Mahama Launches National AI Strategy to Drive Digital Growth

President John Dramani Mahama has launched Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in Accra, outlining plans to position the country as a leading force in AI development and application in West Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the launch on Friday, April 24, the President described the strategy as a major step toward building a robust digital economy powered by innovation and technology.

According to him, Ghana’s ambition is not only to adopt technologies developed elsewhere but to actively participate in creating, managing, and applying them to support national development.

He noted that the long-term vision is to establish Ghana as a regional AI hub, with a strong focus on job creation, institutional strengthening, and inclusive growth.

President Mahama also highlighted the importance of equipping leadership with knowledge of emerging technologies, revealing that he recently organised an AI training programme for ministers and senior government officials.

He said the initiative was deliberate, stressing that informed leadership is critical to guiding Ghana’s digital transformation.

At the event, Jerry John Kponyo of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology outlined key proposals to support the rollout of the strategy.

These include the establishment of an independent body to oversee the responsible use of AI and ensure coordination across sectors. A national AI office is also expected to be created under the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation to drive implementation.

Additionally, plans are underway to set up a National AI Fund to provide financial backing for AI-driven projects and innovation.

The strategy is expected to serve as a roadmap for how Ghana develops and deploys artificial intelligence in the years ahead, as the country works to remain competitive in the evolving global digital landscape.