Accra: The government has announced a $250 million investment to establish a world-class Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computing Centre, with $20 million allocated for short- and medium-term AI strategy implementation. Speaking at the launch of the National AI Strategy in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama said the AI Centre would serve as the hub of research and innovation, giving Ghanaian talent the opportunity to create solutions for the nation and the wider African continent. He emphasised the importance of developing local data centres and improving citizen access to AI tools.
According to Ghana News Agency, the National AI Strategy, which spans from 2025 to 2035, is being led by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, with support from various partners. The strategy covers areas such as ethical AI development, education, workforce readiness, research, ecosystem development, and the enhancement of public service performance. President Mahama emphasised that the strategy is part of broader efforts to position Ghana as a digitally competitive nation in the face of advancing global technologies.
He said that the adoption of AI would follow a human-centred, inclusive approach, where AI would 'enhance human capability and not diminish human dignity.' 'We do not intend to surrender our people to technological disruptions, we intend to prepare them to lead in it,' he said, stressing Ghana's aim to become a leading AI hub in West Africa and across the African continent. 'We must invest in local data ecosystems, promote the integration of our indigenous languages and support the development of context-aware AI systems that reflect who we are and serve the needs of our people. We must not only use AI, we must localise AI,' he stated.
The President called on all stakeholders, including academia, civil society, and industry, to support the country's AI agenda, noting that the government would continue to provide the necessary resources for its success. Additionally, the government plans to strengthen the national data centre and establish a Responsible Artificial Intelligence Office to oversee the implementation of the strategy.
Mr Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communication, said that AI would be deployed ethically and responsibly in line with international standards. He disclosed that the Ministry was working on an Emerging Technologies Bill, which would provide the legal framework for the deployment of AI and related technologies in the country.