OPENING REMARKS BY THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATION, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS, HON. SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE GHANA NATIONAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY AT LABADI BEACH HOTEL ON FRIDAY, 24TH APRIL 2026
Source: ministry_of_communications_ghana

Page 1 of 7 Friday, April 24, 2026 OPENING REMARKS BY THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATION, DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIONS, HON. SAMUEL NARTEY GEORGE AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE GHANA NATIONAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE STRATEGY AT LABADI BEACH HOTEL ON FRIDAY, 24TH APRIL 2026 Page 2 of 7 Your Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, Right Honourable Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Your Lordship the Chief Justice of Ghana, The Honourable Deputy Chief of Staff, Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs, Honourable Ministers of State, Senior Members of Government, Members of Parliament, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Development Partners, Leaders from Industry, Academia, the Judiciary, and the Public Sector, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning, I welcome you all and sincerely appreciate your acceptance of our invitation to this milestone. Aku: Honourable Minister… if I may. SG: Oh! I see we have an unexpected particpant. And you are? Aku: Good morning, Honourable Minister. I am Aku, your digital assistant for today. And perhaps… a small glimpse into Ghana’s future. SG: Interesting! Then you are most welcome, Aku. Though I should say, we intend to lead that future, not be led by it. Aku: As it should be. I am here to support Ghana’s ambition, not to define it. SG: Certainly! W e strongly believe that AI could be a catalyst for education to reach every child in Ghana. Page 3 of 7 Aku: In education, AI can support every learner, whether in Accra, Tamale, or Kumasi. Lessons can be tailored. Questions answered instantly. Learning… without limits. SG: You speak Ga? Nice! But AI must also address inequalities in healthcare access. No? Aku: In healthcare, AI can assist doctors; helping detect illnesses earlier, and extending care to communities where access is limited. Supporting better decisions… and saving lives. SG: Twi? Now you really impress me. Technology must strengthen care; never replace compassion. Just as it must engender trust in our financial systems. Aku: In finance, AI can protect transactions, expand access to credit, and support small businesses; from Makola to Mankessim. SG: Now you are showboating. You speak Dagbani also? I hope you can be of help to our farmers as well? Aku: In agriculture, AI can support farmers; predicting rainfall, improving yields, and reducing uncertainty. From the soil… to the market. SG: Now my wife has given me enough fetri to agree with you that our food security can be ensured with AI. Aku, these possibilities are significant. But Ghana will guide how this technology is used; with responsibility, ethics, and purpose. Aku: And I will operate within those principles. Because AI in Ghana must reflect Ghanaian values. SG: Indeed! Aku: Honourable Minister, I will now step aside so you may continue your address. This moment belongs to leadership. SG: Thanks Aku and hope to explore our endless potentials, together. Page 4 of 7 Aku: Mr. President, it is an honour to observe a nation choosing to lead its digital future with clarity and purpose. SG: Your Excellency, my Gonja is not that deep. I hope Aku did not just lobby you to reshuffle me and replace me with her? Today's launch demonstrates His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama's commitment to driving Ghana's digital journey. Ghana steps forward, deliberately and confidently, into the Intelligence Age. 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. Rt. Hon. 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. 2. 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. Hon. 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.