The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations convened a stakeholder consultation to validate Ghana’s UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (AI-RAM) with engagement focused on incorporating the perspectives of private-sector representatives and civil society organisations.

Prof. Jerry John Kponyo, Principal Investigator and Scientific Director of the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), detailed how the readiness assessment evaluates Ghana’s institutional, legal, social, scientific, and economic preparedness to implement the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

He said that while Ghana has made significant strides in digital adoption and ICT growth, the nation currently lacks binding AI-specific regulations and comprehensive data governance frameworks. This gap poses a significant challenge to guiding the responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies across both the public and private sectors.

Mr Emmanuel Ofori, Director for Innovation at the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, reiterated the transformative potential of AI across key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, education, and public service delivery, while underscoring the need to proactively manage its associated risks.

Mr. Ofori also highlighted the indispensable role of the private sector in driving AI innovation, skills development, and the practical application of emerging technologies.

A representative from UNESCO, Mr Carl Ampah, emphasised that the goal of the consultation was to move beyond theoretical frameworks. The aim, he noted, is to actively integrate the voices of business and civil society to ensure Ghana’s AI trajectory is grounded in the nation’s unique context, aspirations, and core values, fostering an ecosystem that is truly ethical, inclusive, and sustainable.

This consultation with the private sector and civil society is part of a broader, ongoing series of multi-stakeholder engagements. The inputs gathered from these sessions, alongside those from government institutions and academia, will be synthesised into Ghana’s national AI readiness assessment report.

This final report will provide actionable recommendations for strengthening the country’s AI governance structures and development framework.