Accra: Ghana has taken a significant step in its technological journey with the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025 to 2035). The initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to position Ghana as a leader in the AI space in Africa and beyond, focusing on inclusive growth across all sectors and improving the lives of its citizens.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ghana's journey in tech policy development began in the 1990s, with the establishment of frameworks that paved the way for a more coherent digital governance structure. The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy represents a milestone in this journey, setting out national priorities, anticipating technological changes, and creating a roadmap for a responsible AI ecosystem.
The strategy's core vision is to enable AI for inclusive economic growth and national development. It plans to achieve this through eight pillars, including expanding AI education, deepening digital infrastructure, and promoting AI adoption across various sectors. The strategy emphasizes a human-centered and ethical approach, aligning with global best practices such as the OECD and UNESCO responsible AI guidelines.
While the strategy boasts several strengths, such as building public trust and focusing on capacity building, it also faces challenges. The ten-year period of the strategy risks becoming obsolete due to the rapid evolution of AI technology. Additionally, the centralization of government coordination could lead to bureaucratic slowdowns, and there are concerns about data ownership and governance frameworks.
The strategy also proposes establishing a Responsible AI Authority and a National AI Fund to support its goals. However, questions remain about sustainable funding sources and addressing infrastructure constraints. Despite these challenges, the strategy provides a clear roadmap for integrating AI into society, with the potential to drive economic transformation in Ghana.
The success of the AI strategy will depend on disciplined implementation, sustained investment, and institutional coordination. Addressing fundamental challenges such as adaptability, decentralization, and funding is crucial for the strategy to move from aspiration to execution. The road ahead is complex, but if effectively deployed, AI could help Ghana overcome historical challenges in turning strategy into results.