Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations has launched a national initiative to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across the public sector. Positioned as a strategic investment rather than a routine training effort, the programme aims to strengthen government leadership and embed AI into public service delivery.
The initiative, developed in partnership with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focuses on moving beyond basic awareness of AI toward its systematic integration into government operations. It reflects a broader recognition that AI is already influencing governance, economic growth, and citizen engagement, and must be actively leveraged to improve public services.
The programme is closely aligned with Ghana’s upcoming National AI Strategy, signaling a coordinated national effort to build digital capabilities. It builds on earlier training efforts that introduced senior government officials to AI concepts, risks, and practical applications, and now expands into more structured and advanced capacity-building activities.
Through targeted training and international collaboration, the initiative will equip public officials with the skills needed to understand AI, identify real-world use cases, strengthen governance frameworks, and manage risks. A key component is the development of local experts and trainers to ensure that knowledge is sustained and scaled across government institutions over time.
The programme also addresses the current shortage of digital and AI skills within the public sector, which has been identified as a major barrier to fully leveraging AI’s potential. By investing in capacity building, Ghana aims to enable more evidence-based policymaking, enhance digital infrastructure, foster innovation, and attract greater private sector confidence.
Overall, the initiative represents a long-term effort to position Ghana as a leader in digital transformation, ensuring that AI is used responsibly and effectively to support inclusive development and improved public service delivery.
