Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced the planned expansion of the Digital Youth Hub (DYH) initiative, with new hubs to be established in Cape Coast, Kumasi, and Tamale.
This initiative follows the ongoing construction of the first hub at the University of Ghana, Legon, which is set to be completed by December 2024.
The Digital Youth Hub at Legon is part of the broader Ghana CARES programme, a collaboration between the University of Ghana (UG), the Ministries of Finance (MoF), and Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD).
The hub aims to foster a dynamic environment where young technology entrepreneurs can collaborate, innovate, and build sustainable businesses.
It will serve as a major center for skills development and entrepreneurship in the tech sector, with plans for further expansion nationwide.
Speaking after inspecting the construction works on October 8, 2024, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the significance of these hubs in positioning Ghana as a leading digital skills hub in Africa.
He highlighted that the initiative is crucial for preparing the country's youth to participate in the 4th Industrial Revolution, stating, "If you don’t have digital skills, you are going to be left behind."
Dr. Bawumia also revealed that the Legon hub will feature a 2,200-seat auditorium, set to become the largest on the University of Ghana campus.
The center will provide much-needed infrastructure for technology entrepreneurs, with plans to replicate the model in other key cities across the country.
Training One Million Digital Entrepreneurs
Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, who accompanied the Vice President, provided an overview of the Ghana CARES programme and reiterated its goal of training one million digital entrepreneurs.
He noted that a $5 million endowment fund will be established to support the long-term management and operation of the Digital Youth Hub.
"This initiative will provide the platform and infrastructure needed to train the youth in digital skills," Dr. Amin Adam explained.
Construction Progress on Schedule
Communications and Digitalisation Minister, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, also gave an update on the progress of the project.
She disclosed that the construction of the Digital Youth Hub began in January 2024 and is now 55% complete.
Phase 1 of the project is expected to be commissioned in December 2024, with plans for further expansions, including hostel facilities, to support the digital youth village.
The architects (arc-AURA) and contractors (Mustek Engineering Limited) have assured that Phase 1 will be delivered on schedule, allowing the government to fulfill its promise of empowering young Ghanaians with the digital skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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