Publication Details
Title:
Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, And Public Servants In Ghana: Governance Challenges And The Imperative For A National Policy
Details:
Abstract
The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics in public administration presents significant opportunities and challenges for developing countries. In Ghana, digital governance reforms have accelerated over the past decade, with the state deploying data-driven systems in taxation, public service delivery, national identification, health administration, and financial inclusion. While these initiatives promise efficiency, transparency, and improved policy outcomes, they also raise critical concerns regarding accountability, data protection, algorithmic bias, institutional capacity, and democratic oversight. This paper examines the implications of AI and big data for public servants in Ghana and argues for the urgent need for a coherent national policy framework to guide their responsible use. Drawing on Ghanaian case studies, including the Ghana Card system, digital taxation reforms, health information systems, and e-government platforms, the paper highlights how public servants increasingly operate at the intersection of human judgment and algorithmic decision-making. It contends that without clear policy direction, the use of AI risks undermining public trust, weakening accountability, and exposing both citizens and officials to legal and ethical risks. The paper concludes by proposing key elements of a national AI and big data governance framework tailored to Ghana's institutional, legal, and socioeconomic context.