In the lead-up to Ghana’s 2024 general elections, Ms. Winifred Zooyar, a tech advocate and Girls-In-Tech Lead at Noni Hub, has commended the commitment of the two major political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to train one million Ghanaian youth in digital skills. Both parties have included this initiative in their manifestos, recognizing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Ghana. By equipping young people with essential digital skills, the goal is to open new avenues for employment, allowing youth to access remote job opportunities in an increasingly digital economy. Ms. Zooyar underscores the importance of this initiative not only in fostering job creation but also in narrowing the digital divide between urban and rural youth.
While acknowledging the positive intentions behind the training programs, Ms. Zooyar pointed out significant challenges that could hinder successful implementation. She highlighted the current lack of adequate digital infrastructure, poor internet connectivity, and limited access to electricity within certain regions, particularly in rural areas such as the Upper West region. She emphasized that these barriers could restrict many young individuals from obtaining the necessary digital devices, such as laptops or smartphones, which are vital for acquiring and applying digital skills. Without these tools, the training could become ineffective, rendering the skills learned ultimately unproductive.
Ms. Zooyar called on the political parties to consider including the provision of digital devices as part of their training initiatives, potentially through subsidized programs aimed at making technology more accessible. She believes that for the digital skills training to be effective, it must be accompanied by tangible support in terms of hardware. Furthermore, she suggested that the programs should be designed to include provisions for assisting youth in developing foundational skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as well as offering instruction in local languages to enhance understanding and inclusivity.
Additionally, Ms. Zooyar pointed out that cultural factors may limit the participation of certain demographics, particularly young women, in digital skills training programs. Cultural hostilities towards females could act as a barrier to their enrollment and success in these initiatives. To address this issue, she urged political parties to engage in substantial sensitization efforts aimed at empowering women and dispelling cultural misconceptions that inhibit their involvement in technology fields. Such community-engaged approaches could help create a more inclusive atmosphere where all young people have an equitable opportunity to benefit from digital skills training.
The issue of youth unemployment is a growing concern in Ghana and is increasingly influencing the political landscape as parties approach the elections. The young electorate, who represent a significant portion of voters, are especially attuned to promises that directly address their employment prospects. Therefore, political parties that vocalize a commitment to reducing unemployment through digital skills training could leverage this strategy as a powerful tool to sway the youth vote. The promise of job creation not only speaks to economic aspirations but also represents a much-needed shift toward modernization and innovation within Ghana’s economy.
In summary, the initiative to train one million Ghanaian youth in digital skills, as proposed by the NPP and NDC, has the potential to make a substantial impact on combating youth unemployment. However, for these efforts to be truly effective, stakeholders must address the underlying infrastructural limitations, provide necessary devices, and ensure inclusive training programs. It is incumbent upon political parties to create a supportive ecosystem that fosters access, education, and empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups. As the electoral period unfolds, these commitments will be crucial in gaining the trust and support of Ghana’s youth, who are eagerly looking for tangible solutions to their employment challenges.
