ghananlpcommunity/ghana-gov-speeches-sentences huggingface dataset:
Guided by President Mahama, the Ministry defines our nat ional direction for full participation in the emerging technology space.
We intend to use Artificial Intelligence responsibly and ethically, in accordance with a well-thought-out governance framework.
This technology will transform our economy and improve our people's lives.
Let me begin by thanking our partners: GIZ FAIR FORWARD, the British High Commission, the KNUST Responsible AI Lab, UNDP, UNESCO, and the Data Protection Commission.
Your phenomenal support has made this great achievement possible.
This strategy shows what we can accomplish when we collaborate and share the belief that Africa must define how AI works for our people, not just adopt it.
I also extend sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to this journey.
Our industry leaders brought practical insights; academia provided depth in research.
The judiciary and legal fraternity strengthened our thinking on ethics and regulat ion.
Our Ministries, Departments, and Agencies coordinated efforts to ensure that this strategy is implementable.
Let me state clearly: this strategy is not solely the work of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.
It reflects t he collective intelligence of a nation mobilised under the vision of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama.
Your Excellency , this journey has been deliberate and inclusive.
From the outset, we were clear from a policy perspective: Artificial Intelligence is not just a technology issue but a pathway to advance national development.
The Strategy impacts governance, education, heal th, agriculture, industry, economy, and all spheres of society.
We are also mindful that Artificial Intelligence is a Sovereignty issue.
Page 5 of 7 Last year, we organised a high -level Ministerial AI Bootcamp at Safari Valley, where Cabinet Ministers gathered under the Chief of Staff’s leadership to create a shared national vision for AI.
Each Ministry designated an AI Focal Person, and these officers will now drive the implementation of AI solutions in our public service to match the Strategy we launch today.
I wish to express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama.
His directive made the Cabinet AI Bootcamp possible and identified key focal persons across all Sectors.
This demonstrates his commitment to making AI a government -wide priority for national transformation.
This engagement marked a turning point, shifting AI from a technical matter to a national strategic priority.
We recognised that AI is not merely a future concept but a present force reshaping economies, productivity, and determining which nations lead or follow.
This national commitment grew stronger during last year’s Civil Service Week.
The theme was “Artificial Intelligence for an Efficient and Transformative Public Service.”
That theme was not just empty words; it challenged all of us.
It called on us to rethink how government operates, make decisions differently, provide services innovatively, and achieve large-scale efficiency in a modern state.
Speaker , as Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, I made a clear commitment to the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
We will drive AI integration into Public Sector operations and ensure our Civil Service becomes data -driven, predictive , and citizen-centred.
Ghana is preparing for and contributing to the Global AI discussion because technology is not only about machines and computers.
It helps people deliver the Public Good more efficiently.
This National AI Strategy re sts on eight clear pillars.
Each one ensures AI serves Ghanaians.
We are strengthening digital infrastructure through expanded 4G and 5G connectivity and a modernised National Data Centre lays the foundation for successful AI deployment.
We also prioritise data governance by developing the Data Harmonisation Bill.
Without qualit y, secure, and Page 6 of 7 well-managed data, AI cannot work.
Ghana’s data must work for Ghana.
This government leads by example.
We must become data -driven, efficient, and responsive to citizens.
Your Lordship, as we implement this strategy, the Government recognises that strong legal and institutional frameworks must support our policy.
As part of ongoing Sector legislative reviews, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations is developing an Emerging Technologies Bill.
This bill will provide the legal backing needed to deploy Artificial Intelligence and other fronti er technologies in Ghana effectively and responsibly.
At the same time, the Ministry seeks to further strengthen key national institutions, including the National Information Technology Agency, the Data Protection Commission, and the Cyber Security Authori ty.
These institutions play a critical role in ensuring that stakeholders deploy AI ethically, transparently, securely, and in alignment with the national interest.
Let me also emphasise the importance of coordination across the government.
AI solutions require strong technical standards, interoperable systems, and efficient use of national resources.
For this reason, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies should w ork closely with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations when designing, procuring, and deploying AI systems.
This approach helps us achieve economies of scale, avoid duplication, and ensure that our solutions are secure, compatible, and sustainable.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, as we move forward, we do so with responsibility.
We are not interested in reckless adoption of AI.
We are committed to responsible and ethical AI.
We align with global frameworks such as the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) and rely on our legal and regulatory institutions.
Together, we are building systems that protect privacy, ensure fairness, and foster trust.
This strategy marks the beginning of a clear journey.
Mr President, after the approval and launch of the National AI Strategy —a major Page 7 of 7 milestone—we are focused on the following key deliverables to maintain momentum: 1.
We will collaborate with FCDO to develop the National AI Delivery Roadmap.
