Ghana is accelerating its digital transformation drive with a bold push to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into public sector operations, as government deepens collaboration with global partners to build capacity and improve service delivery.

In a major step toward that goal, the Government of Ghana, in partnership with UNESCO and the European Union, has launched a three-day AI literacy training programme for civil servants. The initiative is designed to equip public sector workers with practical skills to use AI tools effectively, responsibly, and ethically in governance.

The training forms part of the implementation phase of Ghana’s National AI Strategy, a policy framework aimed at positioning the country as a leader in AI adoption on the continent. At the opening session, Director responsible for Innovations at the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Emmanuel Ofori, underscored the importance of capacity building in driving this transformation.

He noted that the strategy is anchored on eight key pillars, with a strong emphasis on developing the skills of public servants to ensure that AI is deployed efficiently across government institutions.

“Capacity building is key. We need to equip civil service staff with the skills to use AI tools effectively and responsibly to improve efficiency and service delivery.” He added. 

Ghana’s commitment to AI is also backed by significant financial investment. Government has earmarked 250 million dollars to establish a world-class AI Computing Centre, expected to serve as the backbone of the country’s digital infrastructure. An additional 20 million dollars has been committed to support the rollout of the National AI Strategy in the short to medium term.

The AI Computing Centre is expected to function as a central hub for data processing, innovation, and advanced research, enabling government agencies to harness AI solutions for national development.

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative places strong emphasis on ethical and responsible use of AI, particularly in data management and decision-making processes within the public sector.

The UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Edmond Mukala, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in improving public service delivery, especially for underserved and remote communities.

“AI will help civil servants deliver faster, more accurate, and more efficient services, especially in critical sectors like health, education, and social services, ensuring that no one is left behind.” He stated. 

He explained that the training is part of a broader readiness initiative to ensure that public institutions are well-prepared to adopt AI technologies in ways that directly benefit citizens.

The programme also aligns with Ghana’s broader ambition to leverage technology to address systemic challenges in governance, enhance productivity, and improve access to essential services across the country.

As the training progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic that the initiative will not only strengthen institutional capacity but also position Ghana at the forefront of AI-driven governance in Africa, setting a benchmark for how technology can be harnessed to deliver inclusive and efficient public service.