Ghana Launches Bold 10-Year National AI Strategy with $270 Million Investment to Lead African Innovation

President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, a comprehensive 10-year roadmap (2025–2035) designed to transform the country into a leading technological hub in West Africa. The initiative is backed by a substantial $270 million financial commitment, including $250 million for the establishment of a world-class national AI computing center and $20 million for immediate implementation. In a symbolic gesture of the nation's digital ambitions, the strategy document was presented to the President by a robot during the launch event in Accra. The strategy aims to shift Ghana from a passive consumer of technology to an active developer, fostering an ecosystem that drives jobs, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

At the core of the strategy are several key pillars: ethical AI development, education, and the modernization of public services. To ensure responsible oversight, the government is establishing a Responsible Artificial Intelligence Office (or Authority) to regulate the sector and protect democratic values. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, emphasized that AI is not merely a technical upgrade but a pivotal tool for national development. To support this vision, the government has already initiated an AI ministerial boot camp and designated focal persons across ministries to integrate AI solutions into healthcare, agriculture, governance, and finance.

A significant component of the strategy is the expansion of the 'One Million Coders Programme,' with President Mahama announcing that 300,000 Ghanaians are expected to receive training in coding and AI disciplines this year alone. This workforce readiness initiative is designed to equip the youth with practical skills, enhancing the country's global competitiveness. However, the strategy also addresses potential risks; Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin and UNESCO Representative Edmond Moukala both stressed the importance of developing AI that empowers people rather than displacing them. They advocated for culturally grounded systems that reflect Ghana’s linguistic diversity and heritage while preventing technological inequality.

Stakeholders across the private sector have largely welcomed the move, with the Association of E-Commerce Practitioners Ghana (AeP Ghana) highlighting the need for the strategy to remain inclusive of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The strategy emphasizes collaboration between government, academia, industry experts, and international partners, including the UN and the UK High Commission. By focusing on locally relevant solutions and expanding innovation hubs, Ghana intends to utilize AI to solve daily challenges in business and governance, ultimately improving the standard of living for all citizens by the 2035 milestone.