A unifying framework will ensure consistency and optimise resource use.
We will collaborate with UNDP to train all Chief Directors and Directors in the Civil Service between June and December 2026.
This training will ensure that they implement KPIs aligned with national priorities.
In conclusion, I again thank His Excellency the President for his support and direction, our development partners, and everyone who contributed to today’s milestone.
To the Rt.
Speaker and Chair for the occasion, we count on your leadership in Parliam ent as the requisite legal instruments come before the House.
To our Special Guest of Honour, Your Lordship, the Chief Justice, I trust that the Judiciary will guide our ethical and legal application of AI.
Ghana stands ready and capable of leading and becoming Africa's AI hub.
By strengthening collaboration among Government, Industry, Academia, and Citizens, we will build a Ghana that owns its future in the age of intelligence.
Thank you, and may God bless our Homeland, Ghana.
Page 1 of 7 Friday, May 22, 2026 KEYNOTE REMARKS BY HONORABLE SAM GEORGE, MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATION, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, AT THE PRESS BRIEFING AND INAUGURATION OF THE AFIGF 2026 LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE (LOC) MoCDTI, Accra Page 2 of 7 Distinguished Representatives of Government Institutions, Representative of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum Secretariat (UN IGF), Geneva, Representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC), Members of the Africa IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG), Distinguished Development Partners, Members of the Technical Community, Private Sector, Civil Society, Academia, Youth Representatives, and the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon.
It is my honour to welcome you all to the official launch of Ghana's preparations to host the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) 2026.
Ghana proudly hosts this important continental forum here in Accra from 2nd to 5th November 2026, under the theme: "Advancing Africa's Digital Future Through Innovation, Inclusion, and Trust."
This theme is not merely a title.
It speaks directly to the defining realities and opportunities confronting our continent.
Across Africa, digital technologies are reshaping economies, governance, education, trade, and daily life.
Artificial Intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, data governance, and platform regulation are no longer peripheral concerns — they are central to Afric a's development, competitiveness, and digital sovereignty.
Page 3 of 7 As Africa advances its digital transformation agenda under frameworks such as Agenda 2063, the WSIS+20 Process, and the Global Digital Compact, one critical question confronts us all: How do we en sure that Africa's digital future is shaped by African priorities, African values, and African aspirations?
This is precisely why the Africa Internet Governance Forum matters.
The AfIGF remains Africa's premier multistakeholder platform for dialogue, collaboration, and policy exchange on Internet and digital governance.
It brings together governments, parliamentarians, regional institutions, civil society, academia, the technical community, the private sector, youth, and development partners — all as equal stakeholders — united by a shared commitment to building an inclusive, secure, and trusted digital future for the continent.
Over the past fourteen years, the Africa IGF has played a significant role in advancing continental conversations on meaningful connectivity, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, online safety, human rights online, and emerging technologies.
Most importantly, it has steadily strengthened Africa's collective voice in global digital governance.
Distinguished Guests, the 15th edition of the Africa IGF comes at a particularly strategic moment.
The Global Internet Governance Forum 2026 is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya.
AfIGF 2026, therefore, presents a timely and important opportunity for Africa to deepen coordination, consolidate continental priorities, and project a stronger, more unified voice on the world stage.
The Forum will amplify Africa's visibility in global digital governance discussions; promote greater alignment on digital policy priorities; showcase African innovation and best practices; and foster strategic partnerships that accelerate our continent's digital transformation.
Page 4 of 7 The Forum will also continue advancing conversations around trusted, inclusive, and people-centred digital ecosystems, with deliberate focus on meaningful participation for youth, women, and underserved communities.
This year's Forum will be anchored around eight key thematic areas that reflect both the opportunities and the challenges shaping Africa's digital landscape: Artificial Int elligence and Emerging Technologies; Digital Inclusion and Meaningful Connectivity; Cybersecurity and Digital Trust; Gender and Youth Inclusion in Digital Governance; Human Rights, Online Safety and Platform Governance; Climate Change and Digital Sustainab ility; Data Governance; and the pursuit of a Unified African Digital Identity.
These themes will guide our discussions, shape our partnerships, and drive the policy dialogue and cooperation that AfIGF 2026 will catalyse.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ghana is fully committed to using digital technologies to drive sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama , Ghana is championing a bold digital transformation agenda — one that recognises technology not merely as a national development tool, but as a strategic enabler of Africa's economic integration and continental progress.
The President's vision is clear: digital technology must become a key driver of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A truly integrated African market cannot be achieved without robust digital infrastructure, affordable connectivity, trusted digital ecosystems, interoperable payment systems, secure cross- border data flows, and innovation-driven trade facilitation.
