1 Million Coders Programme ‘Unnecessary, Non-Starter’ — Sammy Crabbe Pushes AI, Innovation Over Coding

New Patriotic Party National Chairman hopeful Dr. Sammy Crabbe has dismissed Government’s 1 Million Coders Programme as “unnecessary and a non-starter,” arguing that Ghana should focus on Artificial Intelligence and innovation instead of mass coding training.

Speaking to Rainbow Radio 87.5FM Parliamentary Correspondent Bohyeba K. Afriye in Parliament, the former NPP National Vice Chairman said the initiative shows Ghana is lagging behind global trends.

“The initiative means Ghana is behind the world. Something that has passed is what Ghana is bringing to light.”

Dr. Crabbe, who lectures on AI in the UK, said the country’s priority should be transformative innovation, not basic coding. “Ghana now needs innovation and something that can transform and move the economy forward because that’s what we lack as a country.”

He argued that global development has outpaced coding bootcamps. “The world is moving forward and faster, so something must be done in Ghana so that we will join in terms of development and innovations.”

“Today, Artificial Intelligence is what is being used to develop platforms and programming. AI can provide code base whenever we issue commands. So the youth must be helped to be innovative with the current world systems,” he said. “We don’t need to train 1 million coders.”

Dr. Crabbe said AI could transform Ghana if properly harnessed. “As an AI lecturer in the UK, I know it can be used to do a lot for Ghana. I’m looking for a day Ghana will move forward because currently we are standstill.”

He acknowledged recent economic gains but called for expansion. “At this moment the economy is stabilizing, with Cedi appreciation against three foreign currencies, which is good. But we must expand the economy and tap into experts to help train people to be innovative.”