By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Executive Director of
the Ghana Data Protection Commission, Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo has called for a
broader ecosystem approach to artificial intelligence as Ghana seeks to
translate emerging technologies into economic growth, productive jobs and
shared prosperity.
Kavaarpuo made the call
while serving as Chair of the Ghana AI Summit and Awards 2026, held under the
theme, “Artificial Intelligence for Economic Growth and Job Creation:
Innovation, Inclusion and Future Jobs.”
The summit brought together
policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, researchers and other stakeholders
to examine how Ghana can harness artificial intelligence to create economic
value and strengthen its position in the emerging global AI economy.
In his opening remarks, the
Executive Director argued that technological breakthroughs alone do not
determine the impact of major technological revolutions. He noted that the
wider ecosystem of infrastructure, skills, capital, institutions and enterprise
is critical to turning technological advances into sustainable economic
transformation.
Drawing parallels with the
Industrial Revolution, he said the steam engine represented the invention,
while the broader industrial transformation resulted from the systems and
institutions built around it.
According to Kavaarpuo,
Ghana faces a similar opportunity with artificial intelligence and must
determine the areas where it can develop enduring value and competitive
capabilities.
He stressed the need for the
country to invest in the institutional and infrastructural foundations required
to participate meaningfully in the emerging AI economy, while ensuring that
innovation contributes to inclusion and employment.
The discussions at the
summit focused on the practical application of AI to economic development and
the opportunities and challenges associated with the technology, particularly
in relation to future jobs and inclusive growth.
Kavaarpuo expressed
appreciation to Knowledge Innovations and the organising team for providing a
platform for stakeholders to engage on Ghana’s AI ambitions. He also
acknowledged the contributions of speakers, panellists, participants, partners
and sponsors whose involvement supported the summit.
