Controversy Erupts Over Deputy Communication Minister‑Designate’s Understanding of Coding
A response by Mohammed Adams Sukparu, Deputy Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has ignited debate across Ghana’s tech community and political circles after he gave a controversial definition of “coding” during his vetting.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, the nominee was asked by Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe, if he was familiar with coding. After replying in the affirmative, Sukparu was then asked to explain what coding is.
His response:
“Coding involves offering training to young men and women in the IT field, teaching them web design and software development, which essentially defines what coding is.”
The answer triggered visible amusement in the chamber, with MP Jerry Ahmed bursting into laughter—an expression that reflected the confusion and concern shared by many observers, particularly those with expertise in technology.
Tech Community Responds
Following the vetting, several Ghanaian technologists, educators, and developers took to social media and online forums to critique Sukparu’s remarks, noting that his explanation conflated the process of coding with broader IT training and misrepresented the technical nature of programming.
Dr. Jane Smith, a respected computer science educator, weighed in:
“Coding, or computer programming, refers to the process of creating, writing, testing, and maintaining the source code of software applications. It requires a deep understanding of programming languages, logic, algorithms, and problem-solving. It is not simply about offering IT training or teaching web design.”
Others argued that the incident underscores a larger issue: the gap between political appointments and technical competence in specialized sectors like digital innovation.
Public Concern Over Digital Leadership
Some lawmakers and civic tech advocates have called for more stringent evaluations of nominees to key digital and technological posts, emphasizing the need for leaders who grasp the nuances of the sectors they’re tasked with overseeing.
Critics argue that as Ghana strives to position itself as a tech and innovation hub in West Africa, having technically informed leadership is not only beneficial but essential.
Meanwhile, others defended Sukparu, suggesting that while his terminology may have been imprecise, his intent was to promote digital literacy and skills development among youth.
As the vetting process continues, it remains to be seen how this moment will influence his confirmation and broader conversations about digital leadership and literacy in Ghana.
