Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has emphasized that the real value of Artificial Intelligence (AI) lies not only in the availability of data, but in the intelligence applied to it. Speaking at a stakeholder consultation on Ghana’s AI strategy in Accra on April 25, the Minister stated, “Data alone isn’t enough—it’s the intelligence we apply that will revolutionise healthcare, smart cities, and financial inclusion.”
The stakeholder meeting, held at the AH Hotel in East Legon, brought together government officials, tech experts, academics, and representatives from civil society. Organised in collaboration with the British High Commission and key development partners, the event aimed to shape Ghana’s approach to responsible and inclusive AI adoption. While the discussion was forward-looking, it also marked a significant step toward implementing Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, an ambitious framework designed to guide the country’s digital transformation over the next decade.
Ghana’s National AI Strategy, which spans from 2023 to 2033, envisions transforming Ghana into an AI-powered society where innovation drives equitable economic growth and enhances the quality of life for all citizens. It outlines a long-term vision to position Ghana as a continental leader in AI by investing in education, digital infrastructure, data governance, public sector innovation, and AI research.
The stakeholder consultation formed part of ongoing efforts to translate this vision into tangible action. It provided a platform for refining the national roadmap by incorporating feedback from across the public and private sectors, with participants deliberating on how AI could be integrated into education, health systems, governance, and job creation efforts. Throughout the sessions, stakeholders reiterated the need for an AI ecosystem that is tailored to Ghana’s unique development context, inclusive of the informal sector, and driven by local innovation. One key proposal discussed was the creation of a national AI fund to help scale indigenous innovations and accelerate implementation.
Building on this momentum, the Minister also highlighted the recently launched 1 Million Coders Program, a bold initiative aimed at equipping a new generation of Ghanaians with digital and AI-related skills. The program, which officially commenced just weeks ago, seeks to train one million citizens by 2030 in areas such as coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Through its online platform, onemillioncoders.gov.gh, participants can already enroll in pilot courses offering certifications in high-demand digital fields.
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President John Dramani Mahama, who launched the program, described it as a potential game-changer for national development, linking digital literacy directly to economic empowerment. His endorsement underscores the broader national commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth, aligning closely with the objectives outlined in the National AI Strategy.
During the consultation, Darlington Akogo, CEO of MinoHealth AI Labs, made a compelling case for AI as an economic driver. He projected that AI could contribute up to $20 billion to Ghana’s GDP, outpacing revenues from legacy sectors like cocoa and oil. Akogo advocated for targeted investments in AI startups and the establishment of the national AI fund to sustain and grow Ghana’s digital economy.
Adding to the strategic discussions, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator of the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) at KNUST, presented an overview of the strategy’s draft implementation plan. He stressed the importance of embedding ethical standards, fostering inclusivity, and forging strategic partnerships in Ghana’s AI journey. Professor Kponyo was optimistic that Ghana could become Africa’s AI hub as early as 2025. He also shared plans for the creation of a Responsible AI Office, which would coordinate activities, measure progress, and ensure that AI applications remain accountable to the public interest.
