REMARKS DELIVERED BY HON. SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE DURING THE NATIONAL AI STRATEGY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION FORUM HELD ON 15TH APRIL 2025
Source: ministry_of_communications_ghana

OPENING REMARKS DELIVERED BY THE HON. SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE AT THE NATIONAL AI STRATEGY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION FORUM ON 15TH APRIL 2025 Distinguished Guests, Industry Leaders, Development Partners, Colleagues from Academia, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning. It is a privilege to stand before you today as we take a critical step in shaping Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, a blueprint for how we position our nation in a fast -evolving global digital landscape. We live in a world where data is the new fuel , powering everything from business to governance. But data on its own isn ’t enough. It is the intelligence we apply to that data that creates real value. That is where Artificial Intelligence comes in. AI offers us enormous potential to transform agriculture, revolutionize healthcare, streamline logistics, build smarter cities, and unlock financial inclusion for households and businesses alike. But with opportunity comes responsibility. We must confront complex questions around ethics, data privacy, governance, and inclusion. If we fail to act with clarity and purpose, we risk leaving our people behind. As a government, we are determined to make sure that does not happen. We are committed to building a bold, inclusive, and forward-looking AI strategy that secures Ghana’s future in the digital economy, and ensures that our people are not only protected, but truly empowered. Ladies and Gentlemen, Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future concept. It is here, and it is already reshaping our world. The real question now is not whether AI will shape Ghana ’s future. The question is whether Ghana will shape AI to serve our national priorities or stand by as others define the terms of engagement. Under the leadership of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, our government has set a clear ambition: to make Ghana the AI Hub of Africa. As part of that vision, we are taking concrete steps including the renaming of the Ministry of Communications to now include Digital Technologies and Innovation , refl ecting our renewed mandate and direction. We are focused on investing in the right infrastructure, building strategic partnerships, and shaping a policy environment that enables innovation and protects our people. This is not just talk. Tomorrow, 16th April, we will launch the One Million Coders Program, a bold national initiative to equip our youth with the digital skills needed to lead in the global digital economy. This program is not just a training scheme. It is a national commitment , a social contract between government and citizens. As technology advances, we are not just adopting it; we are preparing our people to lead it. And this is no isolated effort. The One Million Coders Program is embedded in our National AI Strategy. As we build digital polic y and infrastructure, we are also building the human capital to sustain and scale it. Our AI strategy is anchored on four key priorities: Data as a National Asset AI depends on high -quality, well-governed data. Ghana has rich and diverse datasets — in health, agriculture, finance, and public services. These are national assets that must be protected and strategically leveraged. Let me emphasize: Africa has the most genetically diverse genome on earth. Yet, our populations remain underrepresented in glob al genomic research. Most medicines today are based on Caucasian genetic profiles , reducing effectiveness and increasing risks for African populations. AI can help us close these gaps, by lowering research costs and improving treatment outcomes tailored to African realities. But we must start with how we manage and govern our data. We will work with the Data Protection Commission to develop an Open Data Framework, ensuring every Ghanaian derives tangible benefit from their digital footprint safely, ethicall y, and equitably. Compute Power: The Infrastructure of the Future Just as roads and electricity powered the industrial revolutions of the past, computing power will be the engine of the AI economy. For Ghana to compete and lead in this space, we must build the digital infrastructure that can support high-volume data processing, machine learning, and cloud-based innovation. We are actively leveraging our national data centres and expanding cloud infrastructure to ensure we have the capacity to support A I development. At the same time, we are promoting regional cooperation to share computing resources more efficiently across borders. And we are fostering strong public-private partnerships to bridge infrastructure gaps, ensuring both access and scalability. Without adequate computing capacity, even the most promising ideas cannot move beyond theory. We are working to change that decisively and urgently. Talent Development: Building Ghana’s Digital Workforce Our greatest resource is not buried underground, it is the talent of our people. Human capital is the foundation of innovation, and it will be the defining factor in Ghana ’s role within the global AI ecosystem. The One Million Coders Program stands at the heart of our strategy, but it is only the beginning. We are building a pipeline of talent-training AI engineers, data scientists, machine learning experts, and digital product developers. We are also equipping data protection professionals, cybersecurity specialists, and a new generation of civil servants who understand how to apply AI in governance, policy, and service delivery. The future will belong to those who build. Ghana is not waiting; we are building now. Governance, Policy, and Real-World Use Cases Artificial Intelligence must be safe, transparent, and purpose driven. Governance is more than a legal requirement; it is a tool for ensuring that AI creates real and measurable value in the lives of our people. Our AI strategy is grounded in impact. In agriculture, we are using AI to predict crop healt h, improve yields, and enhance food security. In healthcare, AI is enabling faster diagnoses and better resource allocation. In education, it is helping to personalize learning and support teachers. In transportation, AI is improving safety and planning fo r smarter infrastructure. In defence and border security, it is enhancing real -time surveillance and cross -border coordination. These are not just aspirations , they are tangible, high-impact use cases that reflect our vision for an AI-driven Ghana. Ladies and Gentlemen, Artificial Intelligence will shape the next frontier of global competitiveness, governance, and national security. Ghana has no intention of watching from the sidelines. We are laying the groundwork , through data readiness, digital infrastru cture, talent development, and ethical governance to ensure that Ghana not only benefits from AI, but becomes a leader in its development on the African continent. Our commitment is clear: to position Ghana as the AI Hub of Africa, to prepare our youth for the opportunities of the digital age through the One Million Coders Program, and to ensure that AI becomes a force for prosperity, dignity, and opportunity for every Ghanaian. This is a shared journey, and your voice, your expertise, and your collaboration will help shape the path forward. Thank you. I look forward to our conversations today.