On January 7, 2025, Ghana witnessed a pivotal moment in its democratic journey as President John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as the sixth president of the Republic. Running under the banner of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with the manifesto titled “Resetting Ghana: Jobs. Accountability. Prosperity.”, President Mahama garnered an impressive 56.55% of the total votes cast, amounting to 6,328,397 votes. This remarkable victory, despite low voter turnout, underscores the trust Ghanaians have placed in his leadership to guide the nation through challenging times.
Joining President Mahama in this historic administration is Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, who shattered glass ceilings to become Ghana’s first female vice president. Her rise to this esteemed position represents more than a personal achievement—it is a beacon of hope and a powerful symbol for young girls and women across the nation. For my daughters and the countless young ladies of Ghana, Vice President Opoku-Agyeman’s leadership is a shining example of what is possible in a country that values gender equality and inclusivity.
As Ghana embarks on this new chapter, the NDC’s manifesto serves as a blueprint for the government’s vision to steer the nation toward growth and renewal. Aptly titled “Resetting Ghana: Jobs. Accountability. Prosperity.”, the manifesto outlines ambitious initiatives aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of unemployment, economic stagnation, and governance.
I recently reviewed the manifesto, focusing on initiatives related to technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. My analysis explored how these proposals could be transformed into actionable policies that drive growth and deliver meaningful impact.
President John Dramani Mahama described the manifesto as “a well-curated blueprint to fix the economy and create prosperity.” He further emphasized his commitment to the manifesto, stating, “We consider this a solemn pact between us and you, the good people of Ghana—a bond that will lift our dear country from the abyss we are trapped in.”
There is no doubt that the Ghanaian populace is eagerly awaiting the unfolding of these initiatives in the coming days, months, and years.
Abolishment of E-Levy
The Ghanaian populace eagerly anticipates the scrapping of the e-levy—a tax on electronic transactions introduced by the previous government that has sparked widespread debate and concern. Described as “draconian” in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, the e-levy has faced criticism for its impact on digital financial transactions. Former President Mahama, through the NDC manifesto and various public statements, has pledged to abolish the e-levy along with other taxes within his first 100 days in office, offering potential relief to many Ghanaians.
Many digital businesses, particularly those in the mobile money, e-commerce, and fintech sectors, saw reduced transaction volumes as a result of the tax. The e-levy added an extra cost to digital transactions, which directly impacted the affordability and convenience of digital services.
While the e-levy’s removal is likely to be welcomed by the public, concerns remain regarding how the government plans to replace the significant revenue it generated. In 2023, the e-levy generated about GHS 1.19 billion in revenue, contributing significantly to the government’s tax revenue.
Critics argue that eliminating this source of income could create significant gaps in the national budget, which could affect the implementation of other key initiatives, particularly those aimed at fostering technological advancement and entrepreneurship.
This concern is heightened by Ghana’s ongoing austerity measures, which are a requirement under the current IMF agreement. The country has been required to implement strict fiscal measures, including reducing its budget deficit and controlling public spending, to restore economic stability. Although President Mahama has committed to re-engaging with the IMF, the challenge remains in balancing fiscal prudence with the need to invest in critical sectors such as digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
FinTech Growth Fund
One initiative that I am particularly excited about—and I believe many others in the industry will share my enthusiasm—is the FinTech Growth Fund. This $50 million fund is a bold step toward nurturing the next generation of digital entrepreneurs and indigenous FinTech companies in Ghana. The fund has the potential to catalyze significant growth in the digital economy by providing much-needed financial support to startups and established companies in the FinTech sector.
This fund has been warmly welcomed by the Ghana FinTech Association and its president, Mr. Martin Awagah, who stated, “This fund could empower local companies to build homegrown solutions, foster financial inclusion, and align with the global movement to democratize access to financial services.” Such a strategic move is expected to propel Ghana’s digital economy and offer new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
However, while the excitement is palpable, successful deployment of the fund will depend on a few critical factors. First, there needs to be a clear and efficient framework for selecting the right companies and projects to invest in, ensuring that the funds are channeled into initiatives with the highest potential for sustainable impact. Additionally, collaboration between the private sector, government agencies, and the financial institutions will be crucial to maximize the fund’s reach and effectiveness.
Further, it will be essential to implement policies that create a conducive environment for innovation in the sector. This includes addressing regulatory barriers, improving access to digital infrastructure, and promoting financial literacy and inclusion. If executed properly, the FinTech Growth Fund could not only stimulate the growth of indigenous solutions but also position Ghana as a leading hub for FinTech in Africa, attracting further investment and talent to the region.