Page 5 of 7 Central to this vision is the development of a Unified African Digital Identity Infrastructure — critical for secure transactions, cross -border trade, financial inc lusion, access to public services, and trusted participation in the digital economy.
A harmonised, interoperable digital identity ecosystem has the potential to strengthen mobility, enhance trust in digital services, support regional integration, and unloc k broader opportunities for businesses and citizens right across the continent.
Ghana believes deeply that Africa's digital transformation agenda and the AfCFTA vision are interconnected.
Digitalisation can reduce trade barriers, expand opportunities for African businesses and startups, strengthen regional value chains, support e -commerce, improve financial inclusion, and enable young people and women to participate meaningfully in the continental economy.
In pursuit of this vision, Ghana continues to inv est in digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, digital skills development, cybersecurity, e -governance platforms, and inclusive connectivity to build a resilient, future-ready digital economy.
Distinguished Guests, we recognise that no single government or institution can address today's digital governance challenges alone.
The future of Africa's digital transformation will depend on deeper regional collaboration, stronger institutions, and genuine multistakeholder partnerships.
It will also require placing young people and women at the centre of Africa's digital future.
Africa is the youngest continent in the world.
Our youth are not merely beneficiaries of digital transformation — they are innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, shaping Africa's digital future in real time.
We are therefore particularly encouraged that AfIGF 2026 will be accompanied by important community-led and capacity -building initiatives, including the African School on Internet Governance, the Africa Youth IGF, the Africa Children's IGF, the Parliamentary Page 6 of 7 Track, Newcomers' Sessions, Technical Workshops, and Innovation Showcases.
These initiatives are designed to strengthen inclusive participation and develop the next generation of African digital leaders.
The Forum will be delivered in a fully hybrid format , enabling broad participation both physically here in Accra and virtually from across Africa and the world.
Simultaneous interpretation in English, French, Arabic, and Swahili will ensure meaningful engagement across our diverse linguistic communities.
And a defining feature of AfIGF 2026 will be the deliberate and active engagement of the business community .
Telecommunications operators, fintech companies, startups, infrastructure providers, investors, and technology innovators all play a critical role in advancing Africa's digital transformation.
We look forward to a Forum that is inclusive, forward-looking, and action-oriented — one capable of translating dialogue into practical cooperation, partnershi ps, and policy outcomes that benefit our people and our continent.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Ghana wishes to acknowledge the invaluable role of the Africa IGF Secretariat, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, and the AfIGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group for their continued coordination and institutional leadership.
We also thank the UN IGF Secretariat, the African Union Commission, development partners, and the wider Internet governance community, whose collective efforts continue to strengthen this important continental platform.
On behalf of the Government of Ghana, I express our sincere appreciation to all partners and stakeholders who are supporting the organisation of AfIGF 2026.
Ghana reaffirms its full commitment to working with all of you to deliver a successful, impactful, and memorable Forum.
Page 7 of 7 Distinguished Guests, as we officially commence preparations today, it is my honour to formally inaugurate the Local Organising Committee for the Africa Internet Governance Forum 2026.
I encourage every member of this Committee, and all our stakeholders, to work together in the true spirit of collaboration, inclusivity, and African solidarity — to deliver a Forum that reflects Africa's shared digital aspirations and leaves a lasting legacy for our continent.
Ghana looks forward to welcoming Africa and the global digital community to Accra in November 2026.
Together, let us build an Africa where digital transformation advances innovation, opportunity, resilience, inclusion, and trust — for all.
!us,lee' ■ •din PRESS RELEASE GHANA TO FIGHT E-COMMERCE & DIGITAL FRAUD IN SUPPORT OF AFCFTA w REPUBLIC OF GHANA The continued operation of these digital platforms, and delivery and courier services, without licensing and proper oversight contravenes the Electronic Transactions Act of 2008, Act 772 and the Postal 8i Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act of 2003, Act 649.
To curb the growing menace of e-commerce fraud and crimes committed by unlicensed, unregistered drivers, courier operators and delivery personnel, these businesses will no longer be permitted to continue using unregistered personnel to deliver goods, as this contributes to fraud and customer abuse.
The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has observed that many logistical companies and digital platform operators are flouting the law by facilitating courier services without complying with the country's licensing regulations.
Section 10 of The Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act, Act 649, makes goods delivery and courier activities in Ghana a regulated service; and Sections 47 to 49 of the Electronic Transactions Act, Act 772, also specifies minimum compliance standards for e-commerce operators.
The Ministry has therefore directed all such companies and the couriers/drivers operating on their networks to register with the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) for an e-certificate and for an AfCFTA Number by December 19th, 2023.
After this date, no new goods delivery and courier service provider can register with any digital platform or delivery service without a valid PSCRC e- certificate.
Existing operators must comply by January 24th, 2024.
