One Million Coders’ Programme to train youth in AI, Cybersecurity – Omane Boamah to LSE Forum – Nsemkeka
Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has revealed that the One Million Coders’ Programme will play a pivotal role in equipping Ghanaian youth with cutting-edge digital skills, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), data protection, and cybersecurity.
He made this known at the 2025 Futures Forum held at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on Tuesday, 27 May.
Addressing global policymakers, scholars, and innovators, Dr Boamah stated, “Africa stands at a defining crossroads. Not of crisis, but of possibility. In a world where global security is being reimagined, Africa must not sit on the sidelines—we must shape the future we deserve.”
He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Agreement as a tool for shared prosperity and innovation, adding that Africa must work collectively to make it a reality.
Dr Boamah said the One Million Coders’ Programme, spearheaded by President John Dramani Mahama with support from LSE alumnus and Minister Samuel Nartey George, seeks to offer Ghanaian youth critical training in software engineering across multiple coding languages, AI development, and cybersecurity.
“This is the Africa that President Mahama…is pursuing in Ghana,” he said. “An Africa where local tech hubs are not exceptions but the engines of national growth.”
He concluded by urging African leaders and development partners to go beyond temporary fixes and invest in long-term structural transformation.
“Let us build a continent where national budgets speak the language of our people’s needs… And above all, let peace, vision, and solidarity be the forces that unite us. Africa must unite. Africa will unite. And together, we will build the Africa We Want.”