Ghana has begun a nationwide consultation process to assess its readiness for Artificial Intelligence as government and technology stakeholders work toward developing a responsible and inclusive national AI strategy.
The initiative is being led by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations in collaboration with UNESCO and with support from the European Union. It forms part of the implementation of UNESCO’s Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment Methodology, a global framework designed to help countries evaluate how prepared they are to develop and use AI responsibly.
The first stakeholder consultation, held on March 5, 2026, brought together representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies to examine Ghana’s current AI governance structures, identify gaps and propose recommendations to strengthen the country’s preparedness.
Director of Innovations at the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Ofori, said government institutions play a central role in shaping how artificial intelligence is developed and used in the country.
“Government institutions sit at the center of AI governance, and it is crucial that we get it right,” Mr Ofori said, stressing the need for transparency, accountability and inclusiveness in adopting the emerging technology.
UNESCO also urged Ghana to ensure ethical considerations remain at the core of its AI ambitions. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO Country Representative Mr Edmond Moukala, Mr Carl Ampah said artificial intelligence must benefit all people and not deepen social or economic inequalities.
“AI must serve humanity regardless of race, gender or socioeconomic status,” Mr Ampah said. He noted that while the technology presents enormous opportunities, it also carries risks if deployed without proper safeguards, including the potential to widen inequalities and erode public trust.
As part of the consultation, Professor Jerry John Kponyo, Director of the Office of Grants and Research at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, presented an overview of Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence Readiness Assessment report.
He highlighted key areas being examined under the UNESCO framework, including policy and regulatory systems, infrastructure, human capacity and data governance. According to him, the assessment provides a clearer picture of Ghana’s strengths and weaknesses in adopting AI.
Prof Kponyo also emphasized the importance of collaboration among government, academia, industry and civil society in shaping a strong AI ecosystem.
The consultations are expected to guide the development of Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which will focus on strengthening skills, encouraging responsible use of the technology and promoting research and innovation.
Government officials say the long term goal is to position Ghana as a leading player in artificial intelligence in Africa while using the technology to drive economic growth and national development.
