Ghana has begun consultations with government agencies, academics and industry players to assess the country’s preparedness for Artificial Intelligence (AI) as authorities move to develop a national strategy for the technology.
The process is being led by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations in collaboration with UNESCO and supported by the European Union. It forms part of the implementation of UNESCO’s Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology, a global framework designed to evaluate countries’ capacity to adopt AI responsibly.
The first stakeholder consultation, held on March 5 for ministries, departments and agencies, sought to gather insights on Ghana’s existing AI governance structures, identify gaps and propose measures to strengthen readiness.
Director of Innovations at the ministry, Emmanuel Ofori, said government institutions play a central role in ensuring the responsible use of emerging technologies. “Government institutions sit at the center of AI governance, and it’s crucial we get it right,” Mr. Ofori said.
The consultations bring together government officials, academic institutions, development partners and technology ecosystem actors to examine policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks needed to guide AI deployment.
Representing UNESCO, Carl Ampah, speaking on behalf of Edmond Moukala, said ethical considerations must remain central as Ghana expands its use of artificial intelligence. “AI must serve humanity, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status,” Mr. Ampah said.
He said Ghana’s participation in the UNESCO assessment is intended to evaluate how prepared the country is to implement AI ethically and responsibly. While AI offers significant opportunities, he added, it also carries risks if poorly managed. “AI has vast potential but also poses significant risks if not managed responsibly, including deepening inequalities and undermining trust,” Mr. Ampah said.
The consultations are expected to inform the development of Ghana’s national AI strategy, which officials say will focus on strengthening capacity, promoting ethical use of the technology and supporting research and innovation.
Jerry John Kponyo, a professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, presented an overview of the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology report during the session. He said Ghana’s participation in the UNESCO initiative provides an opportunity for a comprehensive evaluation of the country’s AI landscape.
Prof. Kponyo highlighted several areas that will shape the assessment, including policy and regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, human capital and data governance. The evaluation, he said, will identify both the country’s strengths and areas requiring improvement in AI adoption.
He also stressed the importance of broad stakeholder engagement in shaping the country’s AI strategy, calling for closer collaboration between government, academia, industry and civil society. The discussions, he said, should contribute to building a stronger AI ecosystem that prioritizes ethics, inclusivity and innovation while supporting Ghana’s digital transformation and economic growth.
