Ghana Advances National AI Strategy with Second Consultation at KNUST

Stakeholders from academia gathered at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Impact Building for the second National AI Strategy Consultation, marking a critical step toward finalising Ghana’s blueprint for artificial intelligence (AI) development.

Mr. Elikplim Sabblah, Technical Advisor, FAIR Forward, GIZ

Mr. Elikplim Sabblah, Technical Advisor for GIZ’s FAIR Forward, underscored the productive deliberations on the draft strategy, emphasising GIZ’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s digital transformation.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator, Responsible AI Lab (RAIL)

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator of the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL), indicated AI’s potential to accelerate Ghana’s economic growth and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). He presented the strategy’s mission, vision, and eight key pillars, with recommendations including:

Launching an “AI-ready Ghana” program.
Expanding AI education, including short courses for the public sector.
Partnering with cloud providers and strengthening national data infrastructure.
Enforcing data governance and open-data initiatives.

Prof. Kponyo announced plans to establish a Responsible AI Office to oversee implementation, ensuring ethical and inclusive AI adoption. He expressed confidence in the strategy’s approval by June 2025.

RAIL is coordinating all the processes leading to the comprehensive review and adoption of the National AI Strategy

Dr. Arnold Karvaapuo, Director, Data Protection Commission

Dr. Arnold Karvaapuo, representing Ghana’s Minister of Communication and Digital Technology, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, described the strategy as a “blueprint for Ghana’s digital future.” He outlined AI’s transformative potential in agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and financial inclusion, reaffirming the government’s ambition to make Ghana “Africa’s AI hub.”

He said the national AI strategy is anchored on four priorities: data as a national asset, computing power as the engine of the AI economy, and building Ghana’s digital workforce, starting with the 1 million coders program launched.

Mr. Johnson Masagotin Singir, Science and Innovation Officer at the British High Commission, Accra, reiterated the UK’s partnership with Ghana, emphasising AI’s role in driving inclusive growth. He highlighted academia’s importance in fostering innovation, ethical AI discourse, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor, KNUST, stressed the urgency of developing an AI-ready workforce and announced an AI in Education Summer School in October 2025.

“This consultation brings together the brightest minds and critical stakeholders to chart a strategy that is all-inclusive, forward-thinking, responsible and grounded in Ghana’s unique developmental context.”

Mr. Darlington Akogo, CEO of MinoHealth AI Labs, made a compelling case for AI’s economic potential, estimating a $20 billion boost to Ghana’s GDP by 2030. “AI offers higher returns than traditional assets like cocoa and oil—and it will enhance these sectors,” he argued. He called for an AI National Fund of $ 500 million to $ 1 billion and urgent prioritisation of AI development.

A participant contributing to the discussion.

Reactions and feedback to the draft AI strategy from the focused groups and the audience emphasised:

Inclusive AI – Engaging youth and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Capacity building – Leveraging existing institutions.
Data quality – Harnessing indigenous Ghanaian datasets.
Ethical governance – Balancing innovation with regulation.
Cultural preservation – Using AI to safeguard Ghanaian heritage.

Overview of participants at the consultation

Prof. Kponyo announced a third consultation with the judiciary and invited further public feedback, calling the strategy a “People’s Strategy” for national progress.