We Will Train 1 Million Youth In IT To Build World Class Digital Economy

NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated his passionate commitment to turn Ghana into a digital hub of Africa by training one million Ghanaians in IT skills.

The Vice President first revealed this policy earlier this year in February when he delivered his major policy address to the nation.

Delivering a speech at the launch of the NPP's 2024 Manifesto in Takoradi, Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed this policy stressing it is part of his broader vision to build a digital Ghana to improve the various sectors of the economy and offer jobs to the youth.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to build a Ghana where we leverage innovation, data and systems for inclusive economic growth."

"I want to see Ghana build the digital talent we require for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This will mean providing digital and software skills to hundreds of thousands of youth. This, along with other policies, will create jobs for the youth, including school dropouts”, Dr. Bawumia said.

He emphasized; "In collaboration with the private sector, we will train at least 1,000,000 youth in IT skills, including software developers to provide job opportunities worldwide."

"I want us to apply digital innovation, STEM, robotics and artificial intelligence for the transformation of agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, fintech and public service delivery."

As part of his “Digital Ghana”, Dr. Bawumia underscored his goal to eliminate the digital divide by achieving close to 100% internet penetration.

"We have already made very significant progress in this direction by increasing internet penetration from 34% in 2016 to some 70% in 2023, by more than double. The task in the next four years is to move from 72% to over 90% as exists in the advanced countries. It is possible," he stated.

Dr. Bawumia further assured that, under his Presidency, there will be an "enhanced focus" on TVET and STEM among others.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, to prepare our children for the fourth industrial revolution workplace, I will enhance the positioning of the education system towards STEM, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and vocational skills to cope with the demands of the fourth Industrial Revolution and job creation. My government would make coding and robotics standard in senior high school."

"My government will also support the establishment of a National Open University Ghana in collaboration with the private sector with a focus on ICT, TVET and STEM."