UNDP urges Ghana to develop local AI solutions for public sector

Ms. Shaima Hussein, the Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has called on Ghana to prioritise the development of home-grown Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions. Speaking at the launch of a three-day intensive training programme in Accra, she emphasised that local innovation is essential for strengthening public institutions and ensuring digital sovereignty. The initiative seeks to move the country beyond a reliance on external technologies toward a digital transformation strategy rooted in national priorities.

The training workshop, organised by the Ministry of Communication in collaboration with the UNDP and funded by the Government of Japan, is designed to equip 50 selected government officials. These participants, designated as "Digital and AI Champions," are being trained to lead the implementation of digital solutions across various ministries, departments, and agencies. Ms. Hussein highlighted that these champions will play a critical role in identifying and overcoming systemic barriers within their respective institutions to foster a more integrated approach to digital governance.

Central to the programme is the promotion of responsible AI adoption, with a heavy focus on ethical safeguards and robust data governance. By developing local capacity, the UNDP aims to help Ghana transition from a series of isolated, ad-hoc digital projects toward a cohesive, nationwide strategy. This coordinated effort is expected to leverage technology more effectively for public service delivery, ensuring that AI tools are tailored to the specific socio-economic needs of the Ghanaian people while maintaining high standards of accountability and transparency.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a regional leader in technology, the focus on indigenous AI development marks a shift toward long-term digital independence. The UNDP underscored that the success of this initiative depends on the active participation of the newly trained champions in creating a sustainable ecosystem for local tech innovation. By prioritising home-grown solutions, Ghana aims to build a more resilient digital economy that can address local challenges with precision and speed.