As Ghana stands on the cusp of a new digital era, the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) is the coordinating force behind the country’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. With the strategy now finalised and about to be submitted for Cabinet approval, RAIL’s mission to guide Ghana toward a responsible and innovative AI future is moving into a critical new phase.
This milestone was the focal point of a recent high-level knowledge exchange visit to the United Kingdom, headed by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George. Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of RAIL, joined the delegation to solidify international partnerships for the strategy’s upcoming implementation.
Prof. Kponyo’s participation in the UK visit was strategic and outcome-oriented, directly stemming from his role as the coordinator of all the processes leading to the comprehensive review and adoption of the National AI Strategy. The discussions in London, including a high-level roundtable at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, were pivotal for transitioning the strategy from a policy document into an actionable reality.
“Completing the National AI Strategy is a testament to months of collaborative effort. Our engagement in the UK marks the essential next step: building the partnerships and acquiring the insights needed for a successful implementation. Leading this partnership with the Government of Ghana has been incredibly exciting, and seeing these conversations result in real, tangible collaboration is truly inspiring,” stated Prof. Kponyo.
The visit focused on key implementation pillars, including:
- Regulatory Frameworks: Exploring global best practices in AI governance and ethics.
- Capacity Building: Identifying opportunities for skills transfer and strengthening Ghana’s digital infrastructure.
- Strategic Investment: Engaging partners for technology transfer and investment to fuel the strategy’s ambitious goals.
With Cabinet approval pending, Ghana is poised to join a small, forward-thinking group of African nations with dedicated AI strategies. The Responsible AI Lab has been instrumental in reaching this point, ensuring the approach is rooted in ethical use, data protection, and inclusive growth principles.
The Lab is now poised to continue its crucial work, coordinating the multi-stakeholder efforts required to integrate AI across key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. This visit advanced the implementation agenda and reinforced the powerful synergy of the UK-Ghana partnership in Science, Technology, and Innovation.
The Responsible AI Lab remains committed to its mandate: ensuring that Ghana’s AI ambition is realised responsibly, driving sustainable development and securing the nation’s position as a leader in AI innovation on the African continent.