• Ghana has finalized and government-approved its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, with an official launch expected in the coming weeks by President John Dramani Mahama.

• The strategy rests on four pillars, including data protection and exploitation, digital infrastructure development, skills training through the “One Million Coders” program, and ethical governance.

• The United Nations warns that AI deployment carries risks, including data bias, ethical concerns and digital divides, particularly in lower-income countries.

Ghanaian authorities have finalized the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which the government recently approved. Authorities expect President John Dramani Mahama to officially launch the roadmap in the coming weeks.

Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, disclosed the information during his address at the National Data Protection Conference 2026 held on Thursday, February 26.

Ghana’s National AI Strategy rests on four key priorities. Authorities aim to harness and protect national data, including African genomic data, as a strategic asset. Authorities also plan to develop robust digital infrastructure and adequate computing power to support innovation and large-scale data processing. In addition, authorities intend to strengthen skills development through initiatives such as the “One Million Coders” program to build a qualified workforce in AI and cybersecurity. Finally, the strategy commits to transparent and ethical governance, supported by concrete use cases that aim to generate tangible value for all citizens.

The roadmap reflects the government’s ambition to position digital technologies as a central driver of national development. Authorities emphasize AI’s transformative potential across multiple sectors. During the launch of the Stakeholder Consultation Forum on the National AI Strategy in May 2025, Samuel Nartey George cited specific applications, including crop health forecasting in agriculture, faster diagnostics in healthcare, personalized learning in education, enhanced transport safety and strengthened surveillance for defense and border security.

The United Nations has endorsed this strategic direction. In its “E-Government Survey 2024,” the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs states that artificial intelligence can optimize public sector operations. The report explains that automation of administrative tasks can increase efficiency and eliminate delays and redundancies. The report also states that AI can detect anomalies, classify data and generate precise recommendations.

However, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs highlights several potential risks. The report identifies data bias as a concern because bias can misrepresent certain groups. The report also underscores ethical, security and social concerns. In addition, the report identifies the digital divide as a major challenge for AI implementation in the public sector, particularly in middle-income, low-income and least developed countries.

Isaac K. Kassouwi