The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has announced an ambitious target of training over 5,000 young people in Sefwi Wiawso under the national One Million Coders initiative aimed at building a digitally skilled workforce across Ghana.
The Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Coordinator for GIFEC, Rockson Armah, disclosed this in an interview on “Kro Yi Mu Nsem” with Nana Asare Kesse, explaining that the programme is designed to equip Ghanaian youth with both basic and advanced ICT skills beyond coding alone.
He noted that the initiative covers a wide range of courses, including Digital Literacy, Software Development, Front End, Back End, Full Stack Development, Artificial Intelligence, Networking, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing.
According to him, the structured training ensures that learners progress step-by-step through modules before advancing.
Rockson Armah explained that Sefwi Wiawso is one of the key centres in the Western North Region and currently the only centre offering face-to-face training, while other centres operate mainly online.
He added that the region has five training centres located in Bibiani, Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso, Akontombra, and Bia.
He further emphasized that the programme is inclusive, requiring only basic literacy and the ability to operate a smart device. Applicants must register using their Ghana Card for verification and facial identification to ensure transparency and that only Ghanaians benefit.
On cybersecurity training, he clarified that it goes beyond hacking concepts and includes risk assessment, defensive systems, and ethical security practices, stressing that no digital system is completely secure.
Rockson Armah also highlighted that the programme is helping reduce unemployment by equipping young people with digital skills for job creation and entrepreneurship.
He noted that certificates awarded are recognized and valued, especially when participants demonstrate strong practical competence.
Currently, the Sefwi Wiawso centre has 154 students, including 11 females, and is targeting between 5,000 and 10,000 trained coders in the municipality.
He further mentioned that the centre has been supported with 50 laptops and internet access to enhance training delivery, although challenges such as distance to training centres and limited facilitators remain.
Despite challenges such as limited facilitators and distance to training centres, he said WhatsApp-based learning groups are being used to monitor and support students’ progress.
He concluded that the One Million Coders initiative is a major step toward preparing Ghanaian youth for opportunities in the global digital economy.
Watch our interview with Rockson Armah
