Ghana’s Cabinet has approved a $250 million investment to establish a national artificial intelligence (AI) computer centre, a move expected to boost the country’s tech innovation and position it as a leading hub for responsible AI development in Africa.
The centre will support AI research, development and deployment across key sectors and forms part of the President’s broader vision to drive Ghana’s digital economy. The initiative is expected to transform industries such as agriculture, healthcare and education.
Ghana’s mobile penetration currently exceeds 110%, with about 38 million mobile subscriptions nationwide, providing a strong foundation for AI-driven growth.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed this at a National Stakeholder Engagement on Ghana’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report, held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Best Western Premier Hotel in Accra.
The event was convened by the Ministry in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with funding support from the European Union.
He also announced that Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy has received Cabinet approval and is set to be launched on April 24, 2026, describing the development as a major milestone in the country’s digital policy journey.
According to the Minister, the strategy will drive AI adoption across all sectors of the economy, from agriculture and healthcare to financial services, and position Ghana as a leading hub for responsible AI innovation on the continent.
“Today marks a decisive step in Ghana’s path toward a responsible, innovative, and globally competitive artificial intelligence ecosystem,” he said.
Samuel Nartey George noted that UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology provides a framework for evaluating a country’s preparedness across governance, infrastructure, data ecosystems, research, economic readiness and ethical safeguards.
He explained that findings from the assessment would directly inform policy decisions and implementation planning.
He identified four priority areas: strengthening data governance systems, investing in AI research and computing infrastructure, expanding AI education and digital skills, and embedding ethical safeguards in deployment.
The Minister also placed Ghana’s AI ambitions within the broader African continental agenda, noting that the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, headquartered in Accra, positions the country at the centre of the continent’s emerging digital trade ecosystem.
He called on researchers, startups, the private sector and civil society to move beyond observation to active participation by identifying partnerships, leading initiatives and proposing actionable ideas.
“The decisions and commitments we make today will have far-reaching implications and will shape Ghana’s technological future for decades to come,” he added.
The Director-General of the Data Protection Commission, Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo, commended Ghana’s growing role in promoting ethical AI use without compromising cultural and institutional values.
He highlighted efforts to bridge the rural-urban digital divide and pledged the Commission’s commitment to ensuring efficient, stakeholder-driven AI integration.
The Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Dr Osman Tahidu-Damba, said the readiness assessment offers a structured and rigorous framework for national development.
He explained that it evaluates Ghana across four key dimensions: policies, infrastructure, human capacity and societal impact.
UNESCO Representative, Mr Moukala, emphasised that strong institutions are essential for successful digital transformation, adding that AI governance requires a multi-sectoral and adaptive regulatory approach.
He noted that the methodology is designed to support various government ministries, including Health, Education, Justice and Agriculture, in fulfilling their mandates.
Mr Moukala further stressed the need for transparency, accountability and reliability in AI systems to ensure that all citizens benefit from the technology.
“Let today’s validation be the catalyst for action. Let this report guide your investments, inform your policies and shape your collaborations. Together, we can ensure that artificial intelligence in Ghana becomes a tool for flourishing, an instrument of justice and a legacy for future generations,” he said.
He described the validation of the UNESCO Ghana Readiness Assessment Methodology draft report as a milestone of both local and continental significance, reflecting strong leadership and national commitment to harnessing AI responsibly.
“We are not just building technological systems; we are building the future social contract of the Ghanaian nation,” he concluded.
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