Mahama unveils Ghana’s National AI Strategy to position country as regional tech leader

President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Accra, setting out an ambitious plan to position the country as a leading artificial intelligence hub in West Africa and across the continent.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, April 24, the President described the strategy as a key milestone in Ghana’s drive toward a digitally empowered, innovation-led and globally competitive economy.

He stressed that Ghana aims to move beyond simply adopting emerging technologies to actively shaping their development and use.

“This is a significant milestone in our national journey towards a digitally empowered, innovation-driven and globally competitive Ghana. It is also a statement of intent that Ghana will not be just a passive consumer of technologies shaping the future but that we are going to be an active participant in designing, governing and deploying them for our national transformation,” he said.

President Mahama added that the country’s vision is to harness artificial intelligence to accelerate economic growth, generate employment, strengthen public institutions and promote inclusive development.

“Our vision is therefore clear to position Ghana as a leading AI hub in West Africa and the wider continental region, driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening institutions and delivering inclusive national development,” he stated.

He further noted that achieving this ambition requires strong leadership and digital awareness at the highest levels of government, disclosing that ministers and senior officials recently participated in a National AI bootcamp.

“This vision requires leadership from the top and that is why I recently packed all my ministers and senior government officials into the National AI bootcamp. That decision was deliberate. Leadership must understand the tools that will define our future,” he added.

At the same event, the Director of Grants and Research at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, outlined key institutional structures proposed under the strategy to support its implementation.

He announced plans for the establishment of an independent and well-resourced Responsible AI Authority within the first year to oversee ethical use of artificial intelligence, monitor developments and coordinate implementation across sectors. He also indicated that a national AI office under the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation is being proposed to ensure effective inter-ministerial coordination.

To support long-term sustainability, Prof. Kponyo added that the strategy includes the creation of a National AI Fund to finance innovation and drive implementation.

The National AI Strategy is expected to provide a framework for governance, innovation and capacity building as Ghana seeks to strengthen its position in the fast-evolving global digital economy.