Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, has urged African nations to work together to create a smart, sovereign, and sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem that embodies the continent’s values and future ambitions. He spoke to participants at the African Education Trust Fund (AETF) Conference in Accra.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George praised the event organisers for bringing together academics, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the impact of AI on Africa’s future digital advancement.
“We gather at a time when intelligent technologies are reshaping every aspect of our lives, from how we learn and work to how we govern and grow. Ghana is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation,” the Minister stated.
He emphasised Ghana’s leadership in AI adoption, stating that earlier this year, the Ministry held the country’s first AI Boot Camp for Cabinet Ministers. The effort, he continued, aimed to increase executive awareness of AI’s potential and ramifications for national growth.
According to him, the Boot Camp informed a bold direction from His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to integrate the usage of AI by 2026.
“This directive is not just aspirational; it is actionable. It reflects our commitment to embedding AI across the public sector to enhance service delivery, policy formulation, and citizen engagement,” he stated.
The Minister added that Ghana has created a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which offers a precise road map for the ethical, inclusive, and creative application of AI.
Building strong digital infrastructure and data governance systems, assisting AI startups and research, encouraging workforce preparedness and digital literacy, and upholding moral norms that safeguard national interests are the main objectives of the plan.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George disclosed that the Ministry has also created an Emerging Technology Bill, which is presently being reviewed by stakeholders, in order to support these initiatives.
After being approved by Cabinet and presented to Parliament, the Bill will create a legal and regulatory framework for responsible innovation in cutting-edge industries like blockchain, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.
“We see these efforts not only as steps toward digital transformation but as part of a broader Reparations Agenda, a commitment to restoring Africa’s technological sovereignty and empowering our people through innovation,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted that cross-sector cooperation, ethical governance, and local innovation must direct Africa’s digital transformation.
He commended the AETF Conference for providing a forum for governments, academic institutions, business executives, and development partners to collaborate on African-led, globally applicable solutions.
“As Minister, I reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure that AI serves our people, reflects our values, and accelerates our development goals. We welcome collaboration, investment, and innovation, but we also insist on equity, inclusion, and respect for our digital sovereignty,” he noted.
Delegates from all around the continent convened at the AETF Conference to discuss developing human capability for the future of work in an AI-driven society, promoting trust in digital technologies, and pushing Africa’s AI agenda.
Source: newsthemegh.com