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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Ministry has initiated a comprehensive review of existing legislation and regulatory frameworks, with plans to redraft outdated laws to “ensure they reflect present realities, anticipate future developments, and provide a transparent, enabling environment for innovation, investment and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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ICU holds Greater Accra regional youth, women confab
The Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) on Friday held the Greater Accra Regional Youth and Women’s Conference to build a strategic network.
The conference which brought together representatives of the Union was a great opportunity for ICU Ghana to make its voice heard on policies that were crucial to the development of the country.
The platform was also used to elect new officers for the Greater Accra Branch of The ICU Ghana to mark its 12th National Quadrennial Conference in August.
The General Secretary of the ICU Ghana, Mr Morgan Ayawine, called on government to assist the two state-owned media organisation, New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times newspapers and Graphic Communication Group Limited (GCGL).
“The two state-owned media played major roles in disseminating government policies, educating, entertaining and informing the public of the happenings in the world,” he added.
He said ICU Ghana would also raise issues about the recapitalisation of the two organisations with the sector minister.
Mr Ayawine disclosed that the ADB and NIB banks were also going through the same ordeal but government intervened and urged government to do same for the two state-owned organisations.
He stressed on equal partnership between unions and employers, saying the capital and labour were crucial to create, produce and generate funds.
The General Secretary advised the various branches of the association to suggest solutions on socio-economic issues such as employment for discussions.
The newly-elected members who were sworn in by the General Secretary, Mr Morgan Ayawine includes Belinda Cochrane-chairman, Eric Ekow Turkson-Vice chairman and Moses Kwaku Otoo-Secretary.
Others were Charles Akomea-Financial Secretary, Charles Biden- Executive Member, Diana Asiedu-Women’s Representative and Samuella A. Brago-Youth Representative.
The chairman of the Greater Accra Branch of the ICU Ghana, Belinda Cochrane thanked the leadership for contributing to the success of the union.
She added that the conference was to prepare for the 12th National Quadrennial Conference and also to take stock of the activities of the branch for the past years and discuss issues on the ground.
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Minister for Health holds emergency stakeholder meeting with principals and directors of Health Training Institutions
In a proactive move to strengthen collaboration within the health sector, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has convened an emergency meeting with the Conference of Heads of Health Training Institutions (COHHETI) across the country.
The meeting aimed to deepen engagement between the Ministry and key stakeholders responsible for training health professionals.
The session provided a platform for open dialogue on the challenges facing health training institutions, the quality of healthcare education, and the strategic direction of human resource development in the sector.
Addressing the stakeholders, Mr. Akandoh emphasized the importance of fostering strong and cordial relationships between the Ministry and training institutions to ensure a well-coordinated and responsive healthcare system.
He indicated that the purpose of the meeting was also to collaborate, discuss concerns, and find practical solutions that would benefit not only the institutions but also the Ghanaian people who rely on the healthcare system.
The President of COHHETI, Madam Margaret Mary Alacoque welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. She raised concerns about transportation challenges, accreditation delays, staffing shortages, and the general conditions and status of service for Health Training Institutions (HTIs). She also shared innovative strategies that some institutions have adopted to improve training outcomes.
In his response, Mr.Akandoh assured participants of the Ministry’s commitment to addressing their concerns and announced plans to enhance coordination and follow-ups.
He added that the Ministry would soon introduce policy reforms aimed at improving standards in health education and ensuring alignment with national health priorities.
These reforms include reducing the cost of admission, implementing automatic code generation for applicants, and clarifying leadership roles within HTIs.
