Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, used the UNCTAD XVI ministerial in Geneva to urge developing economies to build capacity to deploy artificial intelligence for economic transformation while pushing for global rules to govern its risks.
Speaking during Panel 2 on “Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Governance,” she said AI, digitalization and automation are already reshaping agriculture, industry and services, creating pathways for MSMEs, women and youth entrepreneurs when deployed responsibly. She framed AI as a lever for diversification, trade facilitation and industrial productivity if its rollout is ethical, inclusive and aligned with development goals.
“Africa cannot afford to be a bystander in the AI revolution,” she said. “We must build the infrastructure, data systems, and digital skills that allow us to use AI for inclusive transformation, not deepen divides.”
She cited domestic measures, including a 10-Year National AI Strategy, a National E-Commerce Policy and the One Million Coders Programme, to build human capital and position Ghana as a regional innovation hub.The minister further referenced President John Dramani Mahama’s directive that each minister integrate an AI use case into their portfolio and his recent AI bootcamp for Cabinet members as evidence of executive-level commitment.
On governance, she called for international cooperation on ethics, data protection and cybersecurity anchored in common standards, transparency and fairness. She said governments should not default to defensive postures, “We should not fear AI, we should be inspired by its potential to boost productivity, create decent jobs, and empower all segments of society.”
Ghana’s participation in the AI panel formed part of its wider positioning on digital transformation and responsible technology governance, in line with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy (2024) and the Global Digital Compact.
