The creation of a National Digital Transformation and Emerging Technology Strategy, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, is a major step taken by Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, to put Ghana at the forefront of technological advancement in Africa.
Speaking at today’s Accra press briefing, he emphasized that the initiative’s goal is to provide guidance for the moral application of emerging technologies and digital tools like artificial intelligence for the advancement of the country.
“The Ministry has prioritized dialogue on Artificial Intelligence to fully assess its opportunities, security implications and resource demands and ensure we put the appropriate governance framework in place for an ethical, inclusive and beneficial development and adoption of AI”, the Ministry stated.
The Ministry has partnered with the British High Commission, UNESCO, and other international organizations to create Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and blueprint, according to Hon. Nartey George, who also stated that strategic international partnerships have already been formed to support Ghana’s AI aspirations.
“A key component of this initiative is the digitization of the nation’s essential data sets, described as a foundational step in our national Artificial Intelligence agenda.”
“This effort aims to ensure that AI systems developed in Ghana learn from local data, reflecting the country’s cultural nuances and development priorities rather than relying solely on foreign datasets.”
“AI models trained solely on foreign datasets risk overlooking Indigenous knowledge and reinforcing learned biases that do not serve our interests”, the Minister explained.
“By anchoring AI development in our data, we are safeguarding digital sovereignty and building truly Ghanaian technologies in design and purpose”, he emphasized
He claims that the AI approach is a component of a larger agenda for digital transformation that also involves legislative changes to bring Ghana’s technology industry up to date.
“To ensure they reflect present realities, anticipate future developments, and provide a transparent, enabling environment for innovation, investment and consumer protection”. he said, the Ministry has started a thorough review of current laws and regulatory frameworks. Outdated laws will be redrafted.
He said that this AI project supports other ongoing digital initiatives, such as the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill, which aims to provide a strong legal framework for technology firms, and the One Million Coders Program, which trains young Ghanaians in digital skills.
The Ministry’s drive for AI development, according to Hon. Samuel Nartey George, is a calculated attempt to protect digital sovereignty in a world economy that is becoming more and more dependent on technology while utilizing emerging technologies for economic gain.
Source: newsthemegh.com