In the coming months, it will be interesting to see how this initiative unfolds and how it can bridge the gap between the ambitions of local FinTech companies and the resources required to scale their operations. With the right support, this fund has the potential to transform Ghana’s digital landscape, fueling innovation and driving financial inclusion across the country.
One Million Coders Programme
Is one of the most ambitious proposals, aiming to train one million young Ghanaians in digital skills such as coding, web development, and software engineering. This initiative seeks to bridge the skills gap in the tech sector, equipping the workforce needed to drive the digital economy. Moreover, it has the potential to not only meet local demand but also position Ghana as a key player in the global tech talent market, allowing the country to export highly skilled professionals to the international stage. However, its success hinges on addressing several critical factors.
First, the provision of resources such as laptops and internet connectivity is essential. Many potential beneficiaries, particularly in underserved areas, lack access to the necessary technology to fully engage with the program. To ensure equity, the government must partner with tech companies and internet providers to make devices and stable internet accessible to all participants.
The curriculum must also be aligned with industry needs, which requires collaboration between educational institutions and tech companies to ensure that the training prepares students for real-world opportunities.
Inclusion is another key aspect. Special attention must be given to women and people with disabilities by offering scholarships, mentorship, and ensuring that the training materials are accessible and inclusive. This will help close the gender gap and provide valuable skills to marginalized groups.
Moreover, the timeline and budget for the program remain unclear, raising concerns about its feasibility. The initiative will need substantial investment and a clear implementation plan to meet its ambitious goals. Ensuring practical, hands-on learning and establishing partnerships for job placements will further support its success.
Overall, while the One Million Coders Programme has immense potential, its success will depend on strategic planning, resource allocation, and inclusivity to ensure that it creates sustainable, impactful change in Ghana’s digital economy.
Digital Jobs Initiative
The Digital Jobs Initiative aligns closely with research from Korn Ferry, which highlights a significant global job skills gap, particularly in technology-related fields. This initiative will offer an opportunity to bridge this skills gap by preparing 300,000 young people for careers in the digital sector. By fostering partnerships with local tech start-ups and businesses, the program could directly address the skills gap that many organizations face in emerging fields such as software development, data analytics, digital marketing, and e-commerce.
To ensure the success of the initiative, it is essential for the government to partner with organizations such as MEST and Blossom Academy, which are already providing high-quality training in these areas. These partnerships would leverage existing infrastructure, expertise, and networks to scale the initiative more effectively. By working with such established entities, the program can ensure that the training is aligned with industry needs and reaches a broader audience.
By equipping the youth with relevant digital skills and providing them with job opportunities, the initiative could contribute significantly to reducing the country’s unemployment rate while addressing the broader global issue of talent shortages. However, it will be crucial for the program to focus on aligning skills training with industry needs, ensuring that participants are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the digital economy.
Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is crucial for the success and long-term impact of the Digital Jobs Initiative, as many training programs often focus on vanity metrics, simply adding numbers without ensuring meaningful outcomes. A strong M&E framework will track progress, measure outcomes, and ensure that the program creates meaningful, sustainable employment.
Regional Digital Centres & ICT Parks for Zonal Belts
The establishment of these facilities is a key strategy in enabling Ghana to supply global talent in the digital economy. By decentralizing tech hubs and investing in infrastructure that supports sectors such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO), artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, Ghana can position itself as a key player in the global talent pool. These initiatives will foster a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting international standards and addressing the growing demand for tech talent worldwide.
Through the development of specialized skills in high-demand fields like AI and cybersecurity, Ghana can produce top-tier professionals who can not only contribute to the local economy but also provide services to global markets. The creation of digital hubs in regions outside of Accra will allow Ghana to tap into the talents of young people across the country, thus widening the talent base available for both local and global tech companies.
Moreover, by attracting international tech companies to set up operations in these digital centers and ICT parks, Ghana will be able to offer its skilled labor force to meet the needs of these organizations. This can include outsourcing services, project-based collaborations, and even talent partnerships that strengthen Ghana’s position as a global supplier of tech talent.
In order to effectively implement these initiatives, it is essential for the government to partner with the Ghana Hubs Network to build the capacity of existing hubs while also establishing new ones across the country. This collaboration will strengthen the current ecosystem by providing more resources, training, and support to the hubs, ensuring that they can play a pivotal role in the development of local talent and attract investment to new regions.
Looking Ahead
Ghana stands at a critical juncture, with the opportunity to harness technology and innovation to address its socio-economic challenges. The NDC’s manifesto provides a roadmap, but its success will depend on meticulous execution and unwavering commitment to the principles of accountability and inclusivity.
As we look forward to the next four years, the hope is that these initiatives will not just remain promises but evolve into transformative policies that reset Ghana for jobs, accountability, and prosperity. It is possible!
