his government for translating policy into reality,” he said.
Mr. Atanga noted that the laptops will be distributed across 11 training centres but appealed for expansion to cover all 15 districts. He also urged beneficiaries to use the devices responsibly and ensure equal access.
The Upper East Regional Manager of GIFEC, Martin Aberba, said the intervention is part of efforts to bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for young people.
“This programme will equip young people with coding and digital skills and open pathways into jobs, freelancing, and further training,” he said.
He added that the laptops will support training in schools, community ICT centres, and youth hubs.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary municipal and district assemblies in the Upper East Region, Nabdam DCE Francis Yenwona Tobig welcomed the initiative.
“These items are going to benefit our people so much because many people use Android phones but have little knowledge in IT. We assure government these laptops will be used for their intended purpose to benefit our youth,” he said.
The One Million Coders Programme targets training one million young Ghanaians in digital skills within two years.
