Ghana approves $250 million AI centre to accelerate digital innovation agenda

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Ghana’s Cabinet has approved a $250 million investment to establish a national artificial intelligence (AI) computer centre, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its digital economy and position itself as a leading hub for responsible AI innovation in Africa.

The centre is expected to support AI research, development, and deployment across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and financial services. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to leverage emerging technologies to drive economic transformation and improve public service delivery.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, disclosed the development during a National Stakeholder Engagement on Ghana’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) Report held on 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.

According to the Minister, Cabinet has also approved Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which is scheduled for official launch on April 24, 2026. He described the approvals as a milestone in the country’s digital policy journey and a decisive step toward building a globally competitive AI ecosystem.

He noted that the strategy would drive AI adoption across all sectors of the economy while ensuring that development is guided by principles of responsibility, innovation, and inclusivity. He added that the initiative aims to position Ghana at the forefront of AI development on the African continent.

The Minister explained that the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating national preparedness across areas such as governance, infrastructure, data ecosystems, research capacity, economic readiness, and ethical safeguards. He indicated that findings from the assessment would inform policy direction and implementation planning.

He identified four priority focus areas under the strategy: strengthening data governance systems, investing in AI research and computing infrastructure, expanding AI education and digital skills, and embedding ethical considerations in AI deployment.

Ghana’s strong mobile penetration, which exceeds 110 percent with approximately 38 million mobile subscriptions, was highlighted as a key enabler for AI-driven innovation and digital service expansion.

The Minister further emphasized Ghana’s strategic position within Africa’s digital economy, noting that the presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat in Accra enhances the country’s role in shaping the continent’s digital trade ecosystem.

The establishment of the AI centre is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation, attract investment, and foster collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector, as Ghana advances its ambition to become a leading digital and technology hub in Africa.