Companies falling within the scope of this Directive include Uber, Bolt, Yango, Glovo, Jiji, Tonaton, Maxmartghana.com, and all e-commerce and e-delivery platforms and companies.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONSAND DIGITALISATION This move to stricter law enforcement is further to earlier communications to these companies and other stakeholders in August last year.
With increasing focus on the cross- border e-commerce objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the growing use of digital platforms to facilitate internal trade, it has become even more imperative to streamline this sector to ensure unimpeded growth.
The government of Ghana has therefore launched the AfCFTA Hub to streamline and simplify licensing as part of the enforcement effort to ensure smooth legal compliance and to combat fraud.
Tel : +233 (0) 302 666465 Fax : +233 (0) 302 666465 Email: info@moc.gov.gh Website : P.
Your Ref No.
g-fU The Ministry seeks the full cooperation of all stakeholders in implementing these measures Distribution: -All Digital Services Business Operators (DSBOs) -All E-Commerce companies in Ghana -All Ride-Sharing companies in Ghana -All Postal and Courier companies in Ghana -Parcel delivery operators including transport operators -All Digital Service Providers (DSPs) -The General Public More details of this Directive are available on: additional information on compliance and enforcement can also be found at afcfta.pcsrc.gov.gh or by emailing fnfo@afcfta.app.
MRS URSULA OWUSU-EKUFUL (MP) MINISTER The AfCFTA Hub, supported by ProPer Seals and Tranzyttechnologies, aims to boost digital trade on the African continent while preventing fraud and illegal trade and we must build trust and engender confidence in the security of these platforms internally to achieve this continental objective.
The AfCFTA Hub is endorsed by the AfCFTA Secretariat, African Union 4D, and AfroChampions.
Tel : +233 (0) 302 666465 Fax : +233 (0) 302 666465 Email: info@moc.gov.gh Website :
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION ON THE CURRENT STATE OF DATA PRICES IN THE COUNTRY [Accra] June 10th 2025 For Immediate Release Good afternoon, my fellow Ghanaians, distinguished members of the media, Chief Director and Directors of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, the Management of the National Communications Authority, CEOs of Scancom Ghana Ltd, Ghana Telecommunications Company Ltd and Airtel-Tigo Ghana.
We are gathered here today on a matter of great national importance – the price, value and quality of data services in our beloved Country.
In today's digitally connected world, access to affordable and reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
The Ministry is aware of this and has initiated a consultative process aimed at achieving a lasting approach to correcting the misalignment and distortion in the telecommunications sector over the past eight years.
Let the facts be stated clearly here.
This is not a blame game, but instead, setting the record straight.
There has been some agitation about the cost and quality of services by mobile network operators.
We inherited a sector that was in a state of comatose.
This is not an allegation.
The NDC handed over a sector in 2017 with six thriving telecom operators and four local BWAs offering 4G services to the Ursula Owusu -led Ministry.
I inherited a sector after eight years that had one SMP, one loss -making MNO and another MNO that had been brought to its knees.
Three of the MNOs and the 4 BWAs had folded.
The sector had experienced a sharp decline in growth and investment, and the Regulator had been essentially on autopilot.
It is, therefore, shocking to see proponents of the outgone government being the loudest trumpeters of the challenges they have created.
I am told it is a carefully curated art of dark politics called jandam.
It is an attempt to create a false narrative, not based on facts but built on distortion and aimed at disseminating disinformation.
That scheme has failed.
I have been at post for four months and have set to work vigorously in collaboration with the Regulator, CEOs, and other stakeholders to fashion a clear roadmap for the systemic resolution of the challenge.
I am not interested in cosmetic fixes that merely paper over the deep cracks, creating an illusion of resolution only to push the can further down the road.
I have learnt from the former Communications Minister and now President, H.E.
John Dramani Mahama, to embrace the challenge, diagnose it rightly and work towards a lasting solution.
In my first month as Minister, I established the 23 -member Data Pricing Review Committee with a clear 14 -day mandate to develop a roadmap for implementation.
The Committee, in its report, distinguished the three areas that we believe need to be addressed for a holistic resolution of the matter – value, pricing, and quality.
I referred the report to the Regulator and tasked them with crafting regulatory policies that address the challenges in the sector.
In my second month, the Regulator, after engaging with the Mobile Network Operators, came up with proposals that curated specialised bundle solutions for tertiary students and content creators.
We immediately set out to build a dynamic database for the two demographics.
I had a meeting with all Vice Chancellors in the Country to design a framework that allowed the networks to identify which numbers were used by tertiary students.
However, I took a policy decision to truncate the process and reengage the stakeholders to achieve a broader solution that affected all Ghanaian data users.
In my third month, these engagements led to a focus on the structural challenges that the networks were facing in delivering their services.