Ghana’s Ambitious Plan: Equipping Half a Million Youth with Digital Skills by 2028

Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, August 23rd 2025 at 2:58 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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The Ghanaian government has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at equipping half a million young people with vital digital skills by 2028. This program, spearheaded by the Minister of State in Charge of Tertiary Education, Mr. Kwesi Bandaw and championed by Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ama Victoria Berchie, represents a significant investment in Ghana’s future workforce and its position within the rapidly evolving global digital landscape. The initiative seeks to address the growing skills gap and leverage the demographic dividend presented by Ghana's youthful population.

The core objective is simple: to ensure that Ghanaian youth possess the competencies necessary to thrive in an increasingly digitized world, contributing meaningfully to economic growth and innovation. This isn’t just about basic computer literacy; it encompasses a wide range of digital skills including coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, graphic design, web development, and e-commerce. The program recognizes that these skills are no longer optional but essential for participation in the modern economy.

The impetus behind this large-scale initiative stems from several converging factors. Firstly, Ghana’s economic transformation agenda hinges on leveraging technology to boost productivity across various sectors. Secondly, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated digital adoption globally and within Ghana itself, highlighting the urgent need for a digitally literate workforce. Finally, the government is keenly aware of the potential for Ghanaian youth to contribute significantly to the burgeoning tech industry, both locally and internationally.

The program’s design incorporates a multi-faceted approach, recognizing that different segments of the youth population have varying needs and access levels. It will leverage existing infrastructure and partnerships while also establishing new training centers across the country. Key components include:

Revamping Existing Vocational Training Institutes: The government plans to upgrade vocational training institutes (VTIs) with modern equipment and curricula focused on digital skills. This aims to provide accessible, practical training opportunities for a large number of young people, particularly those in rural areas.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration with private sector companies is crucial for ensuring the relevance of the training programs and creating pathways for employment. These partnerships will involve curriculum development, mentorship opportunities, and potential job placements. Several tech giants have already expressed interest in participating, recognizing the value of a skilled local talent pool.
Online Learning Platforms: Recognizing the limitations of physical infrastructure, online learning platforms will play a vital role in reaching a wider audience. This includes leveraging existing government initiatives like the “Learn Digital” program and exploring partnerships with international online education providers.
Targeted Programs for Vulnerable Groups: Special attention will be given to ensuring that marginalized groups, including women, people with disabilities, and those from underserved communities, have equal access to these digital skills training opportunities. Scholarships and targeted outreach programs are planned to address barriers to participation.
Focus on Entrepreneurship: The program isn’t solely focused on creating employees; it also aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship among Ghanaian youth. Training in areas like e-commerce and digital marketing will empower young people to start their own businesses and create jobs for others.

The initiative aligns with Ghana's broader national development goals, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4 on quality education and SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. The government believes that investing in digital skills is a critical catalyst for achieving these goals.

While the ambition of the program is commendable, its success hinges on several factors. Funding remains a key challenge, requiring sustained investment from both public and private sources. Ensuring the quality and relevance of the training programs will also be crucial, necessitating continuous monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, creating sufficient job opportunities to absorb the graduates of these programs is essential to prevent frustration and ensure that the initiative delivers tangible benefits for Ghanaian youth.

The government has expressed confidence in its ability to overcome these challenges through strong leadership, effective partnerships, and a commitment to innovation. The program’s success will not only transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Ghanaians but also solidify Ghana's position as a regional leader in digital innovation and economic development. It represents a significant step towards building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Ghanaians, powered by the transformative potential of technology. The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Berchie, emphasized that this initiative is not just about providing training but also about creating an ecosystem that supports digital entrepreneurship and innovation within Ghana. This holistic approach underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and sustainable digital economy.

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Ghana’s Ambitious Plan: Equipping Half a Million Youth with Digital Skills by 2028