Rashid Tanko-Computer, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has announced a significant surge in digital participation, with the “One Million Coders,” programme officially surpassing 150,000 registered participants.
The GIFEC CEO revealed that the initiative, which originated as a small-scale pilot project involving only 290 learners, has transitioned into a nationwide digital movement. According to him, the programme’s expansion is being matched by a substantial investment in hardware and the restoration of dormant infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We started with 290 people as a pilot when we launched the One Million Coders programme. As we sit here reviewing the database, we have almost 150,000 people who have logged in, from all ages, ranging from 18 to even 70, who have registered. We have brought in 20,000 high-speed laptops for the training”
Rashid Tanko-Computer, GIFEC CEO
For Tanko-Computer, this exponential growth underscores a burgeoning interest in technological literacy among Ghanaians, cutting across diverse demographic groups and geographical locations. He pointed out that one of the most striking revelations from the programme’s database is the age diversity of the registrants.
Unlike traditional ICT interventions that target the youth, the One Million Coders initiative has attracted a broad spectrum of learners. Tanko-Computer noted that the participants range from 18-year-old school leavers to 70-year-old citizens, indicating that the desire for digital inclusion is not restricted by generation.
Infrastructure Revitalization
The success of the digital literacy drive is being paired with an aggressive renovation of community ICT centres.
Mr. Tanko expressed concern over the state of these facilities upon his assumption of office, claiming that several centres had been neglected and left to deteriorate under the previous administration.
He described scenes of derelict equipment and dusty facilities that required immediate intervention to be made functional for the current coding project. The CEO emphasized that these centres are critical nodes for rural digital access and cannot be allowed to remain in a state of disrepair.
According to the GIFEC CEO, the renovation phase is nearing completion for many of these facilities and the agency plans to officially roll out the revitalized community information centres during the first quarter of 2026.
This move is expected to provide the necessary physical space for participants who may not have personal computers or stable internet connections at home, thereby democratizing the learning process for residents in underserved communities.
Strategic Focus
The One Million Coders programme is positioned as a cornerstone of Ghana’s broader strategy to build a robust digital economy under the NDC government.
By equipping a significant portion of the population with coding skills, the government aims to create a pool of tech-savvy individuals capable of driving innovation in the private sector and enhancing efficiency within the public service.
Mr. Tanko’s update suggested that the project is currently ahead of schedule in terms of public interest, though the challenge remains in transitioning these 150,000 registrants into proficient practitioners.
He explained that the focus now shifts to the first quarter of the year, where the combined forces of new hardware and renovated physical centres will be tested. For GIFEC, the goal is to ensure that the “One Million Coders” name is not just a numerical target but a catalyst for systemic change in how Ghanaians interact with technology.
With the pilot phase far behind, the scale of current registrations provides a clear mandate for the agency to maintain the momentum of digital education across the country.
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