President John Dramani Mahama on Friday unveiled Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, outlining a $270 million plan to position the country as a hub for AI innovation in West Africa and beyond.
Mahama described the initiative as “a significant milestone in our national journey towards a digitally empowered, innovation-driven and globally competitive Ghana,” adding, “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.”
The strategy includes $250 million to establish a national AI computing center and $20 million to fund short- to medium-term implementation. “Infrastructure is the foundation upon which innovation rests,” Mahama said. “These investments are bold but necessary.”
Plans also call for a Responsible AI Authority and a national AI office under the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation. A National AI Fund would provide long-term financing for research and innovation.
Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George emphasized collaboration across government, academia, industry and civil society. “Ghana stands capable and ready of leading and becoming Africa’s AI hub by strengthening collaboration between government, industry, academia and citizens,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin cautioned that while AI offers opportunities, it also carries risks. “Artificial intelligence can unlock productivity, improve public service delivery, enhance scientific discovery, and expand economic opportunity,” he said. “At the same time, if left unchecked or poorly governed, it can deepen inequality, weaken social trust, threaten privacy, and marginalise the most vulnerable among us.”
The strategy also highlights capacity building, including STEM education, research support and AI integration in public administration. Mahama noted that ministers and senior officials had already attended a national AI boot camp, with AI focal persons designated in ministries to lead adoption.
With the launch, Ghana aims to balance innovation with ethical governance as it seeks a stronger role in the global digital economy.
