The Ministry of Communication Digital Technology and Innovations Ghana has launched a second round of artificial intelligence training for civil servants in Accra, stepping up efforts to prepare the public sector for the rollout of a national AI strategy.
The programme, delivered in partnership with UNESCO and coordinated by the Office of the Head of Civil Service Ghana, is part of a broader push to strengthen institutional capacity in AI governance, ethics and deployment across government agencies.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept, it is already shaping how governments operate, how decisions are made, and how services are delivered,” said Emmanuel Ofori, speaking on behalf of Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George.
The training follows cabinet approval of Ghana’s National AI Strategy for 2025 to 2035, which is expected to be formally launched in the coming weeks. Officials say the initiative adopts a “training of trainers” model, equipping selected participants to cascade knowledge across ministries, departments and agencies.
Ofori also proposed integrating AI competencies into the civil service scheme of service, a move that would formalize digital skills as a requirement for public sector roles.
Head of Civil Service Evans Aggrey-Darkoh said the initiative reflects the need for governments to adapt to rapid technological change or risk falling behind on service delivery and accountability.
“You cannot give what you do not have,” he said, urging participants to take ownership of the programme and act as resource persons within their institutions.
The training is aligned with UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology, which evaluates countries’ preparedness to deploy the technology. Ghana’s assessment report is due for validation this week and is expected to guide implementation of the national strategy.
Speaking for UNESCO’s country office, Carl Ampah said public servants are central to managing both the opportunities and risks posed by AI, emphasizing the need for human-centred systems grounded in transparency and accountability.
The programme, hosted in Accra and running in four cohorts through May, brings together civil servants from across government as Ghana positions itself to integrate AI into public administration and service delivery.
