Ghana has set its eyes on becoming the premier hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa by the year 2028, as articulated by Samuel Nartey George, the Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations. During his vetting session before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 30, 2025, George detailed his ambitious vision for the country’s AI ecosystem, aligning it with broader governmental technological and economic aspirations aimed at spearheading Ghana's participation and leadership within the digital revolution.
George underscored the pressing need for collaboration among various entities, including government agencies, private sector innovators, and global technology firms, emphasizing, "Ghana should not just participate in the AI revolution but lead it." He likened the transformative potential of AI today to the early days of cryptocurrency, stating, "AI in 2025 is like Bitcoin in 2013." This analogy serves to highlight the urgency and significance of positioning Ghana as a leader rather than merely a participant on the African continent.
The minister noted the strategic direction provided by President John Dramani Mahama, whose clear vision for AI policy aims to fortify Ghana’s capabilities. “We are going to take the current AI strategy developed by the previous government, review it, and make it fit for purpose by engaging industry to promote Ghana as the hub for artificial intelligence on the African continent,” George elaborated.
With a focus on executing the innovation hubs promised during his political party's manifesto campaign, George expressed aspirations to integrate AI with big data analytics, machine learning, cybersecurity, and data processing. “We plan to execute innovation hubs, introduce AI on top of big data, and make Ghana the center for AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data analytics, and data processing on the African continent,” he asserted.
The wider strategic framework governing this ambitious agenda falls under Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2023-2033, which was crafted to establish the country as a responsible and inclusive player within the AI domain. This framework encompasses eight key pillars, aimed at fostering AI development which include: enhancing AI education, empowering the youth for jobs within the AI sector, improving digital infrastructure and access, promoting data governance, and encouraging adoption of AI technologies within the public sector.
Samuel Nartey George's plans reflect the aspirations of Ghana's government to not only embrace the AI revolution but to drive it forward, ensuring the country benefits from the expansive opportunities AI presents. His commitment to reviewing and refining existing strategies indicates a proactive approach to the fast-evolving technological environment.
What Ghana is attempting is not merely about technological advancement; it is also about economic empowerment. Increased collaboration with international tech giants and active engagement with local innovators are expected to yield competitive advantages, making Ghana a desirable location for burgeoning AI initiatives.
While the groundwork laid by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government provides a foundation, George is confident his administration under President Mahama will introduce necessary enhancements. “We are going to improve upon the foundations laid by the previous government,” he stated, implying there is merit to relying on past efforts as stepping stones to new heights of innovation and leadership. This transitional approach is intended to blend successful tactics with fresh, industry-responsiveness to build out Ghana’s technological framework.
Meanwhile, public interest and debate surrounding these proposals continue to escalate, as both citizens and stakeholders weigh the opportunities and responsibilities entwined within such significant transformations. Ensuring public trust and fostering inclusive growth remain central themes as the government launches its initiative to facilitate responsible AI development and usage.
This ambitious vision for Ghana's AI future is more than just policy; it is envisioned as part of the country's identity as it navigates the 21st century. Establishing itself as the beacon for such technology would not only mitigate the region's digital divide but could spur educational initiatives, yielding high-skilled jobs and economic growth.
Samuel Nartey George’s declarations at the 2025 parliamentary vetting session resonate with the spirit of innovation and opportunity, setting the stage for significant advancements in the African technological narrative. Coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders, both public and private, are seen as pivotal to bring these aspirations to fruition.
With this ambitious roadmap, Ghana is on track to becoming not just another participant but the leading hub for AI on the African continent by the close of the decade. The coming years will be indicative of how well the government can translate its vision and strategy for AI development onto the ground and whether it can bear the fruits of progress for its people.