The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, has reaffirmed her commitment to building an inclusive digital future for young people after commissioning a renovated ultra-modern ICT laboratory at Odorkor Saleria 1 Basic School under the government’s One Million Coders Programme (OMCP).
The upgraded facility, which is expected to serve as a major training centre for Artificial Intelligence, coding and cybersecurity, positions Ablekuma North as the first municipality in Ghana to open such a modern ICT learning hub in support of the national digital transformation agenda.
Addressing students, teachers and stakeholders at the commissioning ceremony, the MP described the project as part of a broader vision to ensure that no child in the constituency is excluded from opportunities within the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
“The opportunities of tomorrow would belong to those who are equipped with knowledge, skills and the ability to compete in a digital economy,” she stated.
Hon. Aubynn noted that the commissioning of the facility represented more than the opening of a computer laboratory, saying it symbolised a collective investment in the future of children and the development of the constituency.
“Today is not simply about opening a building or computers. Today represents our collective commitment to the future of our children, the future of Ablekuma North, and the future of Ghana,” she said.
She encouraged learners to make productive use of the facility by developing skills that could transform their future and place them at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“To our learners, this facility is for you. Use it wisely, learn, explore, create and dream big. Among you, I know there may be future software engineers, innovators, scientists, entrepreneurs and national leaders,” she added.
The MP also expressed profound gratitude to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations for its support towards the project, while acknowledging the contributions of learners, teachers, the Municipal Education Directorate and other stakeholders whose efforts made the initiative possible.
The Municipal Director of Education, Harriet Lomotey, praised the MP for her continuous support towards promoting teaching and learning within the municipality.
She described Hon. Aubynn as a leader who was setting the pace in educational development within the Greater Accra Region through strategic investments in educational infrastructure, furniture supply and digital learning opportunities.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who was the Special Guest of Honour, inspected the facility and verified the operational readiness of the OMCP portal and installed laptops.
He commended the initiative by the Ablekuma North MP and highlighted the government’s massive investment in digital skills development through the One Million Coders Programme, which he said represents a GH¢15 billion commitment over four years.
“The beauty of technology is you can still be a student and start making money with IT,” the Minister said. “As young students, take the opportunity to get into the world of AI and the world of new technology, because that’s where the future is.”
Recognising the growing demand for digital training opportunities in the constituency, the Minister announced plans to establish an additional learning centre in Ablekuma North under the next phase of the programme.
“I’ve looked at the size of Ablekuma North… it’s a big constituency. I can assure you that in the next phase, I will give a second learning centre for Ablekuma North,” he assured.
The commissioning forms part of the nationwide rollout of the OMCP, following the distribution of digital equipment to Regional Ministers and Members of Parliament to support community-based ICT centres across the country.
By: Christian Kpesese
