A Ghanaian software engineer and technology entrepreneur, Yakubu Lantam Abdul-Jabar, has urged the government to focus on producing industry-ready professionals under its One Million Coders initiative rather than prioritising enrollment figures.
Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in software engineering, startup development, and talent mentorship, the tech expert described the programme as a bold and timely intervention aimed at addressing Ghana’s growing digital skills gap. However, he warned that its long-term success would depend on the quality of training delivered.
According to him, Ghana is currently facing a severe shortage of skilled technology professionals across several sectors, including data protection, cybersecurity, software development, network engineering, data analytics, DevOps, quality assurance, and artificial intelligence.
He noted that the implementation of the Data Protection Act alone has created demand for thousands of qualified data protection professionals, while the increasing threat of cyberattacks has heightened the need for competent cybersecurity experts.
“Every sector of the economy now depends on technology, yet the country continues to face a significant shortage of qualified professionals who can deliver production-grade solutions,” he said.
While acknowledging the potential of the One Million Coders programme, the expert questioned whether current trainees are receiving sufficient instruction and practical exposure to meet industry expectations.
“Reports suggest that about 12,000 people have already gone through the programme, but we must ask critical questions. How long did they train? What level of proficiency have they achieved? Can they contribute meaningfully to real-world projects?” he asked.
He argued that coding and software development cannot be mastered through short-term boot camps alone, stressing that true competence requires structured learning, mentorship, project-based experience, code reviews, and continuous professional development.
According to him, an overemphasis on enrollment figures could result in the production of inadequately trained graduates who struggle to secure meaningful employment, ultimately undermining public confidence in the initiative.
The software engineer called for stronger partnerships between government, industry players, and educational institutions to ensure that training programmes are aligned with market demands.
He also recommended the introduction of rigorous assessment systems, apprenticeship opportunities, and clear pathways that guide participants from beginner level to professional competency.
“The success of One Million Coders should not be measured by the number of people who enroll, but by the number of competent professionals it produces—individuals who can compete globally, innovate locally, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s digital transformation,” he stated.
He concluded by urging policymakers to focus on sustainable outcomes rather than headline figures, emphasizing that Ghana’s youth deserve high-quality training that equips them with practical skills for the future.
“We must build real-world problem solvers and solution providers. The future of Ghana’s digital economy depends on it,” he added.
Source: Yakubu Lantam Abdul-Jabar
