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Embracing the Future: Ghana Launches National AI Strategy to Drive Innovation
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George (MP), at the launch of the National AI Strategy Stakeholder Consultation Forum underscored the critical importance of the initiative in positioning Ghana within the rapidly evolving global digital landscape.
He highlighted that data is the new fuel and that the application of intelligence to this data through AI is what generates real value.
The Minister outlined the enormous potential of AI to transform various sectors including agriculture, healthcare, logistics, smart cities and financial inclusion.
He however stressed the accompanying responsibilities concerning ethics, data privacy, governance and inclusion, affirming the government’s determination to ensure that no one is left behind.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is here and it is already reshaping our world”, the Minister stated emphatically.
Under the leadership of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the government has set a clear ambition to make Ghana the AI Hub of Africa. This vision is being supported by concrete steps, including the renaming of the Ministry to explicitly include Digital Technologies and Innovation.
The government is focused on investing in infrastructure, building strategic partnerships and shaping a policy environment conducive to innovation while safeguarding the interests of the people. A key component of this strategy is the One Million Coders Programme, a bold national initiative that was launched on the April 16,2025
The programme aims to equip Ghana’s youth with the crucial digital skills needed to thrive in the global digital economy and is described as a national commitment and a social contract.
The Minister emphasised that this programme is not an isolated effort but is deeply embedded within the National AI Strategy, ensuring that human capital development aligns with digital policy and infrastructure growth.
The National AI Strategy is anchored on Four (4) key priorities: Data as a National Asset: Recognising Ghana’s rich and diverse datasets in various sectors, the strategy aims to protect and strategically leverage these assets.
The Minister highlighted the importance of African genomic data in global research and how AI can help close existing gaps, necessitating careful data management and governance. “The Ministry will collaborate with the Data Protection Commission to develop an Open Data Framework to ensure every Ghanaian benefits from their digital footprint safely, ethically and equitably”.
Compute Power: The Infrastructure of the Future: The strategy acknowledges computing power as the engine of the AI economy and emphasises the need to build robust digital infrastructure to support high-volume data processing and cloud-based innovation. Efforts are underway to leverage national data centres, expand cloud infrastructure, promote regional cooperation for resource sharing, and foster public-private partnerships to bridge infrastructure gaps.
Talent Development: Building Ghana’s Digital Workforce: Recognising that human capital is the foundation of innovation, the One Million Coders Program is central to building a pipeline of AI engineers, data scientists, machine learning experts and digital product developers.
The strategy also includes equipping professionals in data protection, cybersecurity and civil servants with AI understanding for governance and service delivery. Governance, Policy, and Real-World Use Cases: The strategy prioritises the safe, transparent and purpose-driven development of AI, viewing governance as a tool to ensure real and measurable value for citizens.
The Minister cited tangible, high-impact use cases of AI in agriculture (predicting crop health), healthcare (faster diagnoses), education (personalised learning), transportation (improved safety), and defence and border security (enhanced surveillance).
The Minister reiterated Ghana’s ambition to not just benefit from AI but to become a leader in its development on the African continent. The commitment is clear: to position Ghana as the AI Hub of Africa, prepare its youth for the digital age and ensure AI drives prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all Ghanaians.
The forum is seen as a shared journey, with the Ministry welcoming the expertise and collaboration of all stakeholders to shape the path forward.
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Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
