Ghana is taking a leading role in shaping Africa’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) future, with a call for continental collaboration to build a smart, sovereign, and sustainable AI ecosystem rooted in African values and innovation.
Speaking at the African Education Trust Fund (AETF) Conference in Accra, Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, said the continent must take ownership of its digital destiny by developing policies and infrastructure that ensure AI serves Africa’s development priorities.
“We gather at a time when intelligent technologies are reshaping every aspect of our lives, from how we learn and work to how we govern and grow. Ghana is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted Ghana’s proactive approach to AI adoption, including hosting the country’s first AI Boot Camp for Cabinet Ministers earlier this year. The event, he said, directly informed a directive from President Mahama requiring all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate AI into public operations by 2026.
“This directive is not just aspirational, it is actionable. It reflects our commitment to embedding AI across the public sector to enhance service delivery, policy formulation, and citizen engagement,” he affirmed.
Ghana has since developed a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, providing a structured roadmap for ethical and inclusive AI deployment. The framework stresses on robust data governance, digital infrastructure, AI research funding, startup incubation, and digital literacy programs, all underpinned by strict ethical standards to protect national interests and public trust.
To strengthen the policy ecosystem, George announced that the Ministry has drafted an Emerging Technology Bill, currently under stakeholder review. Once passed by Parliament, the Bill will establish Ghana’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI, blockchain, and quantum computing, setting the stage for a regulated, innovation-driven digital economy.
“We see these efforts not only as steps toward digital transformation but as part of a broader Reparations Agenda, a commitment to restoring Africa’s technological sovereignty and empowering our people through innovation,” he stated.
The Minister emphasized that Africa’s AI journey must be led by local innovation and ethical collaboration. He praised the AETF Conference for fostering partnerships among governments, academia, and the private sector to co-create solutions that are both African-led and globally competitive.
“As Minister, I reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure that AI serves our people, reflects our values, and accelerates our development goals. We welcome collaboration, investment, and innovation, but we also insist on equity, inclusion, and respect for our digital sovereignty,” he noted.
The AETF Conference brought together policymakers, researchers, and tech leaders from across Africa to discuss building a trusted, ethical, and future-ready AI ecosystem. The discussions focused on aligning the continent’s digital transformation with education, skills development, and inclusive innovation, positioning Africa not just as a user, but as a global contributor to AI advancement.
