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Ghana to Develop National AI Strategy Initiative Amid Digital Transformation Push
In a significant move to position Ghana at the forefront of technological advancement in Africa, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George (MP) has announced the development of a National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the Press Briefing yesterday in Accra, he highlighted that the initiative aims to guide the ethical deployment of digital tools such as AI and emerging technologies for national development. 
“The Ministry has prioritized dialogue on Artificial Intelligence to fully assess its opportunities, security implications and resource demands and ensure we put the appropriate governance framework in place for an ethical, inclusive and beneficial development and adoption of AI”, the Ministry stated.
Mr.Nartey George indicated that strategic international partnerships have already been established to support Ghana’s AI ambitions, adding that the Ministry has entered collaborations with the British High Commission, UNESCO and other international organizations to develop Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and blueprint.
“A key component of this initiative is the digitization of the nation’s essential data sets, described as a foundational step in our national Artificial Intelligence agenda.This effort aims to ensure that AI systems developed in Ghana learn from local data, reflecting the country’s cultural nuances and development priorities rather than relying solely on foreign datasets. AI models trained solely on foreign datasets risk overlooking Indigenous knowledge and reinforcing learned biases that do not serve our interests”, the Minister explained. “By anchoring AI development in our data, we are safeguarding digital sovereignty and building truly Ghanaian technologies in design and purpose”, he emphasized
According to him, the AI strategy forms part of a broader digital transformation agenda that includes legislative reforms to modernize Ghana’s technology sector.
He mentioned that the Ministry has initiated a comprehensive review of existing legislation and regulatory frameworks, with plans to redraft outdated laws to “ensure they reflect present realities, anticipate future developments, and provide a transparent, enabling environment for innovation, investment and consumer protection”.
This AI initiative, he said complements other digital efforts underway, including the One Million Coders Program aimed at training young Ghanaians in digital skills and the development of the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill, which seeks to create a robust legal framework for technology startups.
Samuel Nartey George also intimidated that the Ministry’s push toward AI development represents a strategic effort to harness emerging technologies for economic growth while maintaining digital sovereignty in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
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Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
