Ghana ready to lead Africa’s AI transformation as cabinet approves $250m AI Centre – Sam George

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed Ghana’s readiness to lead Africa’s Artificial Intelligence transformation following Cabinet approval of the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Speaking at a national stakeholder engagement on Ghana’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Sam George described the approval as a major milestone in Ghana’s digital policy journey and said the strategy would soon be launched by President John Dramani Mahama.

According to him, the approval signals Ghana’s readiness to pursue a responsible, innovative and globally competitive AI ecosystem.

“Ghana is not starting from zero. We have already laid strong and credible foundations for a thriving digital economy. Today, Ghana has mobile penetration exceeding 110 per cent, with over 38 million mobile subscriptions nationwide. Our digital economy continues to expand, with the ICT Sector contributing to GDP.”

The Minister said the National AI Strategy would help farmers improve productivity, support medical professionals in diagnosis, expand financial inclusion and deliver innovative solutions to societal challenges.

He explained that the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology provides a comprehensive framework for assessing Ghana’s preparedness in governance, infrastructure, data ecosystems, research capacity, economic readiness and ethical safeguards, adding that the outcomes would directly inform policy decisions.

While acknowledging the progress made, Mr George admitted that significant gaps remain. He said Ghana must strengthen its data governance systems to support innovation while protecting privacy and national interests, invest more strategically in AI research and computing infrastructure to enable local solution development, and expand AI education and digital skills training to ensure young people become creators of technology rather than just users. He emphasised that ethical considerations must remain central to AI deployment to prevent inequality and exclusion.

The Minister also linked Ghana’s AI ambition to Africa’s broader digital and economic transformation, noting that the presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat in Accra positions Ghana at the heart of the continent’s emerging digital trade ecosystem.

“Artificial Intelligence will drive this transformation, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth across Africa. Government cannot build Ghana’s AI future alone. We need the ingenuity of researchers, creativity of startups, investments from the private sector, and wisdom from civil society and international partners. While RAM offers a roadmap, collective action will determine our progress.”

“Throughout history, successful nations have prepared early, invested boldly, and governed
wisely. Now is Ghana’s moment to lead once more—by building a dynamic, responsible, and
inclusive AI ecosystem that drives economic growth and national prosperity,” he stressed.