Governments are being urged to strengthen their data systems and institutional capacity before scaling artificial intelligence initiatives, arguing that the long-term value of AI will depend on the quality of the foundations supporting its deployment.
Government Statistician Dr Alhassan Iddrisu made the case during the 2026 Board Meeting of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data (GPSDD), where he represented Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a board member of the organisation.
The discussions highlight a growing policy challenge for governments seeking to deploy AI: technological advances may outpace the institutional systems needed to govern them, share data securely and translate digital tools into better public services.
“AI may move at the speed of technology, but governments can only move sustainably at the speed of their institutions and data foundations,” Iddrisu said.
Data Infrastructure Emerges as AI Policy Priority
The two-day meeting focused on the role of reliable data and institutional readiness in supporting sustainable development and responsible AI adoption.
Iddrisu said quality data, effective governance, interoperability, trusted data sharing, capable institutions and skilled professionals must be treated as essential infrastructure for the digital economy.
His contribution extended beyond the board discussions to a launch dinner fireside chat and a board seminar on the new GPSDD–Open Data Institute Data Foundations for AI programme.
The initiative reflects efforts to address the data and governance requirements underpinning the use of artificial intelligence in public-sector decision-making.
Ghana Pushes Problem-First Approach to AI
Ghana’s position at the meeting was that governments should begin with the problems they need to solve rather than pursue technology adoption for its own sake.
“Ghana’s message was simple: start with the problem, not the technology,” Iddrisu said.
He argued that AI should be deployed to address practical challenges, strengthen government decisions and improve services delivered to citizens.
Ghana’s experience using AI to accelerate district-level multidimensional poverty information illustrates how technology can be applied to public policy when supported by data and a clearly defined objective.
Multidimensional poverty assessments examine deprivation across multiple aspects of living standards, rather than relying solely on income. Faster access to such information can support more targeted planning and resource allocation, depending on the quality and accessibility of the underlying data.
National Capability Beyond Technology Adoption
For Ghana, Iddrisu said the opportunity extends beyond acquiring AI technologies to developing the capacity to shape, govern and apply them responsibly.
“For Ghana, the opportunity is bigger than adopting AI. We must build the capability to shape it, govern it and use it responsibly to improve people’s lives,” he said.
The approach places institutional capability, workforce development and national agency at the centre of Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
Iddrisu said the success of AI programmes should not be measured primarily by the number of projects launched but by whether they strengthen the systems and capabilities that support long-term development.
“The real measure of success will not be how many AI projects we launch, but whether they leave us with better data, stronger institutions, more capable people, greater national agency and better public services,” he said.
He concluded with a call for governments to invest in the foundations that allow technology to deliver sustained public value.
“Build the data foundations. Build national capability. Then let technology work for people.”
