Ghana has the skills and stability to position itself as a leading artificial intelligence and digital services hub in West Africa, but must act quickly to train its workforce and offer incentives to attract global firms, AI and data analytics specialist Dr. Eugene Frimpong has said.
Dr. Frimpong argued that Ghanaians’ strong mathematical abilities give the country a natural advantage in programming and AI-related work. “The average Ghanaian is mathematically smart and savvy. AI and programming are rooted in math, and we can use this strength to solve problems,” he said in an interview.
He cited World Economic Forum data projecting 97 million new AI-related jobs globally by 2025, saying Ghana could compete with outsourcing markets such as India and the Philippines if it branded itself as the “Digital Coast” of West Africa. Political stability, English proficiency and a young workforce, he said, are key assets.
To seize the opportunity, Dr. Frimpong called for nationwide training to make workers “AI-ready,” alongside policies and budget allocations that encourage companies to relocate or outsource jobs to Ghana. He urged tax incentives for firms investing in AI and innovation.
He also linked the government’s proposed 24-hour economy to the potential for technology-driven job creation, noting Ghana’s six-hour time difference with the U.S. could make it an attractive base for outsourced work. “We need to back these ideas with technology and policies that make it easier for companies to invest and operate,” he said.
While acknowledging that AI remains in a maturing phase and companies may be cautious, Dr. Frimpong stressed that risk is inherent in innovation. “With every risk, there’s a reward. We must be bold about technology,” he said.
