The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has received 200 laptops from the Government of Ghana. This donation falls under the One Million Coders Programme, designed to enhance digital skills development among students. The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, presented the laptops at a ceremony on Friday, October 16, 2026.
This initiative aims to equip students and other beneficiaries with essential digital skills. Such training improves employability and prepares them for the evolving demands of the job market. The One Million Coders Programme is a key government effort to bridge the digital divide and foster technological literacy across the nation.
This programme aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to build a digital economy. Investing in digital skills is crucial for future economic growth and competitiveness. Similar government initiatives have focused on improving internet access and digital infrastructure nationwide. These efforts support the country's ambition to become a technology hub in West Africa.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, received the laptops on behalf of the university. She stated that the initiative will significantly improve students' digital competencies. Professor Aziato emphasized technology's growing importance in healthcare delivery, citing electronic health records and patient monitoring systems. She also revealed plans to integrate courses in artificial intelligence, data science, and programming into UHAS academic programmes.
However, Professor Aziato noted that the 200 laptops would serve a student population of approximately 11,000. This highlights a significant gap, indicating that additional support is necessary to meet the institution’s digital learning needs. She also pointed out challenges like inadequate internet connectivity, the absence of a central library, and insufficient digital infrastructure. The Vice-Chancellor appealed for assistance to establish an electronic library and repurpose an existing data centre.
Patrick de Souza, Director of ICT at UHAS, echoed these concerns. He highlighted the institution's limited internet bandwidth and inadequate data centre capacity. These constraints hinder UHAS efforts to expand digital education and services. Addressing these infrastructural gaps is critical for the effective implementation of digital learning initiatives.
Mr. George reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting UHAS's digital transformation. He assured the university that the 200 laptops represent only an initial phase of support. Further assistance will depend on student enrolment and the effective use of the devices. The Minister also pledged to work with the National Communications Authority and mobile network operators to improve internet connectivity across UHAS campuses.
Discussions are also underway regarding high-performance computing partnerships. These partnerships could expand research opportunities for UHAS and other tertiary institutions. This broader collaboration aims to strengthen digital education and prepare future health professionals for a technology-driven healthcare sector. The initiative is a step towards ensuring Ghana's workforce is ready for the demands of the 21st-century economy.