Ghana on Friday unveiled a national strategy to accelerate the development and deployment of artificial intelligence, as the government seeks to position the country as a regional technology hub and reduce reliance on imported digital solutions.

Speaking at the launch in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama described the initiative as a turning point in Ghana’s push to build a more competitive, innovation-led economy. He said the country aims to play a more active role in shaping emerging technologies rather than remaining a passive consumer.

The strategy outlines plans to harness AI to drive economic growth, create jobs and improve public-sector efficiency, while promoting broader inclusion across society. Officials say it will also provide a framework for governance and ethical oversight as AI adoption expands.
“We are moving deliberately to ensure Ghana participates in designing, governing and deploying the technologies that will define the future,” Mr. Mahama said.

As part of the rollout, senior government officials have undergone training to strengthen their understanding of AI systems, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on leadership readiness in implementing the policy.
The blueprint includes proposals to establish new institutions to support the effort. Among them is a planned independent authority tasked with overseeing responsible AI use and coordinating regulation across sectors. A separate national AI office is expected to manage execution and interagency collaboration.

To support long-term investment, the government is also considering the creation of a dedicated fund aimed at financing innovation and research.

The strategy reflects a broader push among African nations to capitalize on advances in artificial intelligence, as policymakers weigh the technology’s potential to accelerate development while managing associated risks.

Source:TheDotNews