Dr Patrick Essien, a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and founder of Molex Foundation, has praised the government's One Million Coders policy.

As an expert in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr Essien believes the initiative is a groundbreaking step towards reducing youth unemployment in Ghana.

The One Million Coders Programme seeks to equip young Ghanaians with coding, artificial intelligence, and digital technology skills, positioning them to compete in the global digital economy.

The government has partnered with key stakeholders, including some telecommunication providers in Ghana, to ensure the success of the initiative.

He said this in an interview with JoyNews in Goaso on Sunday on the unemployment situation in Ghana, which stands at an alarming 13.4% for those aged 15-24 and 6.7% for the general population, according to the Ghana Statistical Service.

According to Dr Essien, youth unemployment is a significant contributor to cybercrime and other criminal activities in the country.

The lecturer highlights the need for initiatives like the One Million Coders policy, which cannot only create job opportunities but also help reduce cybercrime.

He advised the youth to take advantage of the policy to enhance their digital skills, noting that it can help them establish their own Information Technology (IT) centres and businesses. This, Dr Patrick Essien believes, can empower the young people economically and provide a brighter future for them.

He urged the government to ensure the policy achieves the intended purpose and does not breach its relevance.

Dr Essien believes that successful implementation can lead to a reduction in criminal activities and improve the overall national security situation in Ghana.