Ghana is pushing for a more inclusive approach to the development and deployment of emerging technologies, arguing that advances in artificial intelligence (AI), satellite connectivity and digital infrastructure must translate into tangible benefits for underserved communities.
The country says the growing influence of emerging technologies presents an opportunity to expand access to essential services, but warned that without deliberate efforts to address affordability, digital skills and local needs, existing inequalities could deepen.
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the case during a panel discussion on emerging technologies at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, Qatar.
He argued that global technology policies and investment decisions must reflect the realities of developing countries, particularly communities that remain underserved by conventional digital infrastructure.
Using four hypothetical Ghanaian scenarios, the Minister demonstrated how decisions on emerging technologies could affect access to healthcare, connectivity and economic opportunities.
One example was an AI-powered maternal healthcare service that enables pregnant women to access emergency assistance through basic mobile phones without requiring internet connectivity.
The initiative, he said, had enrolled more than 7,000 mothers and expectant mothers at a hospital in Ghana, demonstrating how technology could extend healthcare services beyond the reach of conventional digital platforms.
For Ghana, the example highlights the commercial and social importance of developing technology solutions around existing infrastructure and the needs of populations that cannot afford advanced devices or reliable internet access.
Mr George said expanding telecommunications network coverage alone would not be sufficient to achieve meaningful digital inclusion, stressing the need for affordable, reliable connectivity alongside investment in digital infrastructure, skills development and local content.
He also raised concerns about equitable access to satellite connectivity and spectrum resources, arguing that the increasing role of private operators in space-based communications should not undermine the interests of countries with limited technological and financial capacity.
He cautioned that early entry into satellite deployment should not translate into ownership or exclusive control over shared space resources.
On artificial intelligence, the Minister called for responsible and accountable systems that understood local languages, reflected the realities of their users and provided avenues for explanations and redress when automated decisions affected individuals.
“The question is not whether AI will shape Africa, but whether Africa will help shape AI,” he said.
The Minister said stronger collaboration among governments, technology companies, academia and civil society was necessary to establish international rules that addressed cross-border challenges while protecting the interests of developing economies.
He cited Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme as part of efforts to build domestic technological capacity, disclosing that the initiative had attracted more than 140,000 registrations.
He said the focus must extend beyond preparing young people to use digital tools to equipping them with the skills to develop technology, create solutions and participate in the emerging digital economy.
Mr George further called for international partnerships that prioritised technology transfer, investment and local capacity development rather than creating long-term dependence on external expertise.
He identified South-South cooperation and standards that reflected the needs of developing countries as important to ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement were more widely shared.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to contributing to global efforts to make emerging technologies more inclusive, trustworthy and supportive of sustainable digital